This morning I was out walking two girls currently staying with me for training — a Springer Spaniel and a young Labrador who live together. The Labrador is in season (if you’re unsure what that involves, I’ve written about it here: https://www.thedogcalmer.com/post/blog-when-your-bitch-comes-into-season ). The Spaniel was off lead a little way ahead. I saw her stop — that still, alert pause — something had caught her eye around the bend. I called her immediately and clipped

Sophie had some understanding of walking to heel but we can always look for improvements as we see here! Sophie is a German Shepherd, born in 2021. She didn’t arrive into chaos or uncertainty. She arrived into a home shaped by experience — a family who had lived with German Shepherds before, who understood the breed, and who welcomed her at eight weeks old from a breeder they trusted. This was Sophie’s first home, and her early foundations were steady. That matters. Because w

I spoke to a new client today about her 18-month-old Sprocker, and her opening sentence was one I hear often: “He’s really good… except on walks.” In training, this dog shines. He settles into class, focuses well, works off lead for retrieves and ignores other dogs appropriately. At home he’s calm, relaxed in the car, engaged with his people. And yet , outside the home, the picture changes.He lunges, barks and strains at other dogs — even across the street. This is where owne

And how calm, thoughtful guidance can change everything Dogs are wonderful companions, but sometimes their behaviour can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even upsetting. When things go wrong, many owners quietly blame themselves — or their dog — without realising that most behaviour is simply communication. Understanding common dog behaviour issues is the first step towards building a calmer, more trusting relationship. When we learn why  a dog behaves in a certain way, the p

Reflections from over forty years alongside dogs and the people who love them My life’s work has been the quiet, patient study of pet dog behaviour — and, just as importantly, the education of the humans at the other end of the lead. When I look back over more than four decades in this profession, the changes in dog ownership in the UK are profound. Some have been positive. We understand far more about dogs now than we once did. We speak more openly about welfare, enrichment,

Every week I walk alongside people who are quietly struggling. Not because their dog is “bad”, stubborn, dominant, or untrained — but because simply stepping outside has become emotionally exhausting. They plan their walks.They scan the horizon.They tighten the lead, steady their breathing, and hope — please let today be calm . And then it happens. A dog appears. Off lead.Running fast. Straight towards them. No sign of their human or at best, shouted assurances float across t

Why guilt has no place in dog training — and what truly changes everything. If I could sit down with every overwhelmed, frustrated, heart-heavy dog owner, I would begin with this: You’re not a bad owner.
You just haven’t been shown how to listen yet. I have worked with thousands of people over the years, and do you know what I see far more than “bad handling” or “poor training”?
I see love.
I see effort.
I see people trying their very best with what they know at the time. But

Sometimes I’m reminded, painfully, how vulnerable we are when we step out with our dogs. We do our best — we train, we manage, we stay alert — but we can’t control the world around us. And when someone else’s carelessness puts your dog at risk, it shakes you in a way that sits deep in your chest for days afterwards. This is something that happened to a close friend of mine recently. I can’t share names or locations, out of respect, but the experience itself is important — bec

There was a time, early on in my journey, when I believed dog training happened only in the moments I decided it was happening. If I had my dog on a walk… If I had treats in my pocket… If I had a plan in my head… Then that was training. Everything else — the quiet moments at home, the tiny interactions as we moved through daily life — I simply didn’t consider them part of the picture. I truly thought progress lived only inside those “training sessions”. Looking back now, I ca

Why your dog isn’t giving you a hard time… they’re having a hard time. Most people only see the moment of reaction. The barking at a visitor. The trembling on a walk. The sudden lunge at a passing dog. The freeze when someone reaches out a hand. To the outside world it looks dramatic, rude, even “naughty”.But inside that little dog’s chest, something very different is happening. I met a dog once — let’s call her Luna  — who told this story better than I ever could. Luna wasn’

Understanding what’s happening, how to manage it, and how to keep everyone calm and comfortable   If you share your life with an unspayed female dog, you’ll eventually notice the signs of her coming into season. This is a completely natural cycle — her body preparing for the possibility of motherhood — but it can bring a few challenges for both of you. With a little understanding, care, and good hygiene, it’s easy to make this time comfortable and stress-free. This blog is fo

It’s one of the most frequent and emotionally charged questions I’m asked: “Should I have my dog neutered — and when is the right time?” Whether you share your life with a bouncy young male or a gentle young bitch, the decision to neuter (castrate or spay) is a big one. It’s not just a medical procedure; it’s a choice that can influence your dog’s body, emotions, and behaviour for years to come. My aim here is to help you understand both sides  of the story — so you can make

Every journey has a turning point. For me, that moment came when I began to write down what I had spent a lifetime learning from dogs and horses. What started as a few handwritten notes has now evolved into thedogcalmer’s  fully accredited six-part training pathway — a reflection of decades of dedication, learning, and quiet determination to help people truly understand their dogs. My Papillion Moose! This week saw a red-letter day for me — and for thedogcalmer. It marks the

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Moose and pals at the beach! I had a frightening experience this week that I feel needs sharing — not for sympathy, but because it...