Dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs, people and a wide range of other environmental triggers around them are often viewed as being aggressive.   In most cases  however,  dog reactivity  is simply due to fear and is using this behaviour to make the scary thing go away. Dog reactivity due to fear will often see a dog barking or lunging, this is known to...

Many dogs and cats can get motion sickness like us humans, but there are also many dogs with anxiety when it comes to travelling. To help, here are my top tips for helping dogs with anxiety when they travel in the car. Before we get into it though, remember that it is illegal to drive with a pet is on your lap or if it...

It’s been estimated that around 40% of dogs and cats are now suffering from stress or anxiety and, as a trainer, I see a lot of issues such as fear aggression, barking, digging and destructive chewing happening as a direct result of stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Just like humans, stress and anxiety in dogs and other pets can impact on their immune...

Having your pet go missing is a very traumatic experience, and it can be hard to know what to do if you have lost your dog or cat. I know first hand how this feels as my previous dog Max snuck out of the fence that was left ajar to follow me when I went out for a run one evening and, despite arriving back...

In episode 4 of our pet-friendly travel special, we catch up with a Pooches at Play regular, Axle the English Staffy, to get some training tips for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier of the British variety. About the English Staffy Both the English and American 'Staffies' are breeds that fall under the 'Mastiff' breed category.  The English Staffy is a courageous, highly intelligent and affectionate breed...

In episode 3 of our pet-friendly travel special, I was lucky enough to get up close and personal with the Middle Island Penguin Project Maremma Sheepdog ambassador dogs, Amor and Avis. Whilst they are promoting an important conservation message, another message I hope people will take away from my visit and interview with the Project Co-ordinator Dr Patricia Corbett, is that whilst the Maremma Sheepdogs...

A common complaint from dog owners, and the one problem we are most guilty of creating ourselves, is our dog jumping up on us and other people. This usually starts from when they are a puppy as they naturally try to get closer to people’s hands and faces a they recognise these as a source of human affection. We also tend to reinforce a puppy...

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for everyone.  Hopefully you are reading this before you have picked up your new bundle of fluff so that you are well prepared for their arrival and know how to puppy proof your home. To help, make sure you have a read of  the article on Preparing for a Puppy article  as well to ensure you have...

Boarding your dog or cat at a kennel whilst you go away can seem daunting.  But a little preparation for a boarding kennel stay can help keep reduce any unnecessary stress on you and your dog or cat. 1. Visit the kennel first with your dog If your dog hasn’t boarded before it’s important to visit the kennel first and ideally book them in for...

Many owners get frustrated by their dog’s over-excited or aggressive reaction to seeing another dog and are unsure of what to do about dog to dog reactivity or aggression. Dog to dog aggression is often a fear based response, where they see the other dog as a perceived threat, and may be based on past negative experiences, a lack of socialisation during their critical period...