One of the most unsettling moments for any dog owner is when recall suddenly stops working. A dog who once turned and ran back happily now seems to ignore you completely, even glancing over before choosing something else instead (often something far more interesting). It can feel abrupt, personal and worrying, especially when recall once felt reliable. This shift most commonly happens during adolescence. It leaves many owners questioning their training, their relationship wit

Motivation is one of the most talked about ideas in puppy training. We want puppies who are keen to learn, interested in us and willing to engage. When motivation dips, training feels harder. When it flows, everything feels easier (and more enjoyable for everyone involved). Behind motivation sits a powerful chemical messenger called dopamine. It is often misunderstood, sometimes oversimplified and frequently misused in training advice. Dopamine is not about forcing excitement

When the festive season rolls in, many of us look forward to cosy nights, family gatherings and the sparkle of fireworks. Dogs, however, often feel very differently. Loud noises can unsettle them, sudden flashes can spook them and busy households can leave them feeling unsure about where to settle. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to help. With a bit of preparation and some thoughtful adjustments, you can make the season easier for your dog and help them stay s

Christmas often brings excitement, noise, visitors and changes around the home. While many people look forward to this time of year, dogs can find it quite confusing. Your home looks different, smells different and sounds different, and your daily routine might shift without warning. For a dog, that can turn what should be a peaceful season into something stressful. The good news is that a little preparation can make a huge difference. With thoughtful planning and small adjus

When a dog is recovering from an injury or medical procedure, crate rest often becomes a key part of their healing plan. Vets recommend it because controlled rest protects the body while it repairs. The crate limits sudden movement, stops overexcitement, and gives your dog a predictable place to settle. Even though crate rest is useful, it can feel quite strange for dogs who are used to moving about or exploring the home. That is where calm crate games come in. They offer qui

When a puppy’s teeth meet your skin, it is easy to think they are being naughty. In reality, biting is part of a complex developmental process that shapes how they interact with the world. Bite inhibition, or learning how to control the pressure of their bite, is not taught through commands but through the body’s sensory and neurological feedback systems. Understanding the physiology behind this process helps you support your puppy’s learning calmly and effectively. What Is B

If you have ever wondered why some dogs seem naturally relaxed while others react to every sound or movement, the answer may lie deep inside their body rather than in their temperament. One of the most powerful influences on a dog’s emotional state is a structure many owners have never heard of, the vagus nerve. Understanding how it works and how to support it can transform your approach to behaviour and wellbeing. What Is the Vagus Nerve The vagus nerve is the main communica

Dogs rarely speak with their voices, but they are constantly speaking with their bodies. The tail is one of the clearest parts of that silent conversation. During training, learning to read tail movement helps you understand how your dog feels, whether they are ready for the next step or whether you should pause and help them settle. Many owners notice wagging but do not always realise how much detail sits inside that single movement. The tail can rise, drop, curve, stiffen o

When your dog starts slowing down on walks, hesitates to jump into the car or suddenly resists training exercises they once enjoyed, it can be easy to assume they are losing motivation or testing boundaries. In reality, these changes often signal something physical, not behavioural. One of the most common culprits, especially in medium to large breeds, is hip dysplasia. This condition can affect how your dog moves, learns and behaves, sometimes long before obvious pain become

Your puppy’s chewing may seem relentless. Shoes, table legs, cushions, and sometimes even your hands all become targets. It can feel like mischief or defiance, but chewing is one of the most natural, essential parts of a puppy’s development. Behind those needle-sharp teeth is a complex physical process that causes real discomfort. Understanding what is happening inside your puppy’s mouth helps you manage this stage calmly and protect both your belongings and their wellbeing.

Your puppy seemed confident with the world, greeting people happily and exploring new things without hesitation. Then suddenly, they start backing away from strangers, barking at objects they once ignored or flinching at sounds that never used to bother them. It can be confusing, even worrying, when your once-brave puppy begins to act fearful for no obvious reason. What you are seeing is often part of normal development called the adolescent fear phase. This period is tempora

Have you ever noticed your dog misjudge a jump, bump into furniture or hesitate when walking on new surfaces? It might not be clumsiness or fear. It could be linked to something few owners think about: proprioception. This term describes your dog’s sense of body awareness, their ability to understand where their body is in space and how it moves. Proprioception shapes everything from coordination to confidence. When it is underdeveloped or disrupted, it can affect behaviour,

Teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most valuable skills you can master together. It keeps them safe, strengthens your communication and allows freedom with confidence. Yet for many owners, recall training feels inconsistent. Some days your dog responds instantly, other days they act as though they cannot hear you. It is easy to assume distraction or disobedience, but your dog’s ear structure might have more to do with it than you think. The Remarkable Design

Training sessions are meant to be enjoyable, rewarding and a time for you and your dog to work together. When your dog suddenly snaps, growls or refuses to participate, it can be confusing and worrying. Before assuming stubbornness or behavioural issues, it is worth considering something more physical. Dental pain is one of the most overlooked causes of sudden aggression or reluctance to train. In this post, we will explore why oral discomfort has such a strong effect on beha

When your dog acts out or seems unusually anxious, your first thought might be to check their training, routine, or environment. But what if their gut is playing a part too? In recent years, science has revealed a powerful connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. This connection does not just apply to humans. It plays a big role in how dogs think, feel, and behave. Understanding the link between gut health and behaviour can help you make more inf

When your dog barks, it can sound like excitement, frustration, or even a full conversation you are not invited to. While barking is one of the most common canine behaviours, it is also one of the least understood. Some dogs bark at the postman, others bark at nothing you can see, and a few bark just to say hello. But every bark has meaning, and understanding the anatomy behind it can help you respond more effectively and strengthen your communication with your dog. This post

If you’ve ever called your dog and been completely ignored because they’re busy sniffing a patch of grass, you’re not alone. Many owners find that their dog’s nose is both their superpower and their greatest training challenge. While it can be frustrating when a simple walk turns into a slow investigation of every tree, understanding what’s happening inside that amazing nose can transform the way you train and connect with your dog. This post explores why your dog’s nose is s

When the night sky lights up with bursts of colour, we often think of celebration, excitement, and joy. But for many dogs it can be something very different: confusion, fear and stress. With Guy Fawkes Night, bonfires and fireworks approaching, now is a great time to get prepared. In this post we’ll explore what is actually happening for your dog when fireworks go off, and how you can set the scene for a calmer evening. Why Fireworks Affect Dogs So Much Dogs have far more acu

When you picture obedience training, you might think of hand signals, eye contact and visual cues. But what if your dog does not see...

Most of us have seen it: the way a dog parks themselves by the door at walk time or nuzzles you right when dinner should show up. It is easy to believe dogs have their own secret clock. But is that really true? Can dogs tell time, or are they just experts at picking up on patterns? Dogs might not read clocks, but they are brilliant at reading routines. They notice what usually happens and when, like meals, walks, or when it is time for dog training classes. These moments help