top of page
Search


How Hip Dysplasia Impacts Training and Behaviour
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

Paws Academy
5 hours ago5 min read


Why Puppies Chew Everything: Teething Explained Through Anatomy
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.

Paws Academy
2 days ago5 min read


Understanding the Adolescent Fear Phase in Dogs and How to Prevent Lifelong Anxiety
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

Paws Academy
4 days ago5 min read


Understanding Canine Proprioception: Why Body Awareness Training Matters
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,

Paws Academy
Nov 185 min read


How a Dog’s Ear Structure Affects Recall Training
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

Paws Academy
Nov 165 min read


Why Dental Pain Can Cause Aggression or Training Refusal in Dogs
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

Paws Academy
Nov 136 min read


5 Canine First Aid Essentials Every Dog Owner Should Have in Their Kit
When we think about dog care, we often imagine giving treats, practising cues or heading out for a long walk. But having a first aid kit ready at home or on the go is just as important for keeping dogs safe and comfortable. Dogs find ways to scratch, cut or hurt themselves in the most normal moments, even when everything seems calm. Being prepared lets us handle small injuries or surprises with much less stress. A lot of us rely on online dog training to teach new skills and

Paws Academy
Nov 115 min read


The Anatomy of a Bark: What’s Really Happening When Dogs Vocalise
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

Paws Academy
Nov 96 min read


Why Your Dog’s Nose Is Their Greatest Distraction (and How to Work With It)
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

Paws Academy
Nov 78 min read


Studies Show Dogs Can Learn up to 165 Words (Some Even 1000+)
Most of us have watched our dogs act like they understand every word we say. You might ask your dog for their toy, and suddenly they fetch exactly the right one. Many times, it feels like they have picked up more than just tone or hand signals. There is real science behind those bright, knowing looks. Studies have shown that dogs do not just learn basic cues like “sit” or “stay”, many will learn up to 165 words during their lives. Some have stunned researchers by piling up ov

Paws Academy
Nov 35 min read


Keeping Dogs Safe This Thanksgiving: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, celebrate and share good food. For many families, that also means including their dogs in the festivities. But the holiday bustle brings extra hazards that can easily go unnoticed. Recognising the risks in advance and planning accordingly will keep your dog safe, calm and part of the celebration. Holiday Hazards for Dogs When the door opens repeatedly, when the kitchen fills with cooking smells and when discarded food and packaging pile up, y

Paws Academy
Nov 34 min read


Fireworks and Your Dog: How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Night
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

Paws Academy
Oct 294 min read


Why Your Adolescent Dog Suddenly Stops Listening: Understanding Hormonal Changes
When your sweet, obedient puppy starts acting like a rebellious teenager, it can be frustrating. One week they come running when you...

Paws Academy
Oct 246 min read


How Your Puppy’s Growth Plates Affect Safe Exercise and Training
Watching your puppy grow and learn is one of the best parts of dog ownership. Their energy, curiosity, and eagerness to please make every...

Paws Academy
Oct 226 min read


3 High-Value Rewards That Supercharge Recall Training
Getting our dogs to come back when called makes walks, park visits and busy days safer and far less stressful. Recall cues training is not just about picking the right cue word; it is about making the reward tempting enough to beat all the distractions around. Most dogs learn what recall means pretty quickly, but whether they choose to return depends a lot on what happens after they show up. If coming back does not feel special, most dogs weigh their options and might stick w

Paws Academy
Oct 205 min read


Understanding the Link Between Muscle Tension and Reactivity in Dogs
It’s easy to spot when a dog is relaxed: loose posture, soft eyes, and calm movements. But when muscle tension appears, everything...

Paws Academy
Oct 197 min read


Why Understanding Your Dog’s Skeleton Helps Prevent Behavioural Problems
Every dog owner wants a happy, confident companion who enjoys life without anxiety or frustration. But many behavioural issues that seem...

Paws Academy
Oct 177 min read


Why Dogs Love Music: Science, Stories and What Owners Can Try at Home
A video clip has recently spread across social media showing a 13-year-old dog who cannot get enough of his owner’s jazz piano. Each time the music begins, the dog visibly relaxes and leans in with a dreamy expression. It is the kind of moment that makes people stop scrolling and smile, and it quickly went viral. The charm of the video lies partly in its simplicity. There is nothing staged about it. It is simply a dog enjoying the sound of music, showing that connection with

Paws Academy
Oct 165 min read


The Science of a Dog’s Brain: What Canine Neuroanatomy Reveals About Training
Training a dog often feels like a blend of art and patience. Yet, underneath every sit, stay and recall lies a fascinating layer of...

Paws Academy
Oct 157 min read


5 Puppy-Proof Games That Don't Encourage Biting
Puppies have bags of energy, and playtime is one of the best ways to connect and teach. Certain games, though, can encourage habits we would rather avoid, like nipping and biting. That does not mean you need to keep toys away or stop the fun. It just means making good choices about the kinds of play you allow. With puppy dog training, what you do during games really adds up. Simple shifts make a big difference, helping pups build good habits right from the start. Below are fi

Paws Academy
Oct 134 min read
bottom of page

