Jess’ Dog Blog
A blog for all things dog! From training advice, to product recommendations this is where you’ll find all my best tips and insights.
Dogs & fireworks
Remember, remember the 5th of November… means lots of dogs are going to be very scared by fireworks. Many dogs struggle to cope with loud, unexpected noises and fireworks are up there with one of the loudest sounds that domesticated dogs will have to cope with. Firework season is well and truly upon us and […]
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a very distressing behaviour to have to cope with – both for the dog and their owner and it is not a niche problem. It is estimated that as many as 55% of dogs in the Uk struggle with separation anxiety, but in reality, that figure may well be a lot higher. […]
Introducing unfamiliar dogs
Not all of us are comfortable meeting new people. We may feel shy, self-conscious or out of place in a room full of new people but happy and confident when surrounded by close friends & family. Or, we may love social interactions and thrive off of meeting new people. The key is: every person is […]
Adopting littermates
I am fortunate enough to spend a lot of time working with puppies and their owners and often, I am asked by prospective puppy parents about adopting two puppies from the same litter. Many cite the fact that the puppies will be able to keep each other company or that training two at the same time […]
If your dog is attacked
As a dog owner, my dog being attacked is my worst fear. Dog attacks are all too common and sadly, we can’t always prevent them from happening. So what should you do in those crucial moments and days after your dog has been attacked? Being attacked by another dog is about the most stressful thing […]
Refusal on walks?
Often when I start working with a new dog, their owners tell me that their dog is not interested in treats on walks, won’t play with other dogs around or has gone off their favourite food. As a trainer, this is immediately important as this tells us a lot about what is going on for […]
Adolescence
Have you been in the position where your perfect puppy with a solid recall, good manners and wonderful listening skills seemingly woke up one day and turned deaf and chose violence? Well, you’re not alone! Welcome to adolescence. Adolescence is the dog equivalent to the teenage years and they are just as challenging for owners […]
Dogs’ noses
Dogs’ noses are mind boggling. Everyone knows that dogs have a powerful sense of smell but just how powerful they are and how they use them is not something that many people are aware of. Dogs can be trained to use their nose to detect everything from bombs, cancers, truffles, property damp, endangered species and people […]
3-3-3 Rule of Adopting a Dog
As a dog trainer, I am often asked how long is will take a rescue dog or a puppy to adjust to their new home and how owners can help settle their new family member in. Also known as the ‘honeymoon period’, the 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline that represents the common milestones your […]
Dos and Don’ts of Crate Training
When used properly, crates are wonderful inventions for dogs and can really help with their training. I often work with owners who have recently brought home a puppy (or older dog!) to crate train their new family member as there are numerous benefits to doing so. Crate training helps with toilet training, separation anxiety and […]