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.
Dog Play & Social Skills Explained
Appropriate Puppy Interactions With Other Dogs When puppies interact with other dogs, play is often assumed to be automatically positive. Watching puppies wrestle and chase can look cute and harmless, but not all play is good play. In fact, many behaviour issues later in life stem from inappropriate or poorly managed puppy interactions. Understanding what […]
Puppy Socialisation
Why Proper Socialisation Matters for Your Dog As a dog trainer, I see time and time again the negative effects of improper socialisation. At worst, a lack of socialisation can result in a dog who is reactive or fearful of many things in their environment. But it can also present in more subtle ways, such […]
Toilet Training Mistakes You Might Be Making…
Toilet training your puppy should be a straightforward process but if you’re finding it frustrating or inconsistent, you’re definitely not alone. The good news is, toilet training can be quick and effective when it’s done right. The bad news? Many owners are unintentionally making common mistakes that confuse their puppies and make the process much […]
Polite vs Rude Dog Greetings: How to Help Your Dog Interact Properly
As dog guardians, one of the most important skills we can teach our dogs is how to interact politely with others. While dog-to-dog greetings might seem simple, they are nuanced behaviours that can shape how our dogs navigate their world and build relationships with other dogs. A polite dog greeting is not only about avoiding […]
Puppy Play 101
Puppies are incredibly playful, and watching them interact with other puppies or older dogs can be a delightful experience. However, their play is not just about fun and games—it’s a critical part of their socialisation and learning. How they play shapes their behaviour and emotional regulation as they grow. Two key components to look for […]
Cats and Dogs Living Together: Tips for a Peaceful Home
Introducing a dog and a cat can be a delicate process, but with patience, understanding, and a little bit of strategy, these two can learn to coexist peacefully—or even become best friends. Whether you’re bringing a new dog into a cat’s home or vice versa, the key is to respect their individual personalities and give […]
How hot is too hot for dogs?
High temperatures kill dogs. Heatstroke causes a dog’s major organs to fail and send the body into shut down and even if we cool the dog off again, it is often too late. It is always better safe than sorry so this blog is about how to keep your dog safe in warmer weather. How […]
Fuss-Free Grooming? Cooperative care.
Grooming is an essential aspect of dog care, but it can be a stressful experience for both dogs and their owners. Traditional grooming methods often involve restraining dogs, which can lead to anxiety, fear, and even aggression. However, a growing number of pet owners and groomers are turning to cooperative care techniques, which prioritise the […]
Dogs’ basic needs
All dogs have the right to a feeling of safety. This comes in the form of having their basic needs met freely and without restriction – food, water, shelter and health. We want to be showing our dogs that they will have all their needs met continually. This may seem very basic, but there is […]
New puppy or rescue: what to expect
Welcoming home a new puppy or rescue dog can be overwhelming. There are highs and lows as you and your new family member get to know each other and many new owners find the first weeks to be a difficult adjustment. With this in mind, I wanted to lay out what can be expected when […]