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.
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 […]
Kong Filling Mastery
Kongs are fabulous inventions for dogs. With little, large, puppy and extra tough versions, there really is something for every dog to get their teeth into. They’re a great alternative to food bowls and add enrichment to your dogs life as they’re having their meal (for more tips on how to move away from the […]
Puppy Socialisation
As a dog trainer, I see time and time again the negative effects on dogs of improper socialisation. At worst, a lack of socialisation can result in a dog who is fiercely reactive to a number of triggers. However, a lack of socialisation can also present itself as a dog who is nervous about being […]
Inappropriate Play In Dogs
As a dog trainer, I spend a lot of time with my clients unpicking what their dogs are trying to communicate. Generally, we are nowhere near as good at understanding dogs as they are at understanding us. They can read our faces, emotions and even understand some of our language. However, dogs don’t have their […]
Puppy Blues
Raising a happy, well-rounded puppy is hard. It’s really, really hard. Yet just how difficult having a puppy often is is not really something that we hear about. Bringing up a puppy is a huge commitment, which takes massive patience and understanding. Due to the difficulties associated with puppy-parenthood, for many, the puppy blues hits. […]
Dominance in dogs? Never.
The word dominance has been hugely corrupted over the years as the root of its definition actually lies in having influence and authority, which can be achieved without using overbearing methods; owners often think that ‘dominant’ behaviour is being overbearing, forceful and violent but this is simply not the case. Dogs who are branded ‘dominant’ […]
Puppy Biting – When & Why?
As a dog trainer, one of the most common problems owners come to me with is their puppies mouthing. Whether its clothes, hands or ankles, most dog owners will have gone through the dreaded ‘shark’ stage. There’s a of information out there about how to stop puppies biting things they shouldn’t (you’ve heard it all […]
Appropriate Play In Dogs
When dogs play, there are a number of ‘green flag’ behaviours that we want to be seeing. These include: Mirror and matching. This can be seen when dogs copy and reflect each other. For example, one dog play bowing and the other copying the action. This shows that the dogs are listening to each other. […]