Why was Jet biting when the man picked up the lead? Jet is a nine-year-old black Working Cocker Spaniel – much like my own Pickle. There are two things which led to our meeting: Jet’s fear of the lead. He has bitten several times when the man tries to put Read more
Why is Chase overwhelmed by dogs and traffic, and how can his reactions be changed? Having lived in a compound with lots of other dogs, 11-month-old Chase is understandably overwhelmed with excitement when he see other dogs. He has never learnt restraint and goes crazy if he can’t get to Read more
Why is Annie wary of everyday things like a collar, lead and traffic — and how can starting at the very first comfortable step build real confidence? The 5 month old Romanian rescue puppy, Annie, is beginning her new life with the young couple. She has been with them for Read more
Why does a young dog bark at sounds, cats, boredom and even after the owners go to bed? 6-month old Cocker Spaniel Molly is a barker. Helping Molly’s humans with an online consultation. Even though a Show Cocker, like many Working Cockers Molly is easily excited and also very alert. Read more
When a dog is frightened of traffic, people and new places, how do you know whether exposure is helping or making things worse? Is it desensitising or is it over-exposure? Ellie, her siblings and other Tibetan Terriers were picked up from a breeder in a dreadful state of neglect, with matted Read more
They asked one of the older children if they were sorry to see her go. The child said, ‘Not really’.
Why did the Cairn Terrier and Labrador–Cocker mix start fighting when each dog was perfectly friendly on their own? An elderly family member is no longer able to look after her dog and he now has a new home. Cairn Terrier Ben has gone to live with the couple and Read more
It has been proved beyond all doubt that using punishment to ‘teach the dog’ where any aggression is concerned can only make things worse
Why were the two female dogs suddenly erupting into fights after periods of excitement? The over-arousal and stress in one dog is causing the other dog to react. This is a little different from the last case I went to involving fighting females where I believe the human’s punishing reaction Read more
Is your dog trying to control people because she feels frightened and unsafe? Little Lottie is a sweetie. She is a very small Border Collie mix, eighteen months of age. She lives with a couple and their two teenage sons. She is a stressy little dog, highly reactive to things Read more