DOGSKOOL

22/10/2026

My Collie would definitely be an example!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1dAgK4d8xs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

"So many human autistic traits can be found mirrored in Border collies," says leading canine behaviourist Carol Price.

20/10/2026

🐶 Chewing everything? Digging up the garden? Nipping your ankles? Stealing anything that isn’t nailed down?

Before you label your puppy as naughty, ask yourself one question. Are they simply looking for something to do?

Puppies are naturally curious, inquisitive little creatures who love to explore the world with their mouths. When they’re awake and full of energy, they need opportunities to use their brains as well as their bodies. If we don’t provide suitable activities, they’ll often invent their own entertainment, and that might involve chewing your furniture, digging holes in the lawn or running off with your favourite slippers!

One of the easiest ways to keep a puppy occupied is through food enrichment. Dogs are natural scavengers, and searching, sniffing, investigating and working to find food are all instinctive behaviours. Giving them opportunities to do these things can be incredibly satisfying, providing mental stimulation and helping to prevent boredom-related behaviour problems.

And you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy enrichment toys! In this video, my puppy is having a wonderful time with something as simple as the cardboard middle of a kitchen roll with a few treats inside. It’s cheap, easy and gives him a little problem to solve. Just make sure you supervise activities like this and remove the cardboard if your puppy starts eating it.

You can also scatter food in the grass, hide treats around a room, use snuffle mats or stuff food toys to give your puppy something constructive to do.

Of course, not every puppy problem is caused by boredom. Puppies also need plenty of sleep, appropriate chewing outlets and help learning how to cope with frustration. An overtired puppy can be just as difficult as an under-stimulated one!

My advice? Don’t wait for your puppy to find something they shouldn’t be doing. Give them something enjoyable they CAN do instead! 🐾

If you’re struggling with typical puppy problems, take a look at my 121 Puppy Packages or my OMG Help Me With My Puppy! eBook at www.dogskool.co.uk.

18/10/2026

🐾 If you can teach a little fluffy handbag dog to come back when called, you can teach ANY dog! 😂

Here’s my little Pomeranian, Otis, showing off his recall skills! 🐶❤️

People often assume that some breeds are easier to teach recall than others, but the secret to a reliable recall isn’t the breed. It’s motivation, consistency and making coming back to you REALLY worthwhile!

And one of the best ways to do that? HIGH VALUE TREATS! 🥩

Forget the boring everyday biscuits. You need something your dog absolutely LOVES and doesn’t get all the time. For my Pomeranian, it’s MEATBALLS! 😂 He’d probably cross a field full of squirrels for a meatball!

The trick is to make coming back to you more rewarding than whatever else your dog is doing. Start practising somewhere quiet, reward generously and gradually build up the distractions as your dog becomes more reliable. And remember, don’t just call your dog back when it’s time to go home. Sometimes reward them and let them go off exploring again!

Wouldn’t it be lovely to enjoy your walks knowing your dog will actually come back when you call?

If your dog’s recall is currently more of a polite suggestion than a reliable response, I can help!

🐾 Perfect Your Recall Masterclass for practical techniques to improve your dog’s recall.

🐾 Perfect Your Recall Online Course for a more comprehensive, step-by-step approach that you can work through at your own pace.

The great thing about learning online is that you can practise with your own dog, in your own environment, without the distractions of a group class. You can revisit the lessons whenever you need a refresher and fit the training around your daily walks.

👉 Find out more about my recall training options at www.dogskool.co.uk

And tell me in the comments, what’s the ONE treat your dog would do absolutely anything for? 🐶

17/10/2026

🐾 Looking for something FUN to do with your dog during the winter months? 🐾

Why not give FLYBALL a go? 🎾🐕

With the colder, wetter weather on its way, it’s a great way to keep your dog active, burn off some energy and have fun together, all in the comfort of our indoor training venue! No standing around in the freezing cold or getting soaked in the rain! ☔

Flyball is a fast, exciting activity where dogs learn to race over jumps, retrieve a ball and race back to their owners. It’s brilliant for building confidence, improving focus and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. And you don’t need any experience to get started!

📅 Sundays, 11am to 12pm
🐶 Friendly, fun sessions
🏠 Indoors, so perfect for the winter months!

⭐ We have just ONE space available! ⭐

If you’ve got an energetic dog who loves to run, play and have a job to do, this could be just the thing to brighten up your Sunday mornings!

📩 DM me if you’d like to come along and have a go! 🐾

13/10/2026

Puppy or Rescue Dog? Which one is really easier?

People often assume that getting a puppy is the easier option because you can train them from scratch, whereas adopting a rescue dog means taking on someone else's problems.

Well, after more than 25 years working with dogs, I can tell you it's nowhere near that straightforward!

🐾 The Puppy

The good bits? You can introduce positive experiences early, teach good habits and watch their personality develop. There's something rather lovely about watching a puppy discover the world.

The not-so-good bits? Sleepless nights, toilet training, razor sharp teeth, chewed belongings and the joys of adolescence when your previously attentive puppy suddently develop selective hearing! And despite what people might think, getting a puppy doesn't guarantee that you won't encounter behavioural problems later.

🐾 The Rescue Dog

The good bits? You might be welcoming a dog that's already toilet trained, understands household routines, and has moved beyond the puppy chaos. Many rescue dogs are wonderful companions who simply need another chance at a happy home.

The challenges? You may know very little about their previous experiences, and some need extra time and support to feel secure. Other might appear quiet initially, then reveal a much more energetic personality as their confidence grows!

💡 My advice?

If you've got a puppy, concentrate on confidence, independence, appropriate socialisation and rewarding calm behaviour. Don't get so caught up in teaching Sit and Stay that you forget about the skills that really matter in everyday life.

If you've adopted a rescue dog, give them time to settle, keep routines predictable and don't rush introductions to people, dogs or new environments. Let them show you what they're comfortable with.

And whichever you choose, remember that **behaviour isn't simply determined by whether a dog came from a breeder or a rescue centre** Genetics, health, temperament, experiences and environment all play their part.

I've met rescue dogs who've been easier to live with than puppies and puppies who have tested their owner's patience beyond anything they imagined!

♥ Now over to you......

Are you 🐶 Team Puppy or ♥ Team Rescue? Or have you experienced both? What was the biggest surprise about your dog?

Tell me in the comments, I'd love to hear about your experiences!

And if you need some help, my ebooks "OMG Help Me With My Puppy!" and "OMG Help Me With My Rescue Dog!" are just £10 each, packed with practical advice to help you understand and support your dog.

👉 www.dogskool.co.uk

11/10/2026

09/10/2026

I didn’t take my 15-year-old Sheltie on today’s walk.

After watching him yesterday, I could see he was a little more tired than usual, so today he stayed at home with a Lickimat while my Collie and Pomeranian came out with me.

It got me thinking about how much we can learn about our dogs simply by watching them.

In this video, I’m talking about why I think observation is one of the most important skills we can develop as dog owners.

Have a watch and let me know what you notice about your own dog. 🐾