Happier Dogs - Training & Behaviour

17/07/2026

28/06/2026

Very often the case 😂

23/06/2026

The great to clip or not to clip debate…

✂️🐶 To clip or not to clip? The summer debate is back...

Every year, dog owners are told:
☀️ "Don't clip a double coat – it keeps them cool."
⚠️ "Shaving will ruin the coat forever."

But are these claims supported by evidence, or are they simply myths that refuse to disappear?

🔎In his latest article, Dr David Marlin examines the science behind coat clipping, explains why many dogs may actually benefit from a shorter coat in hot weather, and shares real experiences from owners, groomers and vets whose dogs became cooler, happier and more active after clipping.

🐕 Does a thick coat really keep a dog cool?
🌡️ Why do some dogs continue panting at rest?
✂️ Can clipping really damage the coat?

The answers might surprise you.
🔗 Read the full article and join the conversation.
https://askanimalweb.com/to-clip-or-not-to-clip-that-is-the-question/

13/06/2026

It’s our job to understand dog language however subtle it is. This dog went from being polite and not engaging to a bite on the face. Look for the whispers and you’ll prevent this from happening.

15/04/2026

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Please follow the lovely Laura’s advice and feed your dogs separately

IT’S FINE TO FEED YOUR DOGS SEPARATELY

I work with loads of lovely multi-dog households and it’s really common for mealtimes to be a bit tense 😅

It’s often not the main issue they come to me about but it quietly adds a lot of stress and can really impact how dogs feel around each other.

I see it all the time:
🐕 Dogs fed in different corners of the same room
🍖 Bowls a few feet apart while the owner stands in the middle like a referee
🐶 One dog finishing first and then hovering over the other
🐩 Bowl inspections after eating that cause stress

A really simple change?
Feed them in separate rooms.

THE BIT PEOPLE OFTEN MISS

If you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to think your dogs are “fine” eating together.

But subtle stress can look like:
– Eating really quickly when another dog comes near
– Slowing down or stopping eating
– Standing still and hovering over food
– Taking food away to eat elsewhere

And then the clearer signs:
– Stiffness, stillness, lip curls, growling
– Making themselves small, tucked tail, worried body language

Those are all dogs saying: “I’m not comfortable.”

SEPARATING THEM ISN’T A FAILURE

If you’re having to stand between them, they’re not relaxed.

Feeding separately isn’t admitting they “don’t get on”, it’s actually really normal in multi-dog homes.

In fact, it often improves their relationship because you’re removing pressure.

BUT AREN’T DOGS SOCIAL EATERS?

Yes, but that doesn’t mean eating right next to another dog.

“Social” can be:
– You in the room with them
– Another dog behind a stairgate

I actually love stairgates for this, they allow that sense of company without the pressure or risk.

WHY THIS REALLY MATTERS

Even if there aren’t full-on fights, small moments of pressure add up.

A dog hovering, rushing over, licking another dog’s bowl- these things can slowly build resentment over time.

A lot of issues between dogs don’t come from one big event, they come from lots of small, repeated stresses.

Feeding separately:
✅ Reduces stress
✅ Helps dogs feel safe
✅ Protects their relationship

It’s not a failure, it’s good management.

Laura McAuliffe, 2026 Dog Communication

22/03/2026

Perfectly written by the amazing Laura

PUPPY SOCIALISATION- IT’S NOT ABOUT EXPOSURE

Five years ago, I was fostering Twig and at 9 weeks old, I focused heavily on how I socialised her.

This didn’t mean busy parks, crowds of people, or meeting dozens of dogs. Instead, it was the complete opposite.

Twig met a very carefully selected handful of dogs that I knew would be kind, calm and gentle with her. Socialisation was always about quality over quantity.

From early on, she learned how to interact with other dogs, not through endless exposure, but through the right experiences:
• Dogs of different ages, breeds and sizes
• Dogs who were tolerant and emotionally stable
• Dogs who helped her feel safe and confident

I remember her meeting Henry (or HCloud as we called him 😂). He was my Sylvi’s best friend and he was perfect, a calm hello and then mostly ignoring her. No pressure, just a safe, positive experience. She was fascinated by his fluffy tail and he was incredibly gentle with her.

I was very aware that one of the worst things that could happen at that age was a bad interaction.

There was never any need for her to meet dogs who would “put her in her place.”
I always say now- if someone tells you that, walk away.very fast!

Over the years, I’ve worked with lots of dogs who were frightened or attacked during those early experiences and many are traumatised and carry that anxiety long term.

So back then, I was careful:
• I was selective about who she met
• I checked with owners first and If there was any hesitation it was a no
• I made sure their dogs were genuinely good with puppies

There was no rush. She didn’t need to meet 100 dogs by 12 weeks old.

What she needed was:
✔ Safe experiences
✔ Positive associations
✔ Kind “auntie and uncle” dogs to learn from

And that approach paid off.

Twig is now an adult who really likes other dogs and she has good social skills

What should socialisation involve?
Early socialisation isn’t about “getting them used to everything” it’s about shaping how they feel about the world.

Puppies don’t need lots of exposure. They need good emotional experiences.

One positive interaction builds confidence.
One negative interaction can create lasting fear.

When we prioritise safety, predictability and calm role models, we’re not just socialising puppies. we’re building resilient, emotionally secure adult dogs 💛