Heather Thomas Clinical Animal Behaviourist

07/06/2026

🎆 Fireworks season may feel a long way off, but preparation starts now.

Research shows that gradual desensitisation and positive associations can help reduce noise sensitivities in dogs.

The earlier you start, the better prepared your dog will be.

📖 Learn more about behaviour modification:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7743949/

Dog training methods range broadly from those using mostly positive punishment and negative reinforcement (aversive-based) to those using primarily positive reinforcement (reward-based). Although aversive-based training has been strongly criticized ...

07/06/2026

🐱 Cat owners – behaviour help isn’t just for dogs!

From inappropriate toileting and spraying to anxiety and household conflict, cat behaviour concerns can be stressful for everyone involved.

I offer professional cat behaviour consultations to help identify the causes and create practical solutions.

www.heather-thomas.co.uk

06/06/2026

🐕 Reactivity isn’t always aggression.

Many reactive dogs are responding from fear, anxiety, frustration or over-arousal rather than a desire to cause harm.

Understanding the emotion behind the behaviour helps us create more effective treatment plans.

📖 Read more:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7743949/

Dog training methods range broadly from those using mostly positive punishment and negative reinforcement (aversive-based) to those using primarily positive reinforcement (reward-based). Although aversive-based training has been strongly criticized ...

06/06/2026

💻 Did you know I offer online behaviour consultations?

Online sessions can be incredibly effective for many behaviour cases and allow owners from across the UK and beyond to access professional behaviour support.

Support, guidance and tailored plans from the comfort of your own home.

www.heather-thomas.co.uk

05/06/2026

😴 Sleep matters.

Lack of rest can contribute to increased arousal, frustration and behavioural challenges. Just like people, dogs need quality sleep to process information and regulate emotions.

A well-rested dog is often a calmer dog.

📖 Learn more about canine welfare:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7743949/

Dog training methods range broadly from those using mostly positive punishment and negative reinforcement (aversive-based) to those using primarily positive reinforcement (reward-based). Although aversive-based training has been strongly criticized ...

05/06/2026

Have you been told your dog is “stubborn”?

In many cases, unwanted behaviour is driven by emotion, stress, fear, frustration or confusion rather than disobedience.

Understanding why behaviour happens is the first step towards lasting change.

If you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour, get in touch to discuss how I can help.

www.heather-thomas.co.uk

04/06/2026

🐾 Did you know sniffing can help reduce stress?

Allowing dogs to engage in natural sniffing behaviours can support emotional wellbeing and provide valuable mental enrichment.

Sometimes the best enrichment isn’t a toy—it’s simply letting your dog explore the world through their nose.

📖 Read more:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159117302095

The methods by which dogs are trained vary between methods involving mainly negative reinforcement and positive punishment (aversive-based methods) an…

04/06/2026

🐶 New Puppy? Let’s get things started on the right paw!

The first few months of your puppy’s life are incredibly important. From toilet training and socialisation to confidence building and preventing unwanted behaviours, early guidance can make all the difference.

I offer personalised puppy training packages designed around your family and your puppy’s individual needs.

Visit www.heather-thomas.co.uk to learn more.

03/06/2026

🐶 Adolescence in dogs is real!

Research has shown that adolescent dogs can become less responsive to cues, appear forgetful and test boundaries—much like human teenagers.

If your previously perfect puppy suddenly seems to have forgotten everything you’ve taught them, you’re not alone.

Consistency, patience and guidance are key.

📖 Read more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32396785/

The relationship between parent and child changes around adolescence, with children believed to have: (i) an earlier puberty if they have less secure attachments to their carer; (ii) a phase of increased conflict behaviour toward their carer; and (iii) heightened conflict behaviour when carer attach...

03/06/2026

🐾 Does your dog dread going to the vet?

Many dogs find veterinary visits stressful. They may shake, hide, refuse to enter the building, bark, pull away, or even growl when they feel frightened or overwhelmed.

The good news is that this isn’t your dog being “difficult” – they’re communicating that they’re worried.

With the right approach, we can help dogs feel more comfortable and confident around veterinary handling. Through gradual desensitisation, positive associations, confidence-building exercises and cooperative care training, many dogs learn that vet visits don’t have to be scary.

As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, I work with dogs who struggle with veterinary visits, grooming appointments, handling, nail clipping and other husbandry procedures. Together we can create a personalised plan to reduce stress and improve your dog’s emotional wellbeing.

Imagine your dog walking into the veterinary practice feeling calmer, more confident and better able to cope.

If your dog worries about vet visits, I’d be happy to help.

📧 Get in touch to find out more
🌐 www.heather-thomas.co.uk