Muttley Poppins Dog Walking Services

23/10/2026

What makes a ‘good’ dog?

A question I’ve been thinking about a lot lately during clinical animal behaviour study.

Beyond established, dangerous or idiopathic behaviours, there’s those little quirky behaviours that show individuality. So, is it only obedience that denotes a ‘good dog’? What if they resource guard, for instance? Does that mean they are ‘naughty’ for taking your shoe and hiding it - or that it’s natural instinct, because it smells good to them/ keeps you with them etc?

We are honoured to have the trust of these wonderful animals, when domesticated. They trust and rely on us to survive; it’s just so good to try to understand their psychology a bit more. As a species that when treated fairly, stands by man, we are fortunate to have that opportunity.

So the answer? Through clinical learning I am realising that behaviourally it depends on so many factors, not least our human opinions: so I am sharing mine, to contribute to perspective, if it helps anyone, or any dog ❤️

A working dog will likely enjoy the challenge and focus of obedience training. A sniffer dog will likely enjoy the sniff and search element of their role and is bred for that. A family pet might like a walk, a routine and their favourite spot to sit in. It depends on the person, the relationship and the requirements as to what is seen as a ‘good’ dog.

Studies and behaviour theory show it’s also important to distinguish between the psychology of canine behaviour and the practical nature of canine obedience training - two distinct fields that work together, but are not to be confused (Strickler, 2018) Undoubtably all dogs need routine, care and to feel secure, but different dogs will have different needs. Really your expectations define what you class as ‘good’.

No animal is inherently ‘bad’ - we’re all just surviving: there’s usually a reason for behaviour seen by humans as ‘bad’ e.g. history, breed, health, genetics, learned behaviours, human expectations.

For myself (and many every day people) - where the dog’s mind is concerned - a happy dog, with a basic understanding of boundaries and commands, who gives joy and receives love, is a ‘good dog’… & a bit of character doesn’t go amiss! 😉🐾🐶

Ref: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.12.008

03/10/2026

The freedom of a walk.. whether they have to stay on lead or can be off, whatever the dog’s need, it’s just so good for them to get out! 💕 🐾 muttleypoppins.co.uk

03/10/2026

24/09/2026

Autumn brings a few familiar hazards 🍂

From acorns and conkers to fallen fruit and wild mushrooms, many experienced dog owners will already know what to avoid, but it’s always worth a seasonal reminder.

Save this guide for your autumn walks and feel free to share it with a fellow dog owner, dog walker, or someone welcoming their first dog.

What else do you keep an eye out for at this time of year? 💬

If you’re ever concerned about something your dog has eaten or about your dog's health, please contact your vet.

22/09/2026

Welcome back to our regular pack! 👋 🐾 🍁 Putting our best foot (+paw) forward into Autumn Term at Muttley Poppins

22/09/2026

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In position to oversee the day's work

22/09/2026

Today is PDWA National Dog Walker Appreciation Day so here's a Shout Out for all the wonderful professional dog walkers out there! 👏👏👏💙🐾

“You are just a dog walker!” – we get told this all the time!!!

In actual fact, we are so much more!
We are trusted guardians who bond, exercise and enrich a dog’s life in all weather!

Not just walks! We provide enrichment and quality time.

We give owners peace of mind their dog’s welfare is paramount and adapt our days to ensure this.

We risk assess constantly but if an accident does happen, we are first aid trained to look after dogs in our care.

We keep up to date with PSPO’s, Dog Law and our own vocational training.

We build relationship with our dogs and know their “normal” so we can recognise changes and report them swiftly.

We learn as much as we can about canine communication, seasonal hazards, breed traits and find suitable outlets for each one where we can.

Many of us go on to become groomers, pet nutritionists, trainers, behaviourists, pet photographers etc.

We love the dogs in our care. We laugh at their antics; we worry when they are poorly, and we cry when we lose them.

We are so much more than “just a walker”.

So……..

Dog Walkers: tell us who you are and where you are based! (members and non-members welcome)

Owners: if you have dog walker help, flag them here and tell us what you appreciate the most about them!

Comment ⬇️

18/07/2026

Morning strolls, cool play, splashes & shade 🌳 💦 🐕

14/07/2026

Well, summer term has been a bit different with the worst heatwave some 9 years into service🔥 🐾… cancellations, alterations & extra precautions, changing to visits, early walks, shady garden play🪴& swims 💦 (Not small business savvy, but paw savvy: which is paramount & all that matters ✅)
So thank you to my wonderful clients & mostly, their dogs who are so close to my heart ❤️ 🐕 Hope my term-time regulars and teaching staff have a lovely break!
Muttley Poppins operates throughout this school break period, with advance bookings fitting around work & family. Look forward to seeing my summer pack👍☀️🗓️
Beautiful flowers from one of my long term clients this morning 💐Thanks Sarah X
Blessed to provide a service to such a great bunch of pets & pet owners 🐶 🙏 muttleypoppins.co.uk

06/07/2026

This doesn’t just apply to posties: visitors too… ✉️ Seeing as my husband was a postie for almost 20 years & experienced a dog bite during service, these tips seem appropriate to share! Nothing is instant in behaviour modification, particularly with a dog who is learning, or a dog that has become conditioned to behave a certain way: perseverance & positivity prevail! 💓 Most dogs will show, in some way, a form of alert when someone approaches their home territory or returns home, whether it’s excitement or vocalisation - because in their eyes they are instinctively protecting their den and companions, like a pack. As humans are different, so are dogs - in their breeds and in their individuality - but these tips are helpful in shaping the reaction their human would like them to have ✅ 🐶🧍‍♀️

Does your dog go into full alert mode when the doorbell rings or the post arrives?

Vet Nurse, Shauna, says that while this behaviour is normal, it can become stressful for both dogs and owners if it's left unchecked, and in some cases may even lead to biting.

The good news? With patience, consistency and positive training, you can help your dog feel calmer and more confident when someone comes to the door.

Check out our top tips ⬇️

[Visual Description: A colorful graphic titled "6 Ways You Can Protect Your Postie" provides tips for managing your dog's behavior when visitors arrive. The tips include: 1) teaching your dog to go to a bed or mat when the doorbell rings, 2) practicing calm behavior during unannounced visitor times, 3) rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise, 4) providing a safe retreat space, 5) asking visitors to ignore jumping, and 6) being patient with training. A note suggests seeking professional help if the dog is distressed. Icons accompany each tip.]