The Perfect Puppy Company

12/10/2026

"𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘥𝘰𝘨’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨"

If I could put this up in lights I would!!

Louise is a wonderful, thoughtful, behaviour-led groomer. Her expertise and experience allow her to groom dogs who struggle with grooming because they are uncomfortable, fearful or in pain.

But just because Louise has the skills to work with these dogs doesn't mean the underlying problem is solved. A true resolution might also need the input and support of other pet professionals - vets, physios, trainers or behaviourists.

Behaviour is complex so if your groomer, trainer or vet asks you to consult with another professional they aren't passing the buck. They just understand that, sometimes, it takes a village...

🐾 A little update, and some thoughts from me as I’m preparing to officially reopen…

I’ve really appreciated having some time away to recover from my hand surgery, and if I’m honest, I’ve also enjoyed having a proper break from the demands of running a business.

Having that time away has given me the chance to reflect on what I enjoy most about grooming, and how I want to work moving forward.

One thing I’ve always struggled with is keeping up with social media for the business. Partly because so much of what I want to talk about comes back to the same subject — the relationship between a dog’s physical health, pain and behaviour.

I sometimes feel like a broken record talking about it, but it’s something I see on almost a daily basis.

Very often, what we see as a grooming problem isn’t actually a problem with grooming itself.

A dog who struggles with handling, becomes distressed, growls, snaps or bites may be communicating fear, pain or physical discomfort that needs to be explored beyond the grooming environment.

I can adapt how I groom. I can change my handling, reduce expectations, give dogs more choice and do everything I can to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

But my job isn’t simply to find a way to get your dog groomed, despite their behaviour.

It’s to consider WHY they’re behaving that way and what might need to happen to improve their experience of grooming.

And sometimes the answers aren’t found in the grooming salon. They require veterinary investigations, appropriate pain management, behaviour support or work at home.

Managing a dog’s behaviour during grooming isn’t the same as addressing the reason it’s happening.

I genuinely enjoy helping dogs who struggle with grooming, but I can’t be the only person working towards improving their experience.

And while I understand why a dog might bite, caring about that dog doesn’t mean I should continually put myself at risk trying to groom them.

My understanding of canine behaviour doesn’t remove those risks completely, and it doesn’t create an obligation for me to keep managing them when underlying concerns aren’t being investigated.

This isn’t a change in what I believe or how I approach grooming. It’s about being clearer with the boundaries I need to work safely and sustainably.

I’m incredibly grateful for the owners who already understand this, communicate openly and put so much effort into supporting their dogs. You make a real difference, and you’re a big part of why I enjoy what I do.

I’ll be sharing an update about reopening, availability and a few changes to my working arrangements over the next couple of days.

For now, I just wanted to share a little of what’s been on my mind while I’ve been away💛

16/08/2026

My run this morning was hideous so it was great to stop for a moment to appreciate some lovely training….

22/07/2026

I bumped into an old client at the park the other day and they told me their beloved dog had died recently. He was only 6 years old. Throughout his short life he had been plagued by various health issues, one of which resulted in his premature death.

He wasn't simply unfortunate. The issues he suffered are all too prevalent in his breed - his genetic inheritance had a profound impact on his quality of life and its length. And he's not alone.

Some breeding practices, together with a human desire to place aesthetics above health, wellbeing and even basic functionality, condemns millions of dogs to lives which are harder, and often shorter, than they need to be.

Compromised breathing in flat faced breeds.
Spinal problems in Dachshunds.
Neurological & heart conditions in Cavaliers.
Cancers in Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain Dogs. I could go on & on...

If we truly love dogs then shouldn't we....

• prioritise their wellbeing over their aesthetics?
• ask ourselves whether preserving particular breeds and bloodlines should ever come at the expense of dogs' health?
• start breeding for the dogs they need to be...rather than the dogs we want them to look like?

Perhaps it's time we valued function over form?

NB stock image used to protect privacy for my client at a difficult time for them

02/07/2026

𝘼𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚...

After a great deal of thought, I've decided that later this summer I'll be stepping back from regular face-to-face work and will no longer be taking on new clients.

This isn't a decision I've made lightly. Helping owners understand their dogs better and build happier lives together has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it's been a privilege to work with so many wonderful families and dogs along the way.

But it feels like the right time to open a new chapter and to focus on other projects and interests.

While I'll no longer be taking on new clients The Perfect Puppy Company isn't disappearing. I'll continue to advocate for ethical, thoughtful training and will be focusing on other projects, including writing and creating educational content.

To everyone who has trusted me with their dogs over the years – thank you. Your support has meant more than you'll ever know.

For now, I'd simply like to say how grateful I am for the opportunity I've had to do a job I genuinely cared about for so many years. It's been a privilege and a joy.

With love, & thanks,
Aileen & Charlie ❤️🐾

25/06/2026

Are you investing your energy where it matters?

One pattern I've noticed over the years is that many owners put a huge amount of effort into controlling the little things...while being a little too relaxed about the big ones.

What do I mean?

The little things -

• asking for a sit before every greeting or before every treat
• a constant stream of instructions on walks - "This way!", "Heel!", "Leave it!", "With me!", "Ah ah!"
• moving dogs on from every interesting sniff
• interrupting perfectly normal interactions

And then the bigger things -

• giving dogs more freedom than they're ready for
• not putting clear boundaries in place
• hoping they'll simply "grow out of" behaviours that really need some guidance

Controlling the little things can make us feel safe & in control. It gives us the reassuring feeling that we're 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 something.

But in reality, much of that energy is better spent elsewhere.

Let your dog sniff. Let them pause for a second. Ask yourself if they 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 need to sit for that treat when they're already standing calmly. Don't rush them. Let them simply 'be' whenever it's appropriate to do so.

Save your energy for the things that really matter.

You don't need to control everything. Cut yourself - and your dog - some slack. Save your energy for the things that really matter, and don't sweat the small stuff.

23/06/2026

If your dog is struggling in the heat please consider a short summer haircut. Double coated or not, they’ll likely be more comfortable. And isn’t that the most important thing?

✂️🐶 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/

22/06/2026

This is only tangentially related to dog training, so feel free to scroll by if that’s not for you…

The world around us - both locally and further afield - has felt pretty turbulent recently. The media would have us believe we’re living in a world of hate and division. That the people with anger, violence and intolerance in their hearts are winning.

But here’s what was on my feed over the weekend –

• The Tartan Army bringing their usual joy and friendliness to the US
• Thousands of people visiting my own wonderful village for a 100% community-organised weekend of music, poetry, art and fun*, all held in beautiful gardens created and maintained by volunteers
• Grassroots initiatives including litter picking, guerilla gardening and little libraries

The dog world is, inevitably, a microcosm of the wider world. It too has its disagreements, factions and strongly held opinions. And if social media is your only lens into the dog world, it would be easy to believe that kindness is losing ground.

But social media is not real life.

Algorithms are designed to keep us angry and outraged because anger and outrage drive engagement far more effectively than empathy and connection.

It takes a conscious effort not to be discouraged by what we see online...both about the world in general and the dog world in particular.

But goodness, kindness and empathy are out there. In abundance, I think.

You might just have to dig a little deeper to find them.

"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺,
𝘈𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵,
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘰'𝘦𝘳 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘯' 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.

𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘯' 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵,
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵,
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘰'𝘦𝘳
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢' 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵"

𝘼 𝙈𝙖𝙣'𝙨 𝘼 𝙈𝙖𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝘼' 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩, 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨

10/06/2026

It’s easy to assume that all reactive dogs need space from other dogs – and some of them definitely do.

But for many their reactivity is rooted in conflicting emotions. They’re simultaneously curious and apprehensive about dogs around them. Drawn towards other dogs, but worried about them too.

And when those competing feelings become overwhelming things can get a bit... shouty.

For dogs like that is continued distance from other dogs always helpful? Probably not.

They can’t build social skills if they are always kept at a distance. They can’t grow in confidence if they are never given the chance to learn. And in some cases, prolonged isolation can increase frustration and make everything worse.

Mabel’s early socialisation was limited and, as a result, her social skills aren’t quite what we’d like them to be! She reacts intensely, quickly and noisily to dogs….but after observing her over a couple of sessions and listening to her human my guess was that if we gave her the chance to spend some time in the company of another dog she’d begin to settle.

And she did.

Did she bark & lunge at Charlie initially? Yes. But very quickly she became calmer and was soon happily walking alongside him. His presence also seemed to help her respond more calmly to unfamiliar dogs entering her vicinity (although there’s still work to do here!).

What did we do?

• kept them at a distance initially to assess Mabel’s response
• didn't panic about the initial barking and gave her time to process what was happening
• walked in parallel for a bit
• rewarded calmer behaviour
• gradually reduced distance and gave her more freedom on the lead as she relaxed

For some reactive dogs building a relationship with a calm ‘helper’ dog can be a huge first step in building confidence and developing better social skills. Because sometimes what a dog needs isn't more distance.

Sometimes they just need the chance to learn that being around another dog is safe.

06/06/2026

In a world of “alpha bros”…be a Monty ♥️

27/05/2026

Pet insurance. It's a bit of a hot potato!

Rising veterinary costs, ever increasing premiums and terms & conditions so complex you'd need to be a Philadelphia lawyer to interpret them have all led to a lot of debate about whether pet insurance is worth it.

There's no single right answer to that question but here's my take based on recent experience.

This gorgeous boy has racked up thousands in vet bills over the last few months. And his issues were nothing especially dramatic - a (thankfully) benign lump removal, blood and tissue testing and some dental work.

I don't even like to think about what the bill might be for something more serious or ongoing.

Luckily for me, I had insurance.

Charlie’s always been a healthy wee guy so, over the years, I’ve occasionally been tempted to ditch the monthly premium and self-insure instead. But now I’m very glad I didn’t, because the savings I’d have made would have fallen far short of the treatment costs he’s needed recently.

Providing our dogs with appropriate medical care is part of the responsibility that comes with owning them. And veterinary treatment is expensive - very expensive.
Whether that means having significant savings set aside, or paying an insurance premium each month, we need some sort of plan for how we would cover the cost of treatment if the worst (or even the mundane) happens.

Insurance is ultimately a gamble. You might pay for years and never need it. But, personally, I’d hate to be in the position of needing it and not having it.