The Dog Guardian

16/10/2026

Your dog might spend many hours asleep, but are they actually getting enough proper rest?

Rest is one of a dog's basic physiological needs, but some dogs hardly ever properly switch off.

Look at where your dog decides to lie down every day. What does that position give them? Can they see the front door? Watch through a window? Monitor the hallway? Keep an eye on everyone moving from one room to another?

Not every dog lying at the top of the stairs is secretly working security, but it is worth asking why your dog repeatedly chooses certain positions and what they can see from there.

Try moving their bed to a quieter position for a few days, somewhere they don't have such a clear view of doors, windows or people moving around. Then see whether they settle more deeply or become less reactive to movement and noise.

——

dog behaviour, dog training, dog trainer, dog advice, dog relaxation

15/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JAXABHLFz/

14/10/2026

10/10/2026

Before you keep testing your dog in the situations they struggle with, ask yourself a more important question:

How good are the foundations?

Can your dog follow your guidance when things are calm? Do they understand what you are asking of them? Can they walk with you, settle, wait, move away when asked and look to you for direction?

If those foundations are weak, repeatedly putting them into the hardest situations is unlikely to fix the problem.

We sometimes become so focused on the reaction that we forget about everything underneath it.

Build the skills first. Build the understanding. Build the relationship.

Then test those foundations gradually in more difficult situations.

The stronger the foundations, the less you have to rely on managing the reaction at the top.

——

dog advice, dog training, dog behaviour, dog reactivity

09/10/2026

Meet Thor: a rescue who experienced severe reactivity towards other dogs.

While his owner, Tim, was away for a month, I was asked to come work with him.

We started by establishing control during walks: building control on the lead, changing pace, stopping, turning and speeding up.

As his confidence improved, I began adding more protector-led work and interactions at a distance. If we were too close and he became anxious, I did not force it. I simply increased the distance and rebuilt from somewhere he could manage.

By the end of the first month, the improvement was significant. Thor still was not ready to pass dogs at close range, but the frantic lunging and barking had reduced and Tim could walk him with far more control. We then continued working three times a week rather than pretending the job was finished.

Over time he learnt that someone else was managing the situation. He can now go out with Tim without the reactivity that once controlled their walks.

——

dog training, dog trainer, dog reactivity, dog behaviour, dog walking advice, dog training tips

08/10/2026

If every dog's needs were properly met, how many behavioural problems would still exist?

First, there are the basics: food, water, somewhere comfortable to sleep, the right temperature, and physical comfort.

Next, look at safety: not only being physically safe and healthy, but actually feeling safe.

Dogs also need belonging: affection, play, companionship, and being a part of the family.

Finally, there’s confidence. Confidence in you, in their environment, and knowing how to behave.

Try this: look at each area on the pyramid and give your dog a score out of 10. Where are they weakest? That’s where you should start putting more attention.

If we aim to fulfil all of our dog's needs at the same time, we’ll be on the right path to preventing a huge number of challenges.

——

dog behaviour, dog training advice, dog advice

01/10/2026

When a dog starts feeling overwhelmed, we sometimes keep pushing forward, expecting them to get it. Next time, try doing the opposite.

Make the situation easier by going back a stage. Create more distance from whatever is worrying them, reduce the pressure, and remove any unnecessary distractions.

From there, focus on making your own communication clearer. Guide them more, show them what you want them to do and help them understand what is expected of them.

When the environment gets easier and your guidance gets clearer, your dog has a far better chance of succeeding.

——

dog advice, dog training advice, dog training tips, dog behaviour

27/09/2026

Just brought home a new furry member of the family? Training your puppy to toilet outside can seem like a daunting task, but these three tips are sure to help:

1. Establish a routine by taking your puppy out frequently - they'll need to go every hour or two and after meals, playtime, and waking up until their bladder gets bigger. As your puppy grows up, they'll need less breaks.

2. If you notice your puppy showing signs of needing the toilet, guide them outside for their bathroom break. Once they go outside, give verbal praise and a high-value treat as a reward to positively reinforce the behaviour.

3. When your dog starts to do their business outside, utilise a command like "go potty". Over time, they'll associate this command with the action and you'll be able to train them to go to the toilet on command.

Find more puppy toilet training tips at the link in bio 🐾

26/09/2026

Meet Luna: a 4-year-old cocker spaniel who saw her garden as a place to endure instead of enjoy.

Luna's behaviour could easily have been mistaken for the same sort of issues seen in dogs that patrol and guard, but her challenges were with fear and a lack of confidence.

To help, we worked with Luna's owner, Sophie, to build a bespoke three-step plan and gradually ease her into the noises found in the garden environment.

There was no attempt to pull her forward or rush the process. If Luna hesitated, Sophie waited. Each small step into the garden was treated as progress. Sophie understood her roles as a nurturer and protector, and stepped up.

A dog trying to control a garden and a dog frightened of a garden may both bark or retreat, but the causes of this behaviour need different approaches from us— and Luna's case is the perfect example of why the same problems can call for very different solutions.

——

dog training, dog behaviour, dog trainer london, dog advice, cocker spaniel advice, cocker spaniel, understanding dog behaviour

24/09/2026

If your dog is reactive, nervous, or struggling, the end goal can feel a long way off.

You don't have to focus on fixing everything at once. Look at the next small thing your dog can cope with.

One calmer walk. One visitor handled better. One dog passed at a greater distance without a reaction.

A journey of 10,000 miles starts with a single step, and you don't need to complete the whole journey today. You just need to keep moving in the right direction. 🐕

Discover the best steps for you and your dog through one-to-one training, courses, or our books.

——
dog advice, dog training advice, dog trainer london, dog behaviour, dog training tips