Helen Atton - Focussed Instruction for Dogs and Owners

18/10/2026

We've had some fun at recent FIDO socialisation events. Pups like Newt, who is nearly a year old and soon too grown up to come again, can be a bit overwhelming for the younger pups, but Newt has learned good manners through his monthly play sessions and was very mindful of the concerns of the little ones and didn't push them. Teifi was so anxious when he first came along a few months ago, that he wouldn't engage with the others at all, but now he wants to be part of the play and chooses to approach the others at his own pace.

On the adult walks little Kili still can't contain his excitement near other dogs! Threy largely ignored him until he started to settle into the rhythm of the walk. It's a work in progress but he's definitely getting there, with support!

With Brigitte, Delphi, Kili, Mabel, Newt, Otto and Teifi.

13/10/2026

https://www.fidobehaviour.com/blog/what-teaching-recall-is-really-about

I am often asked to help in training dogs to come reliably when they are called. It’s one of the most important skills for most dog owners, reaching the stage when they can safely allow their dog freedom to run knowing that they can always call them back. Without a rock solid recall, relaxed count...

24/08/2026

21/07/2026

Create a great relationship with your dog! There are still places available on the latest FIDO Training and Socialisation Course which starts next Thursday, the 30th July
8 weekly sessions of an hour a week run from 7 until 8 pm in the FIDO training centre in Mitchel Troy. We cover basic obedience cues, socialisation and how to do it right, and discuss how to deal with and avoid behaviour problems and other topics.
Here’s what some past clients had to say about the course.
“I have found the training course incredibly useful. Helen keeps the class fun as well as informative”. K
“Excellent, clear focussed tuition which has helped me to grow in confidence as a first time dog owner. I couldn’t recommend highly enough!” G
“Fantastic introduction to training for my puppy. Great ideas and lots of fun”. P
“A very useful first start for puppy training using positive methods, perfect for dog socialisation and introducing puppies to others. Helen is full of handy tips and tricks”. C
Contact Helen at [email protected] or on 0797 4444 082 for all the details.

25/06/2026

https://www.fidobehaviour.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-dog-stress-free-and-happy

Many of us who share our lives with dogs love our animals deeply - we strive to give them everything they need to feel safe, secure, happy, and fulfilled. We depend on dogs in so many ways to give us company, emotional support, and love, as well as to perform a huge variety of tasks for us. They off

18/06/2026

The recommended amount of exercise for puppies is 5 minutes per month of age twice a day.
This is why and something everyone should see.
This X ray is of a 2 week old puppy.
When you get your 8/10 week old puppies, please keep this image in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.
If you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you will not be giving them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in but repetitive impact from running and long walks can cause issues.
With thanks to A1K9 Training.

16/06/2026

https://www.fidobehaviour.com/blog/surviving-adolescence-with-your-dog

A couple of years ago I wrote a short blog about the challenges of adolescence called How Does Adolescence Affect Dogs? At the time, I was dealing with it with my own little dog Nyx. Since then, I have raised a working Golden Retriever called Cybil, who is now 20 months old and still very much in th

11/06/2026

Create a great relationship with your dog! Come along to the latest FIDO Training and Socialisation Course which starts next Tuesday, the 16th June.
We will have 8 weekly sessions of an hour a week running from 7 until 8 pm in the FIDO training centre in Mitchel Troy. We cover basic obedience cues, socialisation and how to do it right, and discuss how to deal with and avoid behaviour problems and other topics.
Here’s what some past clients had to say about the course.
“I have found the training course incredibly useful. Helen keeps the class fun as well as informative”. K
“Excellent, clear focussed tuition which has helped me to grow in confidence as a first time dog owner. I couldn’t recommend highly enough!” G
“Fantastic introduction to training for my puppy. Great ideas and lots of fun”. P
“A very useful first start for puppy training using positive methods, perfect for dog socialisation and introducing puppies to others. Helen is full of handy tips and tricks”. C
Contact Helen at [email protected] or on 0797 4444 082 for all the details.

08/06/2026

Fun and games at the FIDO Puppy Club this month, with chasing, rolling and frequent breaks to calm down. At the adult walk Nova is now doing so well! She hardly barked and didn't panic at all amongst a pack of friends and unknown dogs, whilst young Ferris is still learning that not every bitch wants his adolescent interest!

22/04/2026

https://www.fidobehaviour.com/blog/how-the-right-bed-will-help-your-newly-rescued-dog-to-settle-in

You have found a delightful but fearful rescue dog you want to adopt, care for and take home with you. You may know all about their history or nothing at all, but regardless of where your new companion has come from, you will need to consider carefully how best to settle them into your home. When p