The Walkabout Way

02/06/2026

My previous dog didn’t cause me all these problems but now this one I really don’t even want to take for a walk.🏆

Do you like change? Does your dog cope with change?🏆

Your dog walker walks your dog with no problem at all, but you struggle all the time.🏆

How is your confidence levels these days when you’re taking your dog out and about?🏆

Join our two week dog training and behaviour course held over to Saturday afternoons and regain your confidence and your ability to help your dog.

£45 a session or you can book the two sessions for £75.

Starts Saturday, the 6th of June at 1 pm at the training centre here on the South Downs near Finchdean Apply now and don’t miss out. You can be assured of a friendly welcome and lots of support. All breeds and ages welcome.

31/05/2026

Saturday socialisation

29/05/2026

Are you looking for help with your dog in a small group?
Somewhere you can spend quality time with professionals who understand what your dog needs?
Over 2 Saturday afternoon sessions next month we can help

Simply contact us today for more information or to book your place

Starts on 6th June at 1pm

27/05/2026

Back by popular demand for just 2 weekend sessions in June

Basic Dog Training course for all ages and breeds

Saturday 6th June at 1pm - part one
To include: lead walking, focus, general behaviour support and advice

Saturday 20th June at 1pm - part two
To include: review of part one, social skills and recall work.

Venue: The Walkabout Way
63 Idsworth, near Finchdean, PO8 0BA

Cost: £45 per session or £75 for 2
That’s 4 hours of training and support from the leading experts in the area

Limited space so book your spot now

27/05/2026

Let Sleeping dogs lie
According to the website, https://www.phrases.org.uk/
'Let sleeping dogs lie' derives from the long-standing observation that dogs are often unpredictable when they are suddenly disturbed. Geoffrey Chaucer was one of the first to put this notion into print, in Troilus and Criseyde, circa 1380, although the belief itself may well be much older: "It is nought good a slepyng hound to wake."
Have you thought about routines? Do you remember when we were told to lockdown and suddenly, we couldn’t do anything anymore? How did you feel? Lost? Maybe anxious?
Well, that is exactly what I am talking about! When we change our routine or it is changed for us, like it did recently, then it does give us a jolt and for a period, short or long, we struggle. Some of us I appreciate are still struggling and you have my sympathy. But it will get better, in time.
But I am talking about our day-to-day routine, which helps our dogs know what is going on and settle and rest. Did you know that a puppy needs at least 19 hours of sleep and even an adult dog needs 14 hours? I bet most of us do not allow our dog that much sleep and a new puppy needs to learn that especially when there is a houseful of people and things to entertain. Can you imagine the consequences if we don’t allow our dogs to rest? Nipping, biting, chasing, barking and much worse. And it is at that point those owners turn to their dog trainer and ask what is going on? Quite often the dog may have been quiet during the day and then the zoomies in the evening – just when we want to settle down. Is this something that you can relate to?

Most of my training at the Walkabout Way these days is designed to offer dog owners and their dogs, some private training and help. The first thing I do is to check that the dog is listening to their owner and if not share with them some ideas to change this. There can be many reasons but with some dogs it is all down to being overtired – especially puppies. We then work on some basic help in training in the home and on the walk and finally they are invited to join a training group to put it all into practice. But the most important thing I think is to help the owner understand where the dog should be in the family. They don’t have to make all the decisions, so can relax, and enjoy being with everyone. It is up to us to decide where they should rest, a safe place away from the hustle. It is up to us to give them sufficient exercise, good food and plenty of time for enrichment and adventure. If we don’t, then we will have a problem and so will our dogs. If you need help, then do get in touch through the website, where there are lots of ideas here that you can try. Let me know how you get on and remember – Let those dogs sleep!

27/05/2026

Today’s lifeskills session allowed the dogs to relax together and avoid the heat by starting early.

26/05/2026

Building your dog's confidence through social skills is an essential part of their overall well-being. Just like humans, dogs thrive when they feel confident and secure in various social situations. Here are some ways social skills can help boost your dog's confidence:

1️⃣ Positive social interactions: Exposing your dog to different people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled manner helps them become familiar with new experiences. Encourage friendly interactions with other dogs and reward them for calm and appropriate behavior. This helps build their confidence in social settings.

2️⃣ Training and obedience: Teaching your dog basic commands and obedience skills not only helps with their behavior but also boosts their confidence. When they understand what is expected of them and can successfully perform commands, they feel more self-assured and in control.

3️⃣ Gradual exposure: Gradually exposing your dog to new environments, sounds, and stimuli can help them overcome fears and build confidence. Start with low-stress situations and gradually increase the difficulty level as they become more comfortable. Always provide rewards for their bravery.

4️⃣ Confidence-building activities: Engaging in activities that challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and physical abilities can boost their confidence. This can include agility training, scent work, or even simple games like hide-and-seek. These activities not only provide mental stimulation but also help them gain confidence in their abilities.

5️⃣ Bonding and trust: Building a strong bond and trust with your dog is crucial for their confidence. Spend quality time together, engage in some training, and provide plenty of love and affection. When your dog feels secure in your relationship, they are more likely to feel confident in social situations.

Remember, every dog is unique, and building confidence takes time and patience. Always observe your dog's body language and comfort level, and never force them into situations that cause extreme stress or fear. With consistent training and gradual exposure, you can help your dog become confident and well-adjusted.

Want some help? Why not join us?

Email me today at: [email protected]

25/05/2026

Are you enjoying this wonderful summer weather? It’s really been beautiful hasn’t it. Just walking around the lovely countryside or on the beach with your dog it’s just heaven.

But is it? Or is it just a dream. For many reasons maybe your dog isn’t behaving? If so maybe now is the time to get in touch with us or we can offer you some individual private help with you and your dog. We can work together and then introduce you to our group and meet people that could walk with. Don’t waste the summer do it now!

24/05/2026

Super off leash walk this morning - we found shade and started early. .

21/05/2026

Some useful advice

With the UK set for very hot weather it is worth knowing when a walk could become unsafe. Some dogs feel the heat more than others, especially older dogs, puppies, dogs with health conditions, and flat faced breeds.
If it feels too hot, it is safer to skip the walk and try gentle play, enrichment, or toilet breaks in the shade instead.
Save this vet guide to help you know when it is safe to head out, and when it is better to stay cool at home.