ABOUT PUP TALK

Helping you and your dog feel calmer, closer, and more confident – one small step at a time

If life with your dog feels overwhelming,

you’re not alone

I work with people who are stressed, exhausted, and often misunderstood by those around them. Life with an anxious, reactive, or over-excitable dog can be a full-time job – and it’s easy to feel judged or isolated when others think you're “pandering” or doing things wrong.

But you're not doing anything wrong. You're doing your best – and your dog doesn't need perfect. They need love, patience, and safety.

You might be here because you're struggling to do things that other people take for granted –

• Walking down the street without worry?
• A simple trip to the vet or groomer?
• Travelling in the car, or dreaming of a holiday?

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

Niki reading SWYD

Hi! I'm Niki French...

Best-selling author. Award-winning trainer. Dog-mad optimist.

I founded Pup Talk to support people like you – people whose dogs are more than “just dogs.” You're dedicated, sensitive, and ready to try something different.

I use kind, practical training approaches that don’t just change behaviour – they build trust, joy, and understanding.

I specialise in helping people with dogs that find modern life hard. Whether you're dealing with barking, lunging, over-arousal, or general anxiety, I’ll help you understand what’s really going on – and what to do about it.

I also created #DontWalkYourDogDay, an annual awareness day every 2nd April that challenges outdated thinking around dog walking and promotes kinder, more thoughtful ways to meet our dogs’ needs.

You don’t need harsh methods or a different dog. You just need a better way forward.

Book a call

ACCREDITED. AWARDED. TRUSTED.

No, you're not ‘pandering’ to your dog

Your dog isn’t trying to wind you up. They’re trying to cope.

Every behaviour is a clue to what your dog needs. And the key to lasting change is learning to meet those needs in kind, practical ways that feel good for you both.
Despite what social media or TV trainers might suggest, putting your dog into scary situations won’t help. In fact, it usually makes things worse – for them and for you.

When you feel anxious, your dog does too. Together, you end up stuck in a loop of stress and struggle.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

YOU ARE THE BEST PERSON FOR YOUR DOG

Even when it's hard

Imagine a future where:

⦁ Training feels like play – not pressure
⦁ You enjoy calm, happy walks…
⦁ You feel proud of how far you’ve come

Instead of asking, “How do I fix this?” try asking:

⦁ What can I do to help my dog feel safer?
⦁ How can I build their trust and confidence?
⦁ What will help us both enjoy life more?

That’s the kind of shift I help people make – and it changes everything

This is what I do, and why I do it

Through 1-2-1 training, my supportive membership Pup Talk The Pack, and my book STOP! Walking Your Dog, I help people feel more empowered and less alone.

Whether you're trying to build confidence at home, find calm on walks, or just understand your dog better – I’m here to support you every step of the way.

You don’t have to figure it out alone

Book a call
Back dog with white paws laying on the grass.

"Niki is just who I was looking for. Her approach is a mixture of bespoke actionable and practical advice, compassion, and fun. Perfect!"

Helen & Sadie, Cambridgeshire

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