Welcome to the Pup Talk Dog Blog

Here I answer common dog questions and share practical advice to help you and your dog live calmer, happier lives. You’ll find tips on dog behaviour, training, health, lifestyle and what really works when walks aren’t going to plan. I also share ways to build your confidence, shift your mindset, and move past the guilt.

Niki sitting and smiling with Jeanie on her lap
All
  • All
  • Food & rewards
  • General training
  • Getting help
  • Kids
  • Nervous dogs
  • Our mindset
  • Puppy power
  • Reactive dogs
  • Rescue & rehomes
  • Teeth
  • Toilet training & marking
  • Walks
  • Weather
  • Working from home?

YOU STOPPED WALKING YOUR DOG. NOW WHAT?

You stopped walking your dog. Now what? For some dogs, stopping walks, or simply walking less, can bring a huge sense of relief. Perhaps your dog has been barking and lunging at other dogs, freezing, pulling frantically, scanning for danger, chasing anything that moves or becoming so over-excited that every walk feels exhausting. Perhaps you’ve…

Read More about YOU STOPPED WALKING YOUR DOG. NOW WHAT?

A PUPPY WON’T SIMPLY FIT INTO YOUR FAMILY LIFE – ESPECIALLY AT THE BEGINNING

A puppy won’t simply fit into your family life – especially at the beginning Lots of people want a dog because they can picture how lovely it will be to have one as part of the family. Walks together. Curling up in the evening. The children having a dog to grow up with. Trips to…

Read More about A PUPPY WON’T SIMPLY FIT INTO YOUR FAMILY LIFE – ESPECIALLY AT THE BEGINNING

REDEFINING RESCUE: WHY SUPPORTING PET OWNERS BEFORE CRISIS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF MODERN DOG RESCUE

Redefining rescue: Why supporting pet owners before crisis is an essential part of modern dog rescue When Woodgreen Pets Charity contacted me about sharing this message, it felt like an important conversation to bring to the Pup Talk blog. So many people wait until things feel unbearable before asking for help, often because they’re worried,…

Read More about REDEFINING RESCUE: WHY SUPPORTING PET OWNERS BEFORE CRISIS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF MODERN DOG RESCUE

9 DOG WELLNESS TRENDS FOR 2026 | SUPPORTING CANINE WELLBEING

Explore 9 dog wellness trends for 2026, from gut health and bodywork to emotional wellbeing, holistic grooming and ongoing online support In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how we care for our dogs. More and more people are moving away from a purely reactive approach – waiting until something goes wrong –…

Read More about 9 DOG WELLNESS TRENDS FOR 2026 | SUPPORTING CANINE WELLBEING

PET MICROCHIPPING – WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR DOG (OR CAT)

Pet Microchipping – Why It’s Essential For Your Dog (Or Cat) The safety and security of our beloved pets are on the minds of many of us. With over 50% of UK households in 2023 now owning a pet, doing what’s right for our furry friends is important, none more so than microchipping them. Microchipping…

Read More about PET MICROCHIPPING – WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR DOG (OR CAT)

ARE YOU DOING TOO MUCH WITH YOUR DOG?

Do you ever wonder if you might be doing too much with your dog? Recently we had an off grid mini holiday in The Scottish Borders. There was no running water, no electricity, just a campfire and big teepee and a gas stove. A friend of Ash’s has created this camp in a little piece…

Read More about ARE YOU DOING TOO MUCH WITH YOUR DOG?

IS YOUR REACTIVE DOG STRESSING YOU OUT?

Is your reactive dog stressing you out? Do they feel like they’re too much to handle? Is your own mental health taking a hit as you try to hold everything together and keep everyone safe? You may even be considering rehoming your dog but feel bad about it. If your dog’s behaviour feels like an…

Read More about IS YOUR REACTIVE DOG STRESSING YOU OUT?

10 POLITE THINGS TO SAY TO PEOPLE THAT LET THEIR OFF-LEAD DOG APPROACH YOURS

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone popped their dog back on a lead when they saw your dog was on their lead? Unfortunately, not everyone is aware that they shouldn’t let their dog run up to a dog they don’t know. Especially if they are on the lead. If you have a nervous or anxious…

Read More about 10 POLITE THINGS TO SAY TO PEOPLE THAT LET THEIR OFF-LEAD DOG APPROACH YOURS

5 QUICK TIPS FROM A DOG TRAINING HOLIDAY

Having just been on a dog training holiday, I wanted to share with you some of the things I’ve learned as quick tips. It was a real back to school week, and I loved it! Here are my 5 key learnings from the week that could help boost your dog training right now. Quick tip…

Read More about 5 QUICK TIPS FROM A DOG TRAINING HOLIDAY