The best-selling book for people with dogs who find walks hard
Available in paperback, Kindle and Audible
What if traditional walks are actually making things worse?
Are you struggling with...
A dog who gets over-excited, anxious or reactive on walks?
Constant barking, pulling, lunging – or shutting down completely?
Feeling guilty or overwhelmed because the ‘normal’ advice doesn’t work for your dog?
You are not alone – and you are not doing it wrong. In fact, for many dogs, a walk isn’t the best way to meet their needs at all.
Discover a kinder way forward – for both of you
STOP! Walking Your Dog flips traditional training advice on its head and gives you the tools to build a calmer, more connected relationship without daily walks being the default.
You’ll learn:
This isn’t about never walking your dog again
it’s about knowing when, how, and if a walk is really the right thing.
UK: Audible, Paperback & Kindle
US: Audible, Paperback & Kindle
First time on Audible? Your first audiobook may be free.
Meet the author
Hi, I’m Niki French – certified trainer, dog behaviour coach, and founder of Pup Talk and Twickenham Dog Services.
After a life-changing cycling accident, I retrained to follow my passion for helping people and their dogs live calmer, happier lives together. Since launching my business in 2019, I’ve worked with thousands of people facing the same struggles you are.
I specialise in kind, evidence-based support for reactive, anxious, or over-excitable dogs – and I created this book because I know how life-changing it can be when you finally understand what your dog truly needs.
Oh, and I’m also the founder of #DontWalkYourDogDay – a growing awareness movement helping people rethink what a “good dog owner” really looks like.
Ready to go deeper?
If the book has opened your eyes and you’re thinking, “OK… now what?”- I’ve got you.
Whether you want tailored support for your dog’s behaviour, or a safe space where you can get ongoing guidance and encouragement - you don’t have to figure this out alone.
1‑2‑1 Behaviour Support
Join Pup Talk The Pack
My monthly membership is your calm corner of the internet - packed with expert advice, practical resources, and support from people who really get it.
Just £45/month - cancel anytime.
“It’s the best decision I made for me and my dog.”
This book is for you if…
Grab your copy now
UK: Audible, Paperback & Kindle
US: Audible, Paperback & Kindle
First time on Audible? Your first audiobook may be free.
FEATURED IN
Lauren Reeson
3 months ago
I contacted Niki shortly after bringing home Romeo, our 15-week-old Chihuahua x Bichon puppy, who had come to us as a second home through no fault of his own. Like many new puppy owners, I was worried that we’d missed part of the socialisation window and felt under pressure to expose him to everything as quickly as possible.
Romeo is naturally a thoughtful and sensitive little dog, and Niki’s calm, patient approach immediately resonated with me. Her knowledge and experience with sensitive and anxious dogs really shines through. Rather than encouraging us to rush him into situations he wasn’t ready for, she helped me understand that confidence is built through trust, positive experiences and allowing each dog to progress at their own pace.
I came away feeling reassured that building a lifelong relationship with Romeo was far more important than trying to tick off a checklist of experiences. That change in perspective has been invaluable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Niki to anyone, especially if they have a sensitive or cautious dog. Her kind, thoughtful approach has been worth every penny, and both Romeo and I have benefited enormously from working with her.
Natascia Santoro
4 months ago
We are currently training with Niki and she has been amazing.
With Pitu, our little Miniature Schnauzer, we have been working on his excessive barking when people come to our home. After just four sessions, we have already learned practical tools and techniques that have helped him feel more comfortable and calmer.
We know there is still a long way to go but now we feel much more confident in supporting each other and helping Pitu succeed. We are learning to anticipate situations, reward good behavior, play different enrichment games and most importantly, enjoy the process together.
Thank you, Niki for your support, patience and guidance.
We highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring dog trainer.
Paul Crowley
5 months ago
I have a 11 month GSD who due to a death in the family was struggling emotionally.
I contacted Niki and she very quickly realised our GSD was not sleeping enough thus resulting in stress. Niki suggested boundary games which have helped. Still some way to go but Niki has given me the tools to carry on and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Niki in the future.
Sharon Ashton
5 months ago
I started knowing Niki on meeting her at a local dog show Easter 2025 …using the yellow zone. I found her to be very approachable and knowledgeable in her field! I went into sign up and went onto receive emails and kept deliberating getting her book ‘Stop walking your dog’ I don’t know why I was hesitating as was continually struggling with a lot of reactivity from my young (2-3yr old) Westipoo towards animals on tv specifically our Anglia Railway adverts red hare!! Eventually after the drip feeding of emails mentioning Niki’s book as well as the other support she offers, I bought and read the book! A very easy read and gave me ideas of things I thought may help-I tried DMT with some success but was also learning more about ACE free work which interested me greatly. I went onto read more about this, try it with my dog and then go onto join the pup talk membership! This gave the added benefit of face to face communication with Niki and other members and really enjoyed the connection especially when a live session coincided with me being on holiday and away from my dog as Niki went through her observations of my freework video that I’d sent in . This was this April and now this month a year after first meeting Niki and after just two months of membership my dog Bramble, only this week laid curled up in the settee but eyes open watching the tv and the red hare advert appeared! To my utter surprise he watched and did not move or make a sound where previously he would charge at the tv unit barking as loud as he could! I firmly believe the support from Niki and through the membership and the ACE freework which Niki was able to talk me through the steps to support him in his tv reactivity and which has motivated me , has lead to more calm in him and am looking forward to seeing this improve further…who knows in time we may be able to watch a half hour animal programme 😁🐾🐾
Kathryn Parrott
8 months ago
We have a working dog breed (2yr old corgi) that needed more mental stimulation but who can also be quite anxious outside of the house. We had heard that sniffer training helps with building confidence and provides mental stimulation. We had already done some basic dog training with Niki and were very impressed with her, so we immediately signed up when we found out that she was also now offering group sniffer training. Our dog took to it very quickly under Niki’s expert tuition. Niki ran the class with each dog’s own needs in mind, working with each owner to achieve goals and making it fun and enjoyable for everyone. In between the weekly sessions Niki also shared helpful videos for us to build on the group classes at home. Our dog truly loved this class and it was lovely to see her confidence grow over the six sessions. We are very much looking forward to Niki's follow up classes later in the year as we enjoyed it so much! It's an excellent class, and extremely well run. I highly recommend Niki for both this sniffer course and also for 1-1 training.
Michelle Forth
8 months ago
We worked with Niki when we got our 8 weeks old puppy. Niki gave us very useful life saver tips and reassurance we needed as first time dog owners! Niki was so patient with us as a family and her approach was gentle and fair. We would definitely recommend Niki for any first time dog owners and we look forward to work with her again! Thank you Niki!
Kelly
9 months ago
Needed some help with my dog who is very anxious and barks at everything. Niki has helped with a few simple games to keep my dog focused and distracted from the situations that trigger her. After the 4 sessions, I have already noticed a change in my dog - she’s a lot calmer. Niki is also very good at explaining why they behave like they do, which also helps me understand my dog better and can then nip stressful situations in the bud before they get out of hand. Would definitely recommend
Julie Hebblethwaite
11 months ago
Niki was fantastic. From day one, she showed me how to build confidence with my little puppy through support and fun. Regrettably there is little consistancy in the family but I'm hoping that in time, my mother will be willing to uphold the invaluable lessons I've learned from Niki.
Thank you x
Susan KellyMarkusson
2 years ago
Highly recommend Niki French Twickenham dog services and pup talk. We have a young and very nervous Lurcher cross pup called Freya.
Freya is terrified of alot things such as wind, bins , cars , other dogs and people. We are getting great help from Niki and seeing improvements. Freya is much happier on walks now and we gave games and training to play at home . Niki is a great active listener, gives step by step advice, easy games and videos to help.
William Henderson
2 years ago
We’re so thrilled with how impactful and effective the puppy training with Niki has been. Both me (and the rest of the family) and our dog are benefitting so much from Niki’s guidance and tips, wide rage of fun training games and general reassurance as first time dog owners. Looking forward to more sessions.
Monica Franklin
2 years ago
Nikki is an excellent trainer. She helped my labradoodle puppy become very calm and good indoors. Before she came he knocked over bins and chewed up everything. By the time our four sessions were over he was a different and calmer dog. Nikki has a very nice approach and my dog loved working with her. Highly recommended.
SV Aesthetics
2 years ago
We completed 4 training sessions with Niki for our working cocker spaniel (Gus). Niki is incredibly knowledgeable and had so many great training tips and ideas for us. We have seen a huge change in obedience and loose lead walking. Gus only knew how to walk on the lead by pulling and now with Niki’s help he is loose lead walking. We are definitely keen to do more sessions to keep up the training with Gus! Highly recommend
E K is empty u
2 years ago
We had a juvenile dog who was always switched 'on' and would never settle. Niki is personable, accessible & supportive and PupTalk's library of short videos are easy to fit in to a busy day. Our pup is much more fun to live with now, but the training is fun too, so we keep going!
Benjamin Crouch
2 years ago
We've taken our rescue puppy Cassie to multiple trainers and hands down Niki French gave us the best results. Cassie can be difficult- not always friendly towards strangers- but Niki gives us lots us useful advice and helpful confidence building games- and just as important was great at listening to us. And she was great with Cassie in person.
Nina
2 years ago
Niki helped me and my over exuberant, adolescent Border Terrier with her positive, game based approach. Her calm, empathetic demeanor enabled me to observe my pups behaviour AND that of myself more closely and apply different, game based techniques. I would highly recommend Niki without reservations to anybody that needs some extra help and support, as well as anyone that wants to learn about concept based training.