Heather Thomas Clinical Animal Behaviourist

12/12/2024

It was lovely to catch up with Hallie and her owners again today, their homework for this week is to really drill in that place behaviour. We want Hallie to always be behind us when we’re walking, so she doesn’t get distracted by things that may approach us.

11/12/2024

❄️ Help UK wildlife thrive this winter! Freezing temperatures pose a risk to birds, hedgehogs, and other wildlife. A few small actions can make a big difference:

• Provide fresh, unfrozen water in shallow dishes.

• Leave food like nuts, seeds, and suet for birds.

• Avoid disturbing hibernation spots for hedgehogs.

• Create a log pile or use leaves to offer shelter.

11/12/2024

Isn’t this just the cutest? Are you all ready for Christmas? Have you had to Puppy proof your house?

10/12/2024

Everyone meet Roxy! 4 month old needing some expert advice and training session with me last week… so cute!!

🎉 Guess the Breed! 🐾

Can you identify this lively and affectionate pup? 🐕💭

🔍 Here’s a clue: This breed is known for being affectionate, lively, and playful—and it originates from Ireland! 🍀

Drop your guesses in the comments below! ⬇️ The answer will be revealed tomorrow—good luck! 🍀

10/12/2024

Rise in Dog Fighting Reports

💔 A dark side of the UK dog world… The RSPCA has reported a troubling increase in organized dog fighting cases across England and Wales. The charity received over 1,000 calls in the past year regarding suspected fights, a significant rise. These brutal events often involve stolen pets and unregulated breeding practices.

🚨 If you suspect dog fighting in your area, report it anonymously to the RSPCA. Together, we can end this cruelty.

Animal fighting as a sport has been illegal for years, but bloodsports like dog fighting and cockfighting are still happening. Here¿s how we're tackling this.

09/12/2024

With Pluto, we started to work on getting him into a place where we want him, before he can start to pull us. As you can see we are reinforcing him being behind us rather than in front of us, this can be a great little foundational behaviour to teach a dog so that they don’t start pulling, or to prevent them from future pulling . Www.heather-Thomas.co.uk

09/12/2024

Isn’t she the cutest???

09/12/2024

A puppies first vet check has super important, this is because it is the foundation about what the vet’s might mean to them in the future. It was vet check week for the pups! I made sure that I had plenty of time for all eight puppies to be seen vaccinated and get some good stuff, I took with me some cream cheese. Make sure you’re adding some positives whenever you take your puppy to the vet. If your dog is really struggling at the vets, please get in touch and see how I can help. Www.heather-Thomas.co.uk

09/12/2024

Police Dog Saved by Emergency Surgery

🚨 A hero gets the help he deserves! Neo, a retired police dog who served with Humberside Police, recently underwent a critical emergency surgery funded by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation. This charity ensures that police dogs like Neo receive the care they need after years of service. Despite his life-threatening condition, Neo is now recovering at home.

💙 Did you know? Many retired service dogs are not covered by government funding for healthcare, leaving charities and compassionate individuals to fill the gap.

📣 Learn more and support the Thin Blue Paw Foundation:

National charity supporting serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom.

08/12/2024

Great training session with Pluto, we were working on him not jumping and biting and walking to heal. If you are experiencing these problems with your adolescent dog please get in touch, it’s important these things are addressed sooner rather than later. Www.heathe-Thomas.co.uk

08/12/2024

Only just over two weeks until the big day, Santa is getting ready this end to deliver all the endorphins to all of you….. look how cute this little boy is!

07/12/2024

Hallie and Owner is really did a great job in her session at Sydney Gardens this week, it’s such a great place to use as a training location as there are multiple dogs multiple people and lots of things going on. With a Bath Christmas market, it’s even busier. She was really put in a test this week and did a fab job. Well done Hallie and owners! Get in touch to see how I can help you! Www.heather-Thomas.co.uk

07/12/2024

Does Your Dog Come When Called?

Recall is one of the most important skills your dog can learn—it keeps them safe and gives you peace of mind. If your dog struggles to come back when called, here are a few tips:

1️⃣ Start in a low-distraction area (like your garden).

2️⃣ Use a happy tone and their favorite treat or toy as a reward.

3️⃣ Practice frequently and keep it fun!

Remember, recall isn’t built overnight—it takes patience and consistency. Want a personalised training plan for your dog’s recall? Let’s get started today!
Want to boost your dog training journey? get in touch and book some sessions in with me- these are 1-1 sessions which enable success and progress around what you want and need to train! www.heather-thomas.co.uk.

06/12/2024

I am currently working with Aira who is dog reactive. She is a rescue from Bath cats and dogs home and we are halfway through her dog dog re-introduction program. She is doing such a nice job here at Sydney Gardens in Bath navigating through the busy urban Dog life. If you are struggling with your dog, please get in touch with me and see how I can help you

06/12/2024

Yes, Cats Can Be Trained!
Think training is just for dogs? Think again! Cats can learn tricks, use scratching posts, or even walk on a leash with the right techniques. It’s all about understanding their motivation—usually treats or playtime. Curious about training your feline friend? Contact me for advice tailored to your cat’s personality. www.heather-thomas.co.uk.

05/12/2024

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/09/wrinkles-elephants-left-right-trunked-study

Wrinkles Reveal an Elephant’s Preferred Trunk Side!

Just like humans can be right- or left-handed, elephants have a preference for which side of their trunk they use most—and their wrinkles reveal the answer! 🐘

A recent study has found that:

• Elephants favouring their left trunk tend to have more wrinkles and longer whiskers on the left side, as the right side experiences more wear from frequent contact with the ground.

• These preferences, or “trunk handedness,” help scientists better understand the incredible versatility and adaptability of elephant behaviour.

This fascinating discovery highlights how even the smallest details—like wrinkles—can tell us so much about an animal’s life and habits.

Want more amazing insights about animal behaviour? Follow for regular updates and discoveries!

Humboldt University of Berlin research also shows Asian elephants have more wrinkles than African cousins

05/12/2024

The Power of Positive Reinforcement!
Training isn’t about saying “no” all the time—it’s about rewarding the good behaviours we do want to see. Treats, toys, or even just a “good boy/girl!” can shape your dog’s behaviour and strengthen your bond. Want to learn how to bring out the best in your furry friend? Let’s chat! www.heather-thomas.co.uk. I offer 1-1 training sessions in the comfort of your own home!

04/12/2024

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/oct/12/gradual-introduction-puppy-cat-pets-dogs-trust-studyIntroducing Cats and Dogs the Right Way

Thinking of adding a puppy to your cat-friendly home? A recent study by Dogs Trust’s Generation Pup program—the largest of its kind in the UK—has revealed that slow and gradual introductions are the best way to create a harmonious relationship between cats and dogs.

Here’s what the findings show:

🐾 Puppies under 12 weeks old introduced to cats over several days are calmer and friendlier toward their feline companions.

🐾 Dogs introduced too quickly often display undesirable behaviors, such as aggression or trying to play with a cat that isn’t interested.

Top Tip: Allow your pets to get used to each other’s scents before face-to-face meetings, and always supervise their interactions. Patience now can lead to a peaceful, lifelong friendship!

Need help with introductions or managing multi-pet households? Let’s chat—I can help guide the process!