Heather Thomas Clinical Animal Behaviourist

22/01/2025

Nipping Resource Guarding in the Bud

Is your dog growling or guarding toys, food, or even space? Resource guarding is a natural behaviour, but it can be safely managed with expert guidance. 🐕

👩‍💻 Learn more: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

21/01/2025

Interesting read! Grey Seals Inflict Slow, Painful Deaths on Porpoises

A recent study published in the Journal of Comparative Pathology reveals that grey seals in Scotland are attacking harbour porpoises, leading to prolonged and painful deaths. The bacterium Mycoplasma phocicerebrale, commonly found in seals’ mouths, is identified as a cause of severe infections not only in porpoises but also in humans who handle the wounded animals.

Scottish grey seals are biting harbour porpoises, causing slow, agonising deaths and posing infection risks to humans

21/01/2025

Training That Fits Your Life

Every dog is different, and so is every family. I offer personalised training and behaviour support that works for your lifestyle. Let’s make training fun and effective! 🐾

📞 Book a session: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

20/01/2025

Scent Training Proven to Boost Dogs’ Mental Abilities
New research from Aberystwyth University shows that scent training can significantly improve dogs’ mental skills and obedience. Engaging dogs in scent-based games could be the key to better behaviour! Read here:

Scent training could make pet dogs better behaved – Aberystwyth University studyA dog performing scent training. Copyright: Nick Lynch (Ten77 Dog Photography) 29 January 2024 Scent training could make pet dogs better behaved, a new study by Aberystwyth University academics suggests. The research s...

20/01/2025

Separation Anxiety Help
Does your dog panic when left alone? Separation anxiety can be heartbreaking, but there are ways to help your dog feel safe and secure. 🏡

💡 Learn how I can support you: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

19/01/2025

Charity Calls for Stricter Dog Training Regulations
A leading animal welfare charity is pushing for tougher regulations on dog training to combat rising behavioural problems. Standardised, positive training methods are crucial for improving canine welfare. Read more:

Analysis published by the 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report suggests 48% of veterinary professionals had seen an increase in the number of dogs being

19/01/2025

Building a Strong Puppy Foundation
The first few months of a puppy’s life are crucial for socialisation and training. Don’t wait for problems to develop—start your puppy on the right path today! 🐶

✨ Find out how I can help: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

18/01/2025

Vets Report Ongoing Behavioural Issues in Lockdown Dogs
Veterinary practices across the UK continue to see behavioural issues in dogs acquired during lockdown. Early training and socialisation are essential to prevent problems like anxiety and aggression. More details:

Some owners use methods that distress and confuse their dogs, the Royal Veterinary College warns.

18/01/2025

Help for Reactive Dogs
Does your dog lunge or bark at other dogs on walks? Reactivity can be tough, but with the right support, you can rebuild confidence and calm. Let’s work together to make walks stress-free again. 🐾

🔗 Book a behaviour consultation: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

17/01/2025

Stop Puppy Biting the Right Way
Is your puppy turning into a little land shark? Puppy biting is normal, but it doesn’t have to be painful! I use gentle, effective techniques to guide puppies toward better behaviour. 🐕

📝 Get started here: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

16/01/2025

Dog Trainer Warns About Breeds with Behavioural Challenges: Interesting read here- I look at this in a totally different way!!! For me its about the individual dog and owners circumstances primarily- although there are some breeds that would just be unsuitable for some families and environments.

Canine behaviourist Will Atherton has highlighted dog breeds that often struggle with behaviour issues, including Chow Chows, Pugs, and Caucasian Shepherds. Each breed requires tailored training to meet their specific needs. Learn more: thesun.co.uk https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/32647572/dog-trainer-three-breeds-hate-to-see/ #:~:text=Will%20Atherton%2C%20a%20canine%20behaviourist,on%20his%20least%20favourite%20pups.&text=In%20the%20clip%2C%20he%20warned,while%20others%20had%20health%20problems.

AN expert dog trainer has revealed three dog breeds he would never own. Will Atherton, a canine behaviourist from the UK, took to social media to spill the tea on his least favourite pups. In the c…

16/01/2025

Master Lead Walking!
Tired of being dragged on walks? Loose lead walking can transform your daily walks into calm, enjoyable experiences for both you and your dog. Let me show you how! 🦮

👣 Learn more: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

15/01/2025

Rise in Cane Corso Ownership After XL Bully Ban

Since the XL Bully ban in the UK, Cane Corsos have become the latest ‘status dog.’ These powerful dogs need responsible ownership and proper training to ensure they thrive in family homes. Read more about this trend here:

The Italian mastiff breed can weigh up to 50kg, has been described as ‘like an XL bully on steroids’ and remains legal in the UK

15/01/2025

Struggling with Your Dog’s Behaviour?

Does your dog bark excessively, pull on the lead, or struggle with anxiety? These behaviours can be managed with the right guidance. As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, I create personalised plans for lasting change. 🐶

💬 Let’s chat: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

14/01/2025

Illegal Lynx Release in Scottish Highlands

A lynx illegally released in the Scottish Highlands has sadly died after being captured and taken to a wildlife park. Authorities are investigating this unauthorized rewilding attempt.

A post-mortem will be launched after the death of the cat

14/01/2025

Puppy Training: Start Strong!

Welcoming a new puppy into your home? Set them up for success with positive, science-based training! From toilet training to basic commands, I’m here to help every step of the way. 🐾

📲 Book your puppy training session today: www.heather-thomas.co.uk

13/01/2025

Bird Flu Alert: Stay Informed

A recent outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in East Yorkshire has raised concerns. While the risk to humans remains low, it’s crucial to stay informed and follow guidelines to protect both avian and human populations. The UK government has secured five million doses of an H5 vaccine as a precautionary measure. read more here

Find out about the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public.

13/01/2025

Do you dread taking your dog to the vet? Fearful behaviours can make trips stressful for both of you. I can help your dog feel more comfortable in those challenging environments with step-by-step desensitisation and confidence-building techniques. Find out more: www.heather-thomas.co.uk