Much Ado About Dogs

Much Ado About Dogs My name is Marc and I'm an accredited dog trainer based in Oxfordshire.

30/12/2025

When you are out training your dog and someone gate crashes the party! 😂

What would you do in a situation like this?

What would your dog do?

29/12/2025

When you want a better view of the sea…

Yes, it may be true but I’m slightly offended!
24/12/2025

Yes, it may be true but I’m slightly offended!

🎄 Dec 24 – Christmas Day CalmInclude your dog in festivities without overwhelming them. Give them breaks between greetin...
24/12/2025

🎄 Dec 24 – Christmas Day Calm

Include your dog in festivities without overwhelming them. Give them breaks between greetings, supervise children, and keep a quiet corner ready. Skip the table scraps—plain treats and praise are safer. End the day with a slow walk and genuine calm.

They don’t need wrapping paper or ribbons, just your steady presence.

That’s the real gift you can give your dog this Christmas.

Well that just about wraps it all up. It just remains for me and the dogs, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Slow and steady to start.
23/12/2025

Slow and steady to start.

🎄 Dec 23 – Mix Easy and Hard DaysBalance effort with rest. If tomorrow will be busy—family, food, excitement—make today ...
23/12/2025

🎄 Dec 23 – Mix Easy and Hard Days

Balance effort with rest. If tomorrow will be busy—family, food, excitement—make today simple: shorter walk, light training, early quiet time. Dogs, like people, need recovery.

Alternating challenging and easy days prevents overload and keeps behaviour consistent.

Progress happens between sessions, not just during them.

Christmas shopping with a hungry beagle!
22/12/2025

Christmas shopping with a hungry beagle!

🎄 Dec 22 – Plan Sniff BreaksBetween errands and visitors, give your dog permission to decompress. Use a cue like “go sni...
22/12/2025

🎄 Dec 22 – Plan Sniff Breaks

Between errands and visitors, give your dog permission to decompress. Use a cue like “go sniff,” then allow a few minutes of relaxed exploring. Sniffing lowers pulse rate and helps process stress.

Structured freedom like this makes later training sharper and evenings calmer.

It’s mindfulness on four legs.

🎄 Dec 21 – The Gift of StructureAmid parties and travel, keep some structure. Meals and walks at familiar times tell you...
21/12/2025

🎄 Dec 21 – The Gift of Structure

Amid parties and travel, keep some structure. Meals and walks at familiar times tell your dog that life is still predictable. Predictability reduces stress, especially for sensitive dogs. It also keeps toileting, sleep, and appetite steady.

When humans thrive on novelty, dogs thrive on normality.

Routine is the quiet gift that holds everything together.

🎄 Dec 20 – Practise Walking Past Dogs, Not to ThemNot every dog wants to greet. Shorten the lead, give space, and reward...
20/12/2025

🎄 Dec 20 – Practise Walking Past Dogs, Not to Them

Not every dog wants to greet. Shorten the lead, give space, and reward focus on you as you pass. Neutrality matters more than socialising. Use calm voice and consistent pace; avoid tension on the line.

Over time, your dog learns that other dogs are background, not invitation. This simple shift prevents reactivity and keeps festive walks relaxed for everyone.

🎄 Dec 19 – Visitor ManagementWith Christmas just around the corner, now’s the time to prepare your dog for visitors — be...
19/12/2025

🎄 Dec 19 – Visitor Management

With Christmas just around the corner, now’s the time to prepare your dog for visitors — before the doorbell starts ringing.

Many dogs struggle not because guests are “exciting,” but because the sudden change in routine catches them off-guard. A little planning now will go a long way.

Decide what “good” looks like for your dog: greeting on lead? Sitting calmly? Going to “place”? Pick one and practise it today and tomorrow so it feels familiar by the weekend.

When guests arrive, help your dog succeed — give them space, use a lead if needed, and don’t be shy about coaching family members (“Please ignore him until he’s settled” works wonders). Most importantly, stay calm, predictable, and matter-of-fact.

If you treat visitors as no big deal, your dog is far more likely to do the same.

🎄 Dec 18 – Catch Your ToneI want you to think about someone from your own life — a teacher, a coach, maybe even a family...
18/12/2025

🎄 Dec 18 – Catch Your Tone

I want you to think about someone from your own life — a teacher, a coach, maybe even a family member — who you genuinely liked and respected. Someone you felt comfortable with… but you also knew there was a bit of steel behind them. They didn’t have to shout. You just knew not to cross them.

If you need a reference point, think Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter. Calm. Clear. Completely in control. When she speaks, the room settles, and everyone listens. Not because she’s loud — because she’s certain.

That’s the tone your dog responds to.�Not sharp.�Not tense.�Not “commanding.”�Just calm, confident authority.

Before you give a cue, take a breath, drop your shoulders, and speak like someone who expects to be heard. Your dog won’t understand your words, but they will absolutely understand your energy.

Address

Blackwater Way
Didcot
OX117RL

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Much Ado About Dogs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Much Ado About Dogs:

Shortcuts

Share

Category