The Dog Guardian

21/07/2025

I was reminded by a great mindset to dog training recently by a trainer I follow : Sean .
In the middle of managing difficult behaviour, it is easy to lose sight of what you are working towards and what success looks like. The setbacks, the repetition, and the slow progress can wear you down. It can be a very hard process.                         But not doing anything is hard too. The experiences you will miss together, social isolation, feeling like you’re always on edge in your own home, each walk being a chore rather than a pleasure, avoiding life instead of living it, resentment creeping in, no clear path forward.                                                                                               You have to choose your hard. One path keeps you stuck, managing chaos and shrinking your world. The other is uncomfortable too, but it moves you forward.
Keep the end goal at the forefront of your mind to stay motivated. Imagine the day your dog walks calmly by your side, relaxed and trusting you to lead. Picture sitting together in a park, restaurant or café while people and dogs pass by without your dog reacting. Imagine visitors and other dogs coming to your home and your dog stays calm, choosing to settle nearby.                                                                           These moments are possible through consistent, clear guidance. Every time you help your dog stay calm and show them you are dealing with situations, you affirm to them there is nothing to worry about. Each walk, each decision, is a step closer to that kind of life. Imagine that day. Hold on to that thought. Keep going.

19/07/2025

Does your dog dive in or stay well clear of the water?

Some dogs love it instantly, while others prefer to keep their paws dry. It’s all down to their individual comfort and confidence.

If you live near the beach like I do, you can help build that confidence gradually. Start in the shallow areas, especially if they’re keen on a ball or toy. Let them dip their feet in and get used to the feeling.

Use a staged approach: small, manageable steps where your dog feels safe at each stage before moving on. That way, you’re not forcing them in, but giving them the choice and confidence to enjoy the water at their own pace.

17/07/2025

People often see me in consultations and think I’m all authority.

I walk in calm but clear. The dog is usually testing me, so I’m setting the tone right away. I know it can look like I’m some sort of bootcamp instructor.

But that’s not the truth of how I am with my own dog.

Most of my time with my dog is spent walking, feeding, caring, cuddling. Setting boundaries is a small part of it.

Why? Because the understanding is already there. It’s quietly reinforced every day. My energy doesn’t need to go into constant correction or control.

Once the dog knows where they stand, it becomes simple and effortless to keep it going.

15/07/2025

Today I walked past a man walking his dog.

The dog was pulling, squaring up to other dogs, backing away from people. It was all over the place.

The owner was smiling, seeming oblivious to how the dog was behaving, as if it were normal. Maybe he thought he was just giving the dog exercise.

Dogs can’t tell us how they feel with words. But they do show us. If we pay attention, we’ll see a whole range of emotions.

Once we try to read what they’re telling us, that’s the start of really understanding them.

13/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfDVC4Jy3/?

I CANI CHE PRENDONO LA METRO DA SOLI PER “CACCIARE”: UN FENOMENO STUDIATO DAGLI SCIENZIATI

I cani randagi di Mosca rappresentano un esempio straordinario di adattamento all’ambiente urbano.
Dalla caduta del comunismo, questi animali hanno saputo evolvere capacità che in alcuni casi superano quelle degli esseri umani — come dimostrato da diversi studi condotti da scienziati russi.

Una delle abilità più sorprendenti è la loro abitudine di utilizzare la metropolitana per spostarsi in città: ogni mattina salgono sui treni per raggiungere il centro di Mosca, dove il cibo è più abbondante, e la sera fanno ritorno alle periferie, dove trovano rifugio e tranquillità.

Sanno esattamente dove e quando salire, preferendo i vagoni meno affollati (generalmente il primo e l’ultimo). Secondo Eugene Linden, questa capacità richiede un notevole livello di ragionamento e pensiero consapevole.
Riescono anche a non perdere la fermata, grazie a un mix di senso del tempo, riconoscimento visivo e olfattivo delle stazioni.
Non è raro vederli accoccolarsi su un sedile e schiacciare un pisolino, calcolando con incredibile precisione il momento in cui scendere.

Una volta in centro, dimostrano altre capacità sorprendenti: attraversano la strada rispettando il semaforo verde. Pur non distinguendo i colori come noi, riescono a riconoscere il cambiamento del segnale visivo.

Ma la loro “strategia di sopravvivenza” più famosa è quella che in Russia è stata soprannominata “la

23/04/2025

This handsome chap took 30 minutes before he allowed me to give him a treat. Then another 30 minutes for a stroke. This isn’t rare. Yet many well intentioned people try to stroke him as soon as they meet him. This has caused him anxiety as trust cannot be rushed. One has to go at the individual dog’s pace!

21/03/2025

In over 20 years of working with dogs, I thought I’d seen it all. But this one was a first.

Every evening, around 10 or half past, the dog would start barking. Not at anything in particular, just at his people. They’d be watching TV, nice and cosy, and he’d had enough. Time for bed. So they’d switch off the telly and head upstairs.

You heard that right. The dog was putting them to bed.

It was like watching a child tell the parents it’s bedtime, and the parents actually listening.

Lovely people, by the way. Some of the kindest, most nurturing clients I’ve met. But when dogs are given all the nurture and none of the leadership, things can go a little sideways. And sure enough, this wasn’t the only area where the dog was quietly calling the shots.

It’s a good reminder. Dogs don’t just need love. They need a guide. Someone to protect, coach, lead and nurture them. All four matter, not just one.

Give them only the nurture, and you might find yourself following their bedtime routine.

26/02/2025

This little sweetie was very cautious around being touched. As a result every one of my actions was calculated to ensure I didn’t do anything that would knock her confidence. Then when outside on the walk I made sure well intentioned people didn’t invade her space. By the end of the session I built her trust that I wasn’t a threat and would protect her. Once the right bond has formed - training is much easier. 🐕☺️

13/02/2025

https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/spay-neuter-decision/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1dHyvVVU_Af9-hSAlDp8jFTqGEmPP-DPFRUY88T54Pau5bPr8QFgbmP08_aem_EIN8S85QxIuyl4YvQHVquA

In this month's 'Evidence-Based Medicine' column, Dr. Bruce Christensen emphasizes why gonadectomy decisions should be individualized for each pet and family. From lifestyle to breed-specific risks, he advocates for a tailored approach, treating each case with the same expertise and respect as any o...

12/02/2025

Much of what this little chap did in my presence was about control. From greeting me, to where he wanted to sit, to the speed/direction of the walk and interacting with dogs. He was controlling these situations because he felt both responsible and entitled to. This is a lot of pressure for a dog as it’s a big responsibility to control the world as dogs can’t comprehend how it works. As a result his behaviour was erratic and troublesome. Luckily his owners are now clearly communicating the message they’ll control the events so he doesn’t have to. In just 3 days his behaviour has improved. 🐕

28/12/2024

Sky’s new neck scarf reads ‘I’m friendly’, to reassure others around her. She is never aggressive, however many people tend to judge on the way a dog looks more so than their behaviour. I didn’t experience this with my old dog Rex but do now. Have you had similar experiences?

24/10/2024

Fireworks night is coming. Check out my rant and advice on what you can do, in my latest blog!!

Possibly a controversial opinion, but I wish fireworks night didn’t exist, and frankly, I think we should ban it. Or at the very least, get rid of the loud ones. It’s not that I’m a killjoy, nor am I unfamiliar with big, exciting productions. I was in Sydney for the millennium—one of the big...