The Dog Guardian

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...

25/09/2024

Your Dog Follows Your Lead—Are You Ready to Guide?

Ever caught yourself wishing your dog would just “get it”? Truth is, they can’t read books or magically change overnight. It’s us, their human, who needs to do the work.

Your dog needs you to step up, not just as a nurturer, but as their protector, authority, and coach. Being the leader your dog needs takes time, patience, and a whole lot of self-reflection.

Think about where you’ve succeeded in life—whether it’s your fitness, relationships, or career. All of that progress took work. The same applies here. If your dog’s behaviour feels like an uphill battle, it’s time to ask yourself—what’s holding you back? Too busy? Lack of confidence? Whatever it is, there are solutions.

The change starts with you. Your dog is waiting. Are you ready to lead?

20/08/2024

Look no further for a decorator. Louis is extremely conscientious, friendly and hard working. I can't recommend him highly enough.

06/08/2024

Evening swim with this beautiful girl 🥰

02/06/2024

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theconsultroom/episodes/Where-are-our-Pandemic-Puppies-Now-e2k0upb

In this enlightening episode of The Consult Room, host Dr Paul Manktelow is joined once again by renowned dog behaviourist Nigel Reed, revisiting the pressing issue of pandemic puppies and their behavioural challenges. A couple of years ago, we discussed the potential crisis facing the UK's dogs due...

31/05/2024

Check out TV vet's Paul Manktelow's podcast where we discuss how our changing relationship with dogs 🐕 over the years has affected their behaviour and confidence.

In this enlightening episode of The Consult Room, host Dr Paul Manktelow is joined once again by renowned dog behaviourist Nigel Reed, revisiting the pressing issue of pandemic puppies and their behavioural challenges. A couple of years ago, we discussed the potential crisis facing the UK's dogs due...

16/05/2024

Dog training is a balance of many factors.
There is such thing as being too soft and too hard. Overbearing or neglecting.
Too much exercise or not enough.
Too many boundaries or too little.
Overfeeding or underfeeding.
Over stimulated or not enough.
The balance is different with each dog and so you have to work out which each dog requires. If you get the balance wrong in any area, you will likely see issues. The more issues you see highlights the need for balance to be restored.
🐕

27/04/2024

This review was one of my favourites to receive, as it highlights a common challenge: clients are often bombarded with conflicting advice about dog training. Many are hesitant to assert authority, influenced by online claims that saying ‘no’ to dogs or using consequence-based training can emotionally harm them. This often leads to an over-reliance on purely positive reinforcement, resulting in strong-minded dogs who ignore treats and do what they want. I do not advocate for harsh methods or intimidation; instead, I emphasise the importance of nuance, adapting my approach to suit each individual dog. I pride myself on my ability to explain concepts simply and provide balanced advice tailored to each unique situation. In short, be cautious about what you read on the internet; ideologies that lack balance can leave you feeling uncertain about where to turn.

09/04/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTYCZThGeyI

Sometimes dogs are on the verge of being rehomed. But with small steps in the right direction each day demonstrating you will protect them and all is okay, any behaviour can be addressed in time.

Join me on an intense journey to Sheffield as I tackle one of the most severe cases yet: Oreo, a dog overwhelmed by other dogs and certain people. Her panic ...

04/04/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTYCZThGeyI

Join me on an intense journey to Sheffield as I tackle one of the most severe cases yet: Oreo, a dog overwhelmed by other dogs and certain people. Her panic causes her to show extreme aggression to get rid of perceived threats illustrating she cannot cope. This episode is not just about training; it’s about understanding, rehabilitating, and transforming behaviours from the root.

Natalie, a single mum of three, is struggling with Oreo's extreme reactivity, putting both her family and Oreo in distress. Watch as we dive deep into the complexities of Oreo's behaviour, employing unique strategies to establish leadership, build confidence, and create a safe environment for both Oreo and the community.

In this detailed guide, we cover:

Understanding the triggers of dog on dog aggression
The importance of establishing authority, protection, nurturing and coaching within leadership
Practical drills to address and correct overwhelmed behaviour
The transformative journey of both Natalie and Oreo towards a peaceful coexistence
This video is a must-watch for anyone facing similar challenges, offering not only hope but real solutions. Whether you're a dog owner, trainer, or simply an animal lover, you'll find valuable insights and techniques that can be applied to help any dog overcome aggression.

🔗 Don't forget to check out our online course for more in-depth strategies on managing reactive behaviours, tailored to you and your dog. Space is limited, so act fast to start enjoying life with your canine companion.

Join me on an intense journey to Sheffield as I tackle one of the most severe cases yet: Oreo, a dog overwhelmed by other dogs and certain people. Her panic ...

20/03/2024

Have any of you had your dog's DNA tested? If so were the results accurate?

DNA My Dog received human genetic sample and identified it as a malamute, shar-pei and labrador, according to news station

12/03/2024

If your dogs fight in the home it makes living with them very problematic.

See my latest blog for tips on what you can do.

Addressing in-house dog aggression is an extremely stressful situation for the guardian and the dogs' fighting. The dogs often don't feel safe in each other's company and will react in many ways to demonstrate their discomfort, sometimes ending up into a full blown fight, as they have nowhere to dis...

29/02/2024

Hi all,
I just wanted to share a recent success story with you that stands out as a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar challenges. It's about a family who reached out to me in a state of despair, with their stress levels through the roof after their Border Collie, Max, had bitten another dog. This incident marked a turning point for them, realising the need for professional help to address Max's reactivity issues.

From our first meeting, it was clear that Max's family was committed to doing whatever it took to help him. Their dedication for Max was unwavering despite the difficulties his behaviour presented. I explained the process of what they needed to do and mentioned it required patience, understanding, and a tailored approach to Max's specific needs.

Our strategy focused on building trust and confidence, between Max and his family. We started with clear communication in the home to establish a foundation of who protects whom. Gradually, we introduced controlled exposure to the situations that triggered Max's reactivity, always ensuring he felt safe and supported.

Progress was slow and, at times, it felt like two steps forward, one step back. However, the family's perseverance never waned. They celebrated the small victories with joy and tackled setbacks with renewed determination.

Yesterday they reached a milestone that once seemed impossible. During a walk, a situation arose that would have previously resulted in a reactive outburst from Max. But this time, Max looked to his family for guidance, calmed by their reassurance and went to play with the dog. His owner called me in tears of joy.

The transformation in Max and his family's lives has been profound. The tears of despair have turned into tears of joy, a testament to the incredible journey they've all been on.

I share this story with you for two reasons: Firstly, to remind you never to give up—the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and as long as you continue moving forward, you will see results. Secondly, to illustrate the rewarding nature of this work. If you've ever considered a career in dog behaviour, I have some very exciting news on the horizon.

Stay tuned, and remember, the path to change, though challenging, is immensely rewarding.

Best wishes,

Nigel

23/11/2023

DO YOU HAVE A REACTIVE DOG ? IF SO, COME TO MY SEMINAR ON THE 2ND OF DECEMBER IN LONDON AND LEARN HOW TO PERFECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Join me on My Reactive Dog Seminar in London on the 2nd of December. See link below to buy a ticket. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reactive-dog-seminar-tic...

21/11/2023

Change yours and your dog’s life via my Reactive Dog Seminar. See link on my profile for more details.

17/11/2023

17/11/2023

If you are learning about dog training or have a reactive dog you do not want to miss this!! Reserve your space quickly!

27/10/2023

Hi everyone,

I'm consider hosting a seminar on 'Reactivity - How to Address ALL Nervous and Aggressive Behaviour'. But I wanted to gage to see if you would be interested first.

The seminar would be hosted in Hammersmith London on the 2nd of December. Tickets would be £50 each.

10am to 4pm

If you're available and keen to come please let me know? If enough people are interested (30 or so) I will go ahead and organise it.

Best wishes,

Nigel