The Dog Guardian

The Dog Guardian A guide to a happy, well behaved dog. Your guide to a happy, well behaved dog

Puppies have a physiological need to chew. It’s how they explore the world, soothe teething, and release energy. If we d...
04/11/2025

Puppies have a physiological need to chew. It’s how they explore the world, soothe teething, and release energy. If we don’t give them something appropriate to chew, they’ll pick something we don’t want them to.

If your puppy ignores their chew and heads for the furniture, use the 3-strike rule:
1️⃣ Move away – calmly remove the item or guide them from it.
2️⃣ Move away further – gently lead them away further away from what they’re chewing.
3️⃣ Timeout – if they go back a third time, calmly remove them to another room for 10 seconds. Next time, make it 20, then 30 if needed.

It’s not about punishment; it’s about teaching calm choices.

“Chew the chew, not the couch. Everyone wins.”

Pippa’s lovely owners weren’t sure how to show her that they were in charge of protection or making the rules. They were...
27/09/2025

Pippa’s lovely owners weren’t sure how to show her that they were in charge of protection or making the rules. They were second guessing their actions and were cautious not to upset her in any way.

As a result, Pippa took it upon herself to handle dangers and set the rules instead.

This led to chaotic behaviour, because with the thinking ability of a two-and-a-half-year-old child, she was making poor decisions and trying to protect her family from situations that weren’t actually dangerous.

Once I showed her owners how to communicate their roles clearly, Pippa began to relax.

It really is simple once you understand how, and it can quickly transform your relationship with your dog and improve your quality of life. If you’re struggling, send me a message and let’s see how I can help.

Just wrapped a few days in Cornwall filming with Sky and on something special. Can’t say too much yet, but keep your ey...
20/09/2025

Just wrapped a few days in Cornwall filming with Sky and on something special. Can’t say too much yet, but keep your eyes on this space…

I was reminded by a great mindset to dog training recently by a trainer I follow : Sean .In the middle of managing diffi...
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.

Does your dog dive in or stay well clear of the water?Some dogs love it instantly, while others prefer to keep their paw...
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.

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