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Niki French is the go-to trainer for anxious and reactive dogs struggling on walks. Walking Your Dog

Giving stressed out dog parents hope and practical help with Pup Talk 1-2-1 training, community membership and best selling book STOP!

04/10/2025

Why your dog might need a pause button.

At the dentist this week, I was reminded of something important.
I always feel a bit anxious in that chair – but being told “raise your hand if you need a break” makes all the difference.

It’s the power of choice.

And our dogs need that too.

When things feel stressful – like grooming, nail trims, ear cleaning, or even going for a walk – giving your dog the option to “pause” can change everything. It builds trust, lowers stress, and helps them feel safe with us.

Ways to create a pause button for your dog:
✔️ Let them move away.
✔️ Use a consent mat.
✔️ Try the Bucket Game or a Chin Rest.
✔️ Add a handling option into ACE Free Work.

A pause button is about more than training – it’s about giving your dog confidence, cooperation, and the gift of choice.

💡 Is there something you’re struggling with that could be easier if your dog felt more in control?

👉 Book a free discovery call with me to chat about what’s going on with your dog and how I can help. Send me a DM for the link or type PAUSE in the comments below.

19/09/2025

One of the biggest differences I see between dogs that make steady progress and those that get “stuck” isn’t the training method itself – it’s consistency.

The power of consistency in dog training.

With my own dog, Bodie, we’ve played the same calming game (“Find it!”) every time he reacts to squirrels or other wildlife in the garden.

At first it took lots of repetition. But recently, he amazed me by choosing to run back inside all on his own – before I even asked.

That’s the power of consistency.

If you’re finding it hard to keep momentum going on your own, my membership Pup Talk The Pack is designed to give you ongoing guidance and support at a fraction of the cost of 1-2-1 training.

Click the link to find out more about the membership.

https://pup-talk.mykajabi.com/the-pack

14/08/2025

Do I work with reactive dogs?

Yes – and I specialise in supporting them. And the people that live with them.

If your dog barks, lunges, freezes, or gets stressed around other dogs, people, vehicles, or certain environments, you’re not alone. Reactivity is incredibly common, and it’s often your dog’s way of saying, “I’m not comfortable right now.”

My role is to help you both feel calmer and more confident – without force, fear, or frustration. We’ll work together to:

- Understand what’s triggering your dog’s reactions.

-. Reduce stress and build trust.

- Teach practical skills so you can enjoy calmer walks and daily life.

I use kind, choice-led, modern training methods that put your dog’s emotional wellbeing first. No quick fixes – just steady, lasting change.

I offer in-person training within a 5-mile radius of Twickenham, and online sessions for dogs who need extra space or for clients further afield.

If walks feel overwhelming or unpredictable, there is a gentler way forward.

Book a free 15-minute discovery call and let’s start making things easier for both you and your dog.

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18730091&appointmentType=12321547

16/07/2025

Why is my dog so different on walks?

Calm at home, but a bundle of nerves or over-excitement as soon as you step outside?

Walks can be overwhelming – with all the sights, sounds, smells and movement, it’s a lot for sensitive dogs to process.

That’s why I often recommend building confidence and calm at home first.

If the outside world feels too much, there are kind, effective alternatives that can make a real difference.

📍 Based in Twickenham – I cover a 5-mile radius, and online sessions are available for dogs who need space.

Want to find a better way forward? Book a discovery call and let’s chat.

03/07/2025

It's Bodie's gotcha day - let's make it a Gotcha Day Party! Share your dog's gotcha day photos and tag me in so I can share.

On this day 6 years ago we brought home this fella from . Bodie was 8 months old.

He struggled as a teenager. He had more energy and excitement than he (or we) knew what to do with to start with. It was a testing for all of us as we struggled to get to know each other.

Early on, walks were chaotic. Most of it was spent managing him pulling and pogoing on the lead. Given the chance he'd have run up to any dog or stranger. The long-line was a permanent fixture for 'off-lead' time in parks.

After a while, two walks a day dropped down to one. Bodie easily got over-stimulated and over-excited, and in the evenings he used to be really hard work. Especially barking at Ash and grabbing and mouthing him.

The first 18 months were hard. For all of us. But from that point onwards each year has been more and more enjoyable.

When he reached the age of 2 I felt a bit less stressed on walks.
When he was 3, I felt like we really started to connect.
When he was 4, there seem to be a big step forward. The longline was a thing of the past.

He's now 6.5 and he's pretty relaxing to be on walks with. There is still occasional excitement with a person, so we have to do a little management. But around other dogs he's brilliant.

I love him more with every passing year. I'm so proud of the dog that he has grown in to. He's a central part of our family, my business sidekick. I wouldn't change a thing about him or our journey.

02/07/2025

Like a lot of dogs, Bodie has problems with his eyes.

Before he came to us he'd had recurring conjunctivitis and was very scared of anyone going near his head, let alone his eyes.

The first photo is Bodie today. He's had a flare up, probably brought on by the hot weather and humidity.

The next 2 photos are from over 2 years ago.

We used to be in a cycle of infections and needing ointment from our vets.

Then after speaking to Joe Flanagan from on Pup Talk The Podcast, I was converted to a more natural approach.

It's worked so well for Bodie. We keep a close eye (pun intended) on his eyes. As soon as there's any side of redness we're on it!

We use a little of the Eye Care when we need it and we've been off any meds for over 2 years.

Fingers crossed we can keep this run going.

https://ingenious-probiotics.com/product/probiotic-pet-eye-care/?ref=puptalk

They also do a great product for ears.

I am an affiliate for this product because I've seen first hand how it's worked for us.

Of course you should speak to your vet if you have any health concerns about your dog.

10/06/2025

So happy to be on the Barks From The Bookshelf podcast.

There are a couple of occasions where I listen to myself and think, what was I talking about 🙃 But for most of it I seem to be making sense!

Thank you to everyone who has bought, read, listened and reviewed my book so far.

If you love geeking out about dogs and dog books, this podcast is brilliant!

The brilliant team from PACT - Steve, Corrin and Nat - host the show.

You can see all the episodes on the show website https://www.pact-dogs.com/barksfrom

See the links in my bio for Spotify, Apple Podcast etc.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac0ef1ec

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/84-niki-french-stop-waking-your-dog/id1490703799

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MzGHtJCcqY08JlIqPqC7W?si=boJEE79yTx6tY8h9Vo7LAg

Barks from the Bookshelf

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