Zoe Willingham Dog Behaviourist

04/03/2025

Noise phobias in dogs seems to be a rising issue I am contacted about. Heres some information to help you with your next steps with your noise phobic dog.

If you’ve ever seen your dog tremble, hide, or frantically pace during a thunderstorm or fireworks display, you’re witnessing a noise phobia in action. Noise phobias are extreme, irrational fears of certain sounds, and they can have a profound impact on a dog's well-being and quality of life. Un...

24/02/2025

It was a pleasure to do this article for The Metro last week. I love doing their expert pieces. Last weeks was how our dogs show they love us - page 11- click below

https://metro.co.uk/newspaper-daily-edition/2025-02-20/MTA/single/11

16/02/2025

When I got asked about my real job!

Anyone that knows me will laugh about this blog! 🤣

The other day, someone asked me what I did for a living. A pretty standard question, right? But it was followed by something that threw me off guard—“So, that’s your hobby? Not your real job?” They were referring to my work as a dog behaviourist, and while it was said without malice, it made...

11/02/2025

This is almost the question I dread when someone see's me and asks, how do I stop my dog barking? Expecting a 30 second answer to solve all the issues! Here is a blog with a bit more information and why its so important to understand the causes before implementing behavioural changes.

Dogs barking is one of the most natural and common forms of communication. Whether it’s in excitement, fear, or to alert their owners of something, barking is a normal part of dog behaviour. But when barking becomes excessive or disruptive, it can be frustrating for both owners and dogs alike. Und...

05/02/2025

03/02/2025

It’s dog training education month in February - here’s my interview with the bbc today about training and behaviour and why it’s so important.

22/01/2025

It's been a busy start to the year, and one common theme I am seeing is owners having lived with really dangerous or long standing behaviour problems before reaching out for help. These dogs are the lucky ones because they are getting help, but what about those being rehomed or euthanised.

Take a look at my latest blog with guidance to help you decide when 'okay' is not enough. I hope this helps someone know there is no need to suffer in silence

When “Okay” Is Not Good Enough: Why You Should Intervene Early in Your Dog’s Behaviour

21/11/2024

Are you worried about your dogs behaviour? Things don't have to be difficult, there is always a way to make life better for you and your dog.

As a behaviourist I can help you with complex behavioural needs such as

✅Reactivity
✅Separation anxiety
✅Human or dog aggression
✅Noise sensitivity and barking
✅Anxious scared dogs
✅Resource guarding
and much more

Contact me here for help and advice https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

22/08/2024

15/04/2024

Let's talk pain...

As a qualified and accredited behaviourist i spend my time off work, well working! Doing hours and hours and hours of CPD so i have the most up to date knowledge and ability to help your dog in the best way possible. My latest CPD was a course devised by leading vets with a specialisation in pain and its management.

One of my obsessions is helping identify if animals are feeling pain or discomfort because research suggests that many behavioural problems are exacerbated by pain.

I see so many referrals or second opinions where dogs have seen a trainer or their owners have been trying to follow you tube videos to find one really big factor has been missed and that is pain.

I remember a few years back working with a young dog with separation anxiety only to find she had crippling arthritis at 2 years old. Her owners were so grateful i was able to refer my findings in our behaviour sessions to the vet to help recognise the pain she was in.

So if your dog is displaying behaviour problems or just strange behaviour there could be more to it. Contact me to find out how i can help https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

12/04/2024

Are you aware of the signs of separation anxiety and what to do about them?

https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/post/signs-your-dog-might-have-separation-anxiety-understanding-and-addressing-the-issue

If you need help with your dogs anxiety contact me here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact/

Introduction: For many of us, our dogs are more than just pets; they're cherished members of our families. So, when our furry friends exhibit distressing behaviours, such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or soiling indoors, it can be concerning and frustrating. One common underlying cause....

01/04/2024

Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety?

Not only am I a qualified and accredited behaviourist, I also specialise in Separation anxiety and am a certifed Separation anxiety pro using a tried and tested process that has helped hundreds of dogs overcome the fear of being alone.

If you want a happy dog that can be left alone - contact me here
https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

30/03/2024

🚩Red Flags - Your dog needs help for their barking or noise sensitivities🚩

🚩As summer approaches outdoor barking often gets worse and can stop us having our doors open and enjoying the garden
🚩Are the neighbouring dogs causing your dogs to bark and react

Would you like a calmer happier dog that doesn't stress bark?

Join my stop barking packages here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/barking-noise-sensitivity

29/03/2024

🚩Red Flags your dog needs help with separation anxiety 🚩

Sometimes we just think of separation anxiety as happening when the dog makes a noise when we leave. It can be much more than that.

So here’s a few facts…
🚩 It won’t get better if you do nothing
🚩 Getting another dog won’t help
🚩 Trying random advice may make things much worse
🚩 Separation anxiety is complicated but completely fixable if your willing to help your dog
🚩 Helping your dog is as easy - contact me or book here today to start you and your dogs path to freedom

https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/separation-anxiety

20/02/2024

Contact me here for help and advice for anything from aggression, separation anxiety, reactivity, ocd behaviour, barking and much more. https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

19/02/2024

So excited to be able to share this amazing book on

I was asked to contribute to this book on the training elements and could not be more delighted to have been asked. Thankyou to the incredible author Debbie Humphrey’s for involving me.

Anyone who has a whippet this is a must buy! I love this book ❤️

Today we are celebrating Debbie Humphreys with her book Life With a Whippet launching on National Whippet Day.

In this captivating guide, Debbie draws upon her two decades of experience living with and caring for these agile, gentle, sleek, funny, and graceful dogs. Filled with invaluable insights gained from conversations with countless whippet owners and her intimate knowledge of the breed, this book offers essential reading for those who are considering inviting a whippet into their lives for the first time.

Whippets have a unique ability to seamlessly integrate into every aspect of your life, be it work, play, or leisure. With more venues recognizing the importance of making us and our four-legged companions feel welcome, owning a whippet has never been better timed. Armed with a comfy blanket, your whippet will joyfully accompany you wherever you go – from holidays to cafes, shops, and pubs.

Inside these pages, you'll uncover a treasure trove of practical advice and heart-warming stories, including:

- Exploring the whippet's fascinating history and its impact on your park adventures.
- Navigating the arrival of your new whippet puppy with confidence.
- Discovering the significance of providing your whippet with optimal nutrition.
- Unleashing strategies to manage their irresistible urge to chase everything that moves.
- Understanding the addictive nature of these beloved dogs.
- Learning what clothing is essential for a whippet.
- Adapting their care as their needs evolve throughout life.
- Marvelling at the extraordinary feats whippets are capable of.

"Life With a Whippet: Understanding Their Quirks and Needs for Harmonious Companionship" will guide you in making the necessary life changes for a fulfilling life with your whippet, highlighting the reasons why these dogs are undeniably addictive and incredibly lovable.

You can grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915771447

Debbie: As a devoted whippet addict herself, along with her husband and co-business partner, Debbie shares her heart and home with two delightful six-year-old whippets, George and Winnie. In addition to her remarkable contributions to the whippet community, she has successfully raised over £30,000 for sighthound charities through charity auctions as well as creating National Whippet Day, an annual event where all whippets are celebrated.

Huge congratulations from all of us at Authors & Co Inc Debbie. We wish you endless success with your much needed book.

13/02/2024

Problem dog behaviour doesn't have to be something you just live with.

When I work with many of my clients the common phrase they use is 'I wish I knew about your earlier' - and the truth is I wish they did too because I could have saved them a lot of stress.

If your sitting on the fence worrying about your dogs behaviour - make that leap and join lots of other dog owners making theirs and their dogs lives better.

Check out what I do here www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk

Payment plans available interest free through PayPal for anyone wanting to spread the cost

06/02/2024

Over the last few weeks I’ve seen a huge increase in dogs with behaviour problems that are on the verge of being rehomed or worse, put to sleep. 😢

I was starting to wonder 🤔 what’s causing this surge and then I read a report yesterday about how ‘puppy love is turning into heartbreak.' 💔

According to Dogs Trust in The Times there were 4,198 calls in January from people asking about rehoming and he expects it to rise in February and March.

One area of booming dog ownership since the pandemic was people under 35, often first time owners, who, Owen says,
are more susceptible to changes in economic pressure.

He added: "It's the perfect storm, a bigger dog population, a more inexperienced dog-owning population and cost of living."

So what can you as dog owners do about it?

✅ Prevention is better than cure. Spend wisely at the beginning of dog ownership. You don’t buy a car and not put fuel in it. So why would you buy a dog and not properly train it? Prevent problem behaviours and save a lot of money by training your dog
✅ Deal with any behavioural problems early. The sooner you start changing behaviour the quicker it is to resolve therefore saving money, time and heartache.
✅ Talk to us. We really can help your dog in so many ways. We really don’t want to see another dog end up in a rehoming centre or worse

For prevention book classes here https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/puppy-training-classes/puppy-and-dog-training/

For help with a problem behaviour contact Zoe here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

What’s your thoughts? Why are so many dogs having problems?

Contact us at Zoe Willingham Dog Behaviourist