Zoe Willingham Dog Behaviourist

19/08/2025

OCD behaviour in dogs. - Meet Waffle - one of my severest OCD rescues who was born deaf.

Life for Waffle was really no life when I took her in at 5 months, all she could do is stare, light chase, tail chase and pace endlessly. Life was like a prison of hell for her. It was awful to watch.

4 years on I would say we live 99% of life fairly normally. No closed curtains to avoid Shadows etc

However 10 days ago she had a ball she carries around and it moved and my husband played with her. Big mistake! It has triggered her OCD onto a new item.

Here we are today teaching a settle without teaching a settle (because teaching it can be over arousing to OCD dogs)

The moral of this story is that sometimes dogs experience blips and this was one for Waffle. It’s what you do about it next that matters. Don’t leave them to work it out and suffer.

A few sessions with a behaviourist can nip this in the bud. Waffle would not be settled if I had left her to work it out for herself.

If your struggling with your dogs OCD contact me here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

23/07/2025

🐾✨ Why We Need to Help Fearful Dogs During Grooming ✨🐾
Every dog deserves to feel safe and comfortable, especially during grooming sessions. If your furry friend is worried or scared, it’s important to remember that a good groomer will always prioritise their well-being. They will stop immediately if your dog shows signs of distress and work with you to understand the root of the fear.
A compassionate groomer will guide you through gentle, positive training techniques to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It's a team effort—patience, kindness, and understanding can make all the difference!
If your dog is fearful or if you are a groomer working with fearful dogs, contact Zoe now for her groomer programme designed to help dogs become happy, confident at the groomers.
Let’s be the voice for scared dogs, helping them feel secure and loved. Because every pup deserves a grooming experience that builds trust, not fear. 💙🐶

https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

21/05/2025

How do behaviour consultations work in 2025?

This is probably one of the best things to come out of the pandemic, allowing more dogs to get the help they need in the right way.

Click here to read why behaviour work is carried out like it is https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/post/why-online-dog-behaviour-consultations-via-zoom-are-more-effective-than-in-person-visits

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