Zoe Willingham Dog Behaviourist

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

04/02/2024

Seeing is believing? Or is it?

That’s the thing, I actually believe you when you tell me your dog does x,y,z. I don’t need to see them practicing the behaviour to solve the problem. Far from it! Think of me as a crime scene investigator!

You never see a police officer press charges on what they think they see at an arrest? They investigate it first! And you will never see a good behaviourist ‘fix your dog’ on a snapshot of behaviour either! Thats why it’s important to work over time with your behaviourist.

Good behaviourists want to see the bigger picture and work with you to change your dogs emotional responses to triggers. I don't want want to stick a plaster over the problem or suppress behaviour. Finding route causes and creating new pathways in the brain is what helps us succeed, not seeing your dog repeat behaviours you don’t want to see.

If that has got you interested and you want to find out more click here www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk

04/02/2024

For comprehensive packages that work with you to solve your dogs problems contact me here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

01/02/2024

Early start today as I joined Times radio on the early breakfast show to discuss what happens now if you have an XL bully.

31/01/2024

Another busy morning speaking to the bbc about the exemption deadline for XL bully’s today. For last minute advice listen here

30/01/2024

Does your dogs separation anxiety make you feel like you have lost your freedom?

It doesn't have to be that way. Join hundreds of other dog owners whos dog I have worked with to make going out a happy experience for you both. There is no need to compromise on life - 'we only get one, so let's make the most of it!'

Contact me today and start to make leaving your dog a happy experience
https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/separation-anxiety

29/01/2024

After so many requests from dog owners to either help prevent problems of the future or carry on with some training after finishing a behavioural programme.

I have created The Ark - 121 Training programmes bookable here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/puppyanddogtraining

🐶 Easy to follow 4 week packages
🐶 Behaviourist in your pocket with 28 days access to me
🐶 For all your training needs from puppy to adult dog

What is the Ark Training?
The Ark Training came about because everyone calls my house Zoes Ark because I have over 100 rescue animals ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and much more. 38 of them dogs with 31 still living with me now.
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With a wealth of knowledge as a qualified behaviourist and real-life experience rehabilitating dogs and rearing puppys The Ark 121 Training Programmes were created.

28/01/2024

Have you thought your dog could benefit from some help but wasn't sure how?

Book a call with me for advice on what to do - https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk

27/01/2024

Bookings now open - I am able to take on 3 new clients to help with behavioural problems ranging from separation anxiety, aggression, barking, reactivity, OCD behaviour and more.

Contact me to book now https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk

Award winning, Vet and Rescue recommended behavioural help for your dogs

09/10/2023

I just wanted to post a massive Thankyou to all my clients past and present for all your recommendations of me.

It’s an absolute pleasure to help your friends and families too.

I have just opened up the last appointments before Christmas and am taking bookings into the new year.

If your not sure what you need drop me a line here and I look forward to helping even more dogs between now and Christmas.

Contact me here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

21/09/2023

Don't struggle in silence with your dog's behaviour. It is never too late to make changes and solve the things that have been causing you and your dog stress.

Whether it's separation anxiety, aggression, barking, reactivity, car travel, biting, new puppy behaviours I can help.

Contact me and start making life easier again https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/

16/09/2023

You may have heard me on several media platforms this week talking about why banning breeds does not work.

Please reach out if you are worried about your dog and I will help you which ever way I can. ❤️❤️❤️

Supporting bull breeds ❤️

XL BULLIES , THE LAW AND OUR ADVICE

We are, obviously, receiving a huge amount of messages from concerned owners of XL Bullies

To answer a few questions:

Yes, if you already own an XL Bully, the dog will be classed as a banned breed, and you will have to go through the exemption process to be able to keep your dog under DEFRA’s exemption rules.

We do not know yet how they will define XL’s, we can assume it will be similar to how they define Pitbull Type: Measurements and Characteristics.

Our advice, at this time, if you suspect your dog is an XL, get them neutered ASAP.

To have your dog exempted, it must be neutered.

If it’s not neutered and it’s seized, you will NOT get your dog back until it has been neutered.
Better having them neutered now by your own vet than the police approved kennels getting them done.
Also, if your dog is already neutered, you may be able to stop your dog going into kennels, there’s the IES (Interim Exemption Scheme) that a few forces use, where you can keep your dog at home, under conditions, until the court date for exemption.

Muzzle train your dog now!!

This will prove you’re a responsible owner, and, also prepare your dog for having to keep them muzzled, at all times, in public, this includes in your car etc.

They must also be on a lead at all times and can never be off lead again unless in enclosed paddocks.

If the police come for your dog DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING!!

They may try to blag you into signing: Oh sign this to say you understand why we are taking your dog.

DONT!!! You’ll be signing for them to put your dog to sleep.

We appreciate that this news is frightening for many and many will be angry!!

Keep calm at all times with the authorities, they will be judging you and your behaviour as well as your dog!!

27/08/2023

We are there. Don’t forget to say hello

Online discount available

23/08/2023

Come and ask your questions at Suffolk Dog Day - 10th September at Helmingham Hall

Do you have a question about your dog that you would like answered?

The Expert Ring is dedicated to showcasing an outstanding team of canine heroes who are waiting to demonstrate a wide array of knowledge.

If there is a specific question you would like answered during one of the Q&A sessions on the day, please email: [email protected]

20/08/2023

Who’s coming to Suffolk Dog Day? Me and my team will be there to chat to you about your dogs.

As we build up to Suffolk Dog Day 2023 we are continuing to share the range of show classes available on the day....

Best Puppy - 1.30pm Helmingham Ring

Feel free to share a picture of the pup you'll be entering in the comments below!

Book your tickets and class entry today - https://bit.ly/SuffolkDogDay23

You can register for classes during the ticket purchasing process and you can register on the day. If you have already booked tickets you can call our fundraising team on 01473 723600 to book and pay over the phone.

21/07/2023

Evening everyone. You may have noticed I’ve been quiet on socials recently. I have been flat out helping lots of dogs across the UK.

I Shall be posting some new things over the coming weeks and I look forward to catching up with everyone.

If your needing help please don’t hesitate to contact me at

Contact us at Zoe Willingham Dog Behaviourist

29/05/2023

I am absolutely delighted to announce I have just received the Theo Paphitis SBS award as Zoe Willingham Dog Behaviourist.

I could not quite believe what I was seeing when the tweet came through from Theo tonight. As many of you know this makes me a double Theo Paphitis award winner as I also won two years ago with my training business Best Behaviour Dog Training. I could not be prouder to be recognised and supported by someone I respect hugely.

Only 0.8% of businesses that enter SBS are chosen, so it's no easy task to be seen and picked by Theo.

What a week this is going to be - This award and then the Suffolk Show meeting you and your dogs.

One very, very happy dog behaviourist! Bring it on this week - I am raring to go!

13/04/2023

As a behaviourist that routinely helps owners with bite cases and high level aggression I was interviewed by the Mirror regarding the prevalence of attacks from Bully’s and XL bully’s and the impact online selling of dogs is having on this.

Sadly this breed is being singled out, but the breed is not the problem. The breeding and online selling of all dogs and owners understanding their responsibilities to have a trained dog is the problem.

The reality is we are seeing poor breeding across all dog breeds from unscrupulous puppy farmers and back street breeders, who are breeding for look rather than temperament or health. Read the article to see what I think needs to happen.

But the key message is to research your dog breed, find a good breeder, train your dog - it’s your responsibility to ensure your dog is under control, and if you need help find genuinely qualified and accredited trainers and behaviourists that can help you. Don’t struggle or feel embarrassed or be worried about seeking professional help. It’s what me and my team do - day in day out. There’s no such thing as a bad owner or dog, just ask for help. 🫶

Find us at
For behaviour www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk

For Training
www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dangerous-dogs-available-anyone-online-29695943?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button -readmore-target

Hundreds of XL American bullys and American bulldogs are being sold on sites such as Gumtree and Pets 4 Homes. With just a few clicks we found over 20,000 dogs for sale across the country

20/03/2023

Today is day - Run by our friend Sarah Jones at My Anxious Dog - This day is so important to us as a training school and to me personally as an owner of many reactive dogs I have taken on.

Be proud to have a dog wearing yellow and take the right steps to have freedom and fun with your dog. As a behaviourist 70% of my work is with reactive dogs and yes life can be fun and with freedom if you want it to be. is just one of the many things we can do to help our dogs with big feelings.

Did you know we welcome dogs wearing yellow in our classes and many start classes with us after completing my behavioural programme first. (Picture of Stew the red setter in our classes learning other dogs are fun) It's really important to have a fully integrated approach like we offer with behaviourists and trainers to ensure long term support and help)

Here's my story....
Meet Shadow, the first dog I had with reactivity and aggression issues
Shadow was a rescue dog that had been kennelled since a puppy to be a breeding dog. When I first took her on I was convinced she was a sweetheart underneath of all of that aggression, which is usually the case with all dogs I meet. Shadow was reactive to a leaf moving and hardly coped with life.
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Shadow arrived in a terrible state at just 14kg, so we had a bit of work to do to make her feel healthy before we could help her behaviour. She had no training or life skills whatsoever.
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Shadow has been my best teacher as a qualified, accredited behaviourist in that she has allowed me to apply my science based text book knowledge, but more importantly taught me the importance of working with the feelings of a real life being that needs qualifed knowledge, compassion and the ability to understand them and their individual needs.
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Shadow changed my life for the better and I can honestly say having a reactive dog is a gift for any dog owner, and I want to take my knowledge and first hand experience to help you embrace the gift you have too.
If you want to help your reactive dog and feel part of a community where it's safe to join in and have fun with your dog. Contact me here and i can advise you on the best way to start your dog on my reactive dog programme https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/contact

12/03/2023

What is reactivity? = Barking, lunging, vocalisation, biting

Any of those and more, and this can be directed to humans or other dogs.

Dogs that react have big emotions that need to be understood and helped by retraining the brain to know the world is safe, and calm when they see the things that cause this reaction.

Through this very involved behaviour programme we work on changing your dogs view of the world, allowing them to communicate in a socially acceptable way with welfare the number one priority.

To help your dogs reactivity book here https://www.zoewillinghamdogbehaviourist.co.uk/reactive-dogs