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Clan Dog Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI) offers advice with your dog's Behaviour & Training Online and In Person

Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
Master Professional Dog Training Instructor, Allan Ritchie has been working with dogs for over 40 years. He began learning his trade in 1980 as a Royal Air Force Police Dog Handler. In the late 90’s he owned and ran a dog training school for ten years, but he now trains the other end of the lead....... You! ..........because when it comes to your family dog, you are th

e dog trainer – not him! Take a look at www.clandog.co.uk to see how Allan can teach you the skills you need to live in harmony WITH your dog.

🔥🐾 Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather 🐶🌞Dogs can overheat fast in extreme temperatures — they don’t sweat like we do a...
12/07/2025

🔥🐾 Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather 🐶🌞

Dogs can overheat fast in extreme temperatures — they don’t sweat like we do and rely on panting to cool down. Here are some simple but essential ways to help your dog stay safe and cool during this hot weather:

🌳 Provide Shade & Shelter
Make sure they always have access to shade, whether it’s under a tree or a canopy. A well-ventilated space is a must!

💧 Fresh Water All Day
Keep multiple bowls of clean, cool water around — and add a few ice cubes if they like it!

🐾 Avoid Hot Pavements
If it’s too hot for your bare foot, it’s too hot for their paws! Walk early morning or late evening.

🧊 Cooling Tools
Use cooling mats, wet towels, or frozen treats (like dog-safe ice lollies made with broth or fruit). A shallow paddling pool or sprinkler can be great fun too!

🐶 Know the Risk Breeds
Flat-faced breeds (like Pugs or Bulldogs), older dogs, and overweight dogs struggle more in the heat. Take extra care with them.

🚶‍♂️ Rethink Exercise
Skip the midday walk — swap it for gentle mental enrichment like sniffing games or training indoors.

🚫 NEVER leave your dog in a car
Even for “just a minute.” Car interiors heat up frighteningly fast — even with windows cracked.

⚠️ Watch for Signs of Overheating:
• Heavy panting
• Bright red gums
• Lethargy or disorientation
• Vomiting or collapse
If in doubt, cool gently with water (NOT ice) and call your vet immediately.

Stay cool and keep those tails wagging! 🐕💦

I hope this helps a few dogs out there.
Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

11/07/2025

Today I traveled from the Borders to Motherwell for a 1-2-1 private training session with Jonathan and his 4 year old, Sprocker called, Murray.
As the family are growing, the dynamics of the home are changing, and boundaries which were not previously necessary, are very much needed now.
Sometimes life gives us competing priorities, but by engaging in structured exercises and problem solving /search games, we can still achieve a tired and contented dog.

Best wishes
Allan

I’m sad to announce that I’ve lost my friend, Otto. 🐕This very special guy was by my side for 14 years and was loved by ...
09/07/2025

I’m sad to announce that I’ve lost my friend, Otto. 🐕
This very special guy was by my side for 14 years and was loved by many others who knew him.
Whilst I’m devastated today, he leaves me with so many happy memories of the times we had together.
It’s said that there is ’always one dog’ that comes into our lives…..
Otto is that dog, and close friend.
Rest up, big man.🐕❤️

01/07/2025

It was fun working with 2 year old ‘Frenchie’, Kodi & Hilary today.
Hilary asked me for a 1-2-1 training session to help her with Kodi’s over excited behaviour when on the lead.
From spinning around to jumping up to her hands, he has caused a few accidental injuries, and therefore stress.

In the past, Kodi had been walked on a harness and ‘extending lead’, and whilst I agree there times that these items of equipment can be useful, generally they cause a disconnect between dog and handler.
If a dog is walking 5-20 feet in front, there is no connection between handler and dog.
We are not part of the walk.
There is no channel of communication, and the dog can become a bit ’freelance’.

Today I taught Hilary & Kodi a new calm and relaxed way of walking on a simple collar and short lead, so that engagement can be added into their daily exercise.

Hilary and Kodi will be practicing their new skills together and I’ll be supporting them with this and other issues we addressed along their training journey.

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
🐕😊

27/06/2025

I’d be surprised if you can guess, Fin’s ‘parentage’? ….Labrador X ?????
(Guesses in the comments box, folks!)

Lead Pulling.
As you will see at the end….
It’s not about physical ’control’, it’s about engagement.
Maggie has struggled with 4 year old, Fin when out on walks by being pulled over, and suffered this for so long.

Over 3 years & several trainers down the line (including a 2 week ‘residential’ course) and Fin was no better.

Today I showed, Fin and then Maggie a more relaxed and comfortable way of walking.
Remember, if we keep doing the same things, we can expect the same results, yeah?

Best wishes,
Allan 🐕😊👍

26/06/2025

LEAD PULLING & REACTIVITY
Which should you address first?

Enzo can be reactive at times, and before we can address this, we need to work on his loose lead walking. When a dog is pulling, they are not in a relaxed state of mind & we learn nothing when we are highly strung.

4 year old Spanish Mastiff X rescue, Enzo is a powerful guy and has had little schooling , so when he pulls on his lead, he takes whoever is attached with him!
This was our 1st 1-2-1 session, teaching Rob & Bea how to engage with, Enzo and keep everything cool.

Well done to all involved in our 1-2-1 session.
Now, it’s all about practicing your new knowledge and techniques.

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

“Who’s Going To Deal With This..... You Or Me?”I received a question about, “Hypervigilant Guardian Response”, so here’s...
24/06/2025

“Who’s Going To Deal With This..... You Or Me?”

I received a question about, “Hypervigilant Guardian Response”, so here’s my take on it.

No apologies, but here I am again, banging on about the essential skill of CALM LEADERSHIP which handlers (owners) need to make their dog feel safe and secure.

The term “Hypervigilant Guardian Response” is not a formally recognised scientific or clinical term, but the concept it describes can be real and is used to explain a behavioural pattern where a dog can display some or all of these behaviours.

1.Over-alert or excessively watchful of its environment (hypervigilance),

2.Overprotective or controlling of people, spaces, or other animals (guardian response),

3.Reactive to perceived threats (even when they aren’t real),

4.Unable to relax, settle, or engage in normal social behaviour due to being on constant “alert”.

This behaviour is real and observable, and is often rooted in:

Anxiety or fear, especially if the dog feels unsafe or uncertain.

Lack of clear leadership or guidance from the handler.

Over attachment to a person (can be seen in dogs with separation anxiety).

Improper socialisation or negative early experiences.

Sometimes, trauma, genetic predisposition, or working-line traits that aren’t channelled properly.

As examples:

1.A dog constantly scanning the environment on walks, looking for threats.

2.Barking or lunging at people/dogs/vehicles, even when unprovoked.

3.Standing between their handler and others, attempting to “guard” them.

4.Becoming agitated when someone enters the home or approaches the owner.

5.Ignoring handler’s cues because they're too focused on “managing” their surroundings.

Is it a diagnosable condition? No — it’s not a clinical label like “Separation Anxiety” or “Generalised Anxiety Disorder” (which are recognised in veterinary behavioural science but more of a phrase to describe a certain behavioural pattern.

In my experience of training many thousands of dogs and their owners over the years, Hypervigilance is due to underlying anxiety, potentially leading to reactive or guarding behaviours.

And many dogs which display misplaced protective/territorial behaviour feel insecure or confusion about their role/responsibility.

Calm Leadership is the Cornerstone of human/dog relationships.

Does this help explain anyone’s dog behaviour?

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

Today I was at the Pick Ups 4 Peace stall, and while it was brilliant to see so many people (and dogs!) enjoying the eve...
20/06/2025

Today I was at the Pick Ups 4 Peace stall, and while it was brilliant to see so many people (and dogs!) enjoying the event, I was genuinely concerned by how many dogs were walking long distances on tarmac and gravel in full sun.

☀️ Did you know? At just 25°C (77°F) air temperature, the ground can reach a scorching 52°C (125°F).
At 33°C (91°F) like we had today at the Royal Highland Show 😎, tarmac and gravel can climb well over 60°C (140°F). That’s hot enough to burn paws in seconds.

Here’s why that’s a big deal:

🐾 Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They cool down mainly by panting and through small sweat glands in their paws. In extreme heat, this simply isn’t enough.

🔥 Hot ground burns paws. If you can’t hold the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

💓 Overheating can be deadly. Dogs can quickly suffer from heatstroke—especially breeds with flat faces, older dogs, and puppies. The signs can be subtle until it’s too late.

💧 Events like these are tough on dogs. Long days, heat, overstimulation, limited shade, queues for water…it’s a lot. Even the most well-loved dog can silently struggle.

Obviously, I love seeing dogs included in family days out—but on days like today, sometimes the kindest thing we can do is leave them at home in the cool with a frozen lickimat or a puzzle toy.

Let’s keep raising awareness, gently and compassionately. Our dogs rely on us to protect them from the things they don’t understand—like hot pavements and heatstroke.

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT ( MPDTI)

14/06/2025

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are physically strong dogs and young, Nori is no exception!

Her excessive lead pulling needed to be addressed for the safety of all, together with her lack of engagement whilst out on walks, as she has a tendency to run off across the park to play with other dogs, or just generally do her own thing.

This session was all about teaching both dog and handler how to engage and communicate with each other in a mutually beneficial way.

Have a great weekend folks!
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

Be aware of the ‘small negative changes’ in your dog’s training and behaviour.They don’t STAY small…. Here’s what happen...
13/06/2025

Be aware of the ‘small negative changes’ in your dog’s training and behaviour.
They don’t STAY small….
Here’s what happens.

When I carry out private training sessions, many clients tell me that when they got their dog, they done lots of training…… but things have ‘slipped back’ and unwanted behaviours are creeping in.

You don’t have to TEACH your dog unwanted behaviours — simply tolerating them is enough.
Once you allow it, nature takes over.

It usually begins with a minor behaviour — a brief, seemingly harmless test of limits. A refusal to recall, a mild snarl at another dog etc.
Since it appears trivial, many owners overlook it. But when that small behaviour is repeatedly ignored or excused, something unexpected happens…

What once seemed insignificant gradually intensifies. The behaviour becomes more frequent, more forceful, and far more difficult to manage. "It seems to be getting worse" is usually the expression clients use.

This is often the stage where owners turn to professionals for help, describing the issue as if it suddenly appeared.
However, that’s rarely the reality. Problem behaviours almost always start subtly (hence the feeling that they came “out of nowhere”) and steadily grow worse if left unaddressed.

Here’s an essential piece of advice: what you tolerate, you reinforce. The reason many people let early misdemeanours slide is because they seem ‘too minor’ to matter.
But over time, those small slips snowball into bigger issues that can’t be ignored.

To avoid this, recognise that minor misbehaviours are your cue / signal / red flag to act. Those brief, fleeting moments are your chance to stop trouble before it starts.
By stepping in early, you not only prevent bad habits from forming but also strengthen the bond and boundaries between you and your dog.

And with a bit of consistency and awareness, you might never need a professional’s help — because you never let the little things grow into big problems.

I hope this helps a few folks.
Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

12/06/2025

Teaching Dogs to Relax:
Why Loose Lead Walking is Essential

Meet Kurtz, a 2-year-old German Shepherd who lost sight in one eye after being attacked as a puppy.
His early trauma has left him reactive towards some dogs, and like many owners in this situation, his family had tried all sorts of tools—harnesses, haltis, slip leads—hoping to improve his walking and behavior.
But real change doesn’t start with equipment; it starts with mindset.

Before we can help a dog overcome fear, we must teach them to relax. And that begins on the lead.

Dogs operate in fight, flight, or freeze mode when faced with stress.
A tight lead creates tension, removing their ability to move freely and respond naturally to their environment.
When they feel trapped, their only remaining options are to fight or shut down—neither of which leads to true confidence.

I introduced Kurtz and his family to a new way of walking—one that builds trust, reduces stress, and sets the foundation for better behaviour.
When we teach loose lead walking, we’re not just fixing pulling; we’re helping our dogs feel safer and more in control.

If you’re struggling with reactivity or lead pulling, remember: the way you hold the lead affects the way your dog feels.
Give them the chance to relax, and you’ll open the door to real progress.

I hope this helps a few readers. 🐕😊👍
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
Clan Dog

Letter from a Dog: Please, Help Me Understand You 🐾By Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)Dear Human,I try, I really do. I try to...
07/06/2025

Letter from a Dog:
Please, Help Me Understand You 🐾

By Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

Dear Human,

I try, I really do. I try to understand what you want from me —
When you call my name in a sharp voice,
When you sigh in frustration,
When you walk away shaking your head.

I can feel the disappointment, but I don’t know what I did wrong.
And it makes me feel like I’m failing you.

But here’s the truth: I’m not stubborn. I’m not bad, I’m just confused.

We don’t speak the same language.
You use words, I use my body.
You live in a world of logic, I live in a world of instincts.
And too often, we miss each other in the middle.

You want me to listen — but you've never learned how to "speak dog.”
So you try harder, shout louder, or give up on me.
And I just stand there, tail low, hoping we can figure this out… together.

So many of us — dogs and humans — live in silent frustration.
You feel let down. I feel lost.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are people out there who can help — people who understand both of us.
People like Allan Ritchie, who has spent over 40 years training dogs like me — military dogs, police dogs, and family dogs who sleep on the sofa (like me).

He knows how to show you what I need.
Not with gadgets or gimmicks, but with clear, kind communication.
And right now, he’s offering to share that knowledge for FREE — with 7 days of online training at no cost to you!.

I can’t sign up. I can’t click links or read guides.
But you can.

So please,… if you love me — help me.
Help me by helping yourself.
Learn how I think. Understand why I act the way I do.
Because once you learn to speak dog, I promise — I will listen.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just willing.
And no offence, but between the two of us…
You’re the one who really needs the training. 😅

With all the hope in my heart, go to Clan Dog and start your 7 Day FREE Trial. Start to learn about me.

It's FREE and you might even enjoy it.....
Your dog. 🐕😀

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What is Clan Dog?

Allan Ritchie

Clan Dog is a ‘one stop shop’ offering Dog loving Members access to Dog Training & Behaviour assistance, advice and continued support from Club Founder and renowned Trainer, Allan Ritchie.

The Club consists of a ‘collective’ of Dog related businesses who give Discounted Rates to Clan Dog Members, such as;


  • FREE 'Members Only' Training Days throughout the year.