Dog Training & Behaviour Blog:
Expert Dog Training Articles and Advice
Welcome to the Walkies dog training and behaviour blog, where you’ll find practical, compassionate advice to help you better understand your dog. This dog blog is full of evidence-based behaviour and training articles written to support you through everyday challenges.
How to Help a Dog Scared of Fireworks Feel Safer
Is your dog frightened by fireworks? Find out how to recognise the signs of fear, help them feel safer and prepare for fireworks season.
Why Does My Puppy Sit Down on Walks?
Does your puppy keep sitting down on walks? Before encouraging them to carry on, it's worth considering why they've stopped. From tiredness and uncertainty to simply needing time to take things in, there are several reasons puppies may be reluctant to walk.
When Dog Behaviour Problems Aren't Just About Training
Not every dog behaviour problem can be resolved with more training. Fear, anxiety, pain and other factors can all influence how dogs respond to the world around them. Understanding what's behind the behaviour is often the first step towards helping them.
Does Crate Training Help With Anxiety?
If you think your dog may be anxious, it can be difficult to know what will actually help. You may have heard that crate training can make an anxious dog feel safer, but the answer isn't quite that straightforward.
A crate doesn't treat anxiety. For some dogs who already feel comfortable using one, a crate can provide a familiar place where they choose to rest or retreat. For others - particularly dogs who find confinement difficult or who become distressed when left alone - shutting them in a crate can actually increase their distress.
Do Dogs Understand Human Body Language?
Have you ever picked up your dog's lead and watched them immediately race towards the door, without you saying a word?
Our posture, facial expressions, movements and gestures can give dogs clues about what we're feeling and what we want from them.
The tricky part is that the signals we give them aren't always as clear as we think, and mixed signals can make training or behavioural challenges difficult to work through.
Margaux’s Story: Being Safe Isn’t the Same as Feeling Safe
Margaux was safe. But Margaux didn’t know that.
When she arrived in her new home, she was loved. She had a secure home, a family determined to do their best for her and Lily, another rescue dog who was already very much part of family life.
But physical safety and feeling safe are very different things.
Margaux would show all of us just how different they can be.
When the World Feels Too Big: Mia’s Story
Mia was rescued as a puppy in Romania, alongside her mum and siblings. She travelled to the UK and was adopted by Jane when she was around four months old.
I already knew Jane because I’d been working with her other Romanian rescue puppy, Milo - a story for another day.
What followed became years of working with a dog who taught us an enormous amount about fear, safety, choice and what progress can look like when we stop deciding what a dog should be ready for and start listening to what they are actually telling us.
When Behaviour and Pain Overlap: Rosie's Story
Rosie came into rescue as a frightened young Border Collie with an incredibly difficult start in life. Her fear and reactivity made sense - but over time, subtle physical signs made me wonder whether they explained the whole picture. This is Rosie’s story of behaviour, pain, investigation, surgery and recovery.
Are Puppy Zoomies Normal? Understanding Your Puppy’s Energy Bursts
If your puppy suddenly hurtles round the living room, ears back, bouncing off the sofa like it's on fire, you've met the zoomies.
Before you can help your puppy settle, it helps to understand exactly what's going on in their body and brain when the zoomies strike.
Why Does My Dog Lie Down and Stare at Other Dogs?
Why does your dog lie down and stare at other dogs on walks? Learn how herding instincts, greeting expectations, frustration, fear, conflict and even pain can contribute to this common behaviour — and what you can do to help.
Why Doesn't My Dog Listen? Understanding What Gets in the Way of Learning
Many owners feel frustrated when their dog seems to ignore cues they know well. In this article, we explore why dogs don't always listen, how emotions and environment affect learning, and what you can do to help your dog succeed.
Do I Need a Dog Trainer or a Behaviourist?
Not sure whether your dog needs training or behaviour support? Learn the difference between a dog trainer and a behaviourist, why it matters, and how to choose the right help for your dog.
Is Your Dog Scared of the Vet? Practical Ways to Reduce Stress at Veterinary Visits
Vet visits can be stressful for many dogs. In this guide, Norfolk canine behaviourist Vivienne Moore shares practical, force-free tips to help dogs feel safer and more comfortable during veterinary appointments, from waiting-room strategies and cooperative care to muzzle training and positive vet visits.
I Love My Puppy, But I'm Not Enjoying This: The Reality of Puppyhood and Why Early Support Helps
Feeling overwhelmed by puppy biting, jumping up, lead pulling or a puppy that simply won't settle? You're not alone. Discover why so many owners struggle with puppyhood and how early support can make a lasting difference.
How To Settle A Rescue Dog Into Your Home: Why Slowing Down Matters
Bringing a rescue dog home is an exciting moment. After weeks, months, or sometimes years of waiting, you've finally found your new companion. Many owners imagine this will be the start of a happy new chapter - and it is. But it's also important to remember that for your dog, life has just changed dramatically.
Why Is My Dog Still Hyper After Exercise?
Think your dog just needs more exercise? Sometimes more activity isn’t the answer. If your dog seems hyper, restless, reactive or struggles to settle, the issue may be over-arousal, poor recovery, or the wrong type of outlet rather than not enough exercise.
Why Does My Dog Ignore Me Outside? Understanding What’s Really Going On
Does your dog listen perfectly at home but seem to ignore you outside? Learn why distractions, stress, training context, and even physical discomfort can affect behaviour — and what actually helps.
Helping Dogs and Children Feel Safe Together
Sharing life with dogs and children can be wonderful, but misunderstandings can happen. Learn how to recognise subtle canine body language, support safer family interactions, and help dogs and children feel safe together.