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.
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.
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.
Raised hackles in dogs: what does it really mean?
Ever noticed the fur on your dog’s back and neck suddenly standing up on end? This is called piloerection - more commonly known as raised hackles. People often assume when a dog’s hackles are raised it simply means aggression, but that’s not the whole story! Piloerection is an automatic response of the sympathetic nervous system, triggered by fear, stress, arousal or excitement. To understand what your dog is really feeling, you need to look at the whole picture, not just the raised hackles.
Stress signals in dogs
Did you know that dogs show signs of stress long before they bark or growl? Recognising early signals like yawning, lip-licking or turning away can help you step in before behaviour escalates.
Should I Comfort My Dog When They're Scared? The Importance of Helping Dogs Feel Safe
Many owners worry that comforting a frightened dog will make their fear worse. Discover why helping dogs feel safe builds trust, confidence and resilience, and learn practical ways to support anxious or worried dogs.