Top-Rated Dog Trainer in Berkshire, South Bucks & Surrey - Now Certified in Training Without Conflict™

So many dog behaviours get misinterpreted — especially when excitement, fear, and prey drive can look similar on the surface.

Physiological signs like dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, panting, and a focused stare can appear in multiple emotional states. And with the growing trend of labelling most reactive behaviours as ‘fearful’ 😬 it’s easy to misunderstand what a dog is truly feeling — even when the behaviour is actually excitement, high arousal, or prey drive. 🔥

Jax’s hoover reaction is a perfect example. What you’re seeing is chase-driven, high-arousal behaviour 🎯 not fear or avoidance aggression.

Breeds like Malinois, Border Collies, Staffies, and many terriers often show this kind of chase behaviour toward toys, cars, moving objects, or even household items. That’s why context, breed tendencies, past experience, and the INDIVIDUAL DOG all matter. 🐕

Remember: even signals like “whale eye”, shaking, licking don’t always mean anxiety. Dog communication is individual too, just like ours.

Over the next few weeks I’ll share exactly how we helped Jax stop chasing the hoover — plus more breakdowns of similar behaviours.

If you’ve seen this in your dog, let me know in the comments. I love to hear the different stories. 😀

#dogs #dogsofinstagram #doglovers #doglife #dogvideos #petlovers #dogparents #dogeducation #dogtrainingtips #dogbodylanguage #caninebehaviour #reactivedogs #preydrive #chasebehaviour #workingdog #caninesense ...

Most people mislabel this behaviour when they see it. Even trainers!!

I’ve helped dogs who were put on medication for YEARS because their reactions were misunderstood 🤯
…and certain ideologies were blindly followed.

What do YOU think is going on here?
No wrong answers — I want your honest read.

#dogbehaviour #dogtrainingtips #dogbodylanguage #reactivedog #malinois #workingdog #dogsofinstagram #dogowners #pettraining #doglife #dogtrainer #canineeducation #dogtips #puppylove #dogs_of_instagram #caninesense ...

Bang bang 🔫

I’ve come up with a new trick for the Rotties. Ember is being particularly dramatic!!
Did you notice how she lay down extra slowly? And do you know why?

Breeze generally loves to roll around in the grass, while Ember rarely does. This means Ember was a bit hesitant because rolling in the grass isn’t something she naturally prefers, whereas Breeze has enjoyed this exercise pretty much from the start since lying down in the grass is something she already loves to do.

Over time, though, the behaviour itself will become rewarding for Ember. I’ll share a video of this again in a few weeks, and you’ll be able to see the difference in her.

Ah and before I forget, what should I teach the Rottis next? 🤔 do you have something in mind?

#playdead #dogtrainingisfun #rottweiler #rottiegirls #dogs #dogtrainer #dogtricks #dogmoments #caninesense #doglovers #dogtrickstraining #rottweiler_lover #rottiesofinstagram #dogplayingdead ...

Trust is a key element in training dogs. To earn that trust, we must show who we truly are. I don’t believe in tricking my dogs; I prefer to be honest and transparent about my intentions. In my opinion, many people give up too easily when faced with challenges. However, there is so much to gain when we choose to persevere.

I have researched the definition of trust and this is what I found:

“Trust is a fundamental aspect of relationships and social interactions, characterised by a belief in the reliability, integrity, and competence of someone or something. It involves a willingness to be vulnerable, as it often requires relying on others to act in our best interests without fear of betrayal or harm.”

Key elements of trust include:

1. Reliability: The expectation that someone will follow through on their promises or commitments.

2. Integrity: A belief that the person or entity will act ethically and honestly.

3. Competence: Confidence in the ability of the other party to fulfill their responsibilities or roles effectively.

4. Vulnerability: Trust often involves a degree of risk, as it requires opening oneself up to potential disappointment or harm.

#trust #dogtraining #dogcooperation #dogtrust #malinoispuppy #nailtrimming #dogtrainer #doghandling #doglife #caninesense #dogbehaviour #dogowner #dogtips #dogs #malinois ...

I work with many clients who have adopted rescue dogs from abroad or the UK. Some have been very fortunate, while others have faced more challenges. Some dogs exhibit behavioural issues, others have health concerns, and some may experience both. I’m not trying to discourage anyone from adopting; I simply want to emphasise that one needs to be prepared for anything! Many dogs, especially those from abroad, have often been rescued from the streets and have had little human interaction. They arrive here very frightened and can struggle to adapt to our busy lifestyles.

Worldwide, the dog population is estimated to be between 700 million and 1 billion. Of these, roughly 75-85% are free-ranging (street, village, or stray) and may be unowned, while the remaining 15-25% are owned pets. In my personal opinion, it isn’t always in the best interest of these free animals to live as pets.

#rescuedogs #dogadoption #dogbehaviour #shelterdog #rescuepets #dogpopulation #preparedness #caninesense #ukrescuedog ...