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What does your dog do when someone comes to the house, or when you pass somebody on a walk? Over the years as a dog trainer based in Reading, Berkshire, I would say jumping up is in the top three things people contact me about, alongside support with walks and barking. Nearly everybody has it to some degree, hardly anybody books training for it, and it quietly causes more embarrassment than almost anything else I get asked about.

Two myths that stop owners asking for help If you live with a dog who turns into a different animal the moment they spot a squirrel, you've probably picked up plenty of "helpful" advice along the way. Two of the most common bits I hear are that positive training doesn't work with a strong prey drive, and that you should never play fetch with a dog who chases. Neither one holds up. Summary Positive training does work with prey drive, it gives your dog a genuine alternative rat

Summary Puppies homed in Berkshire this summer have gone through most of their socialisation window without ever experiencing rain, and rain never arrives on its own. It brings noise, cold water, wet grass, puddles, wind, umbrellas and people in unfamiliar clothing, all at once. The answer is to prepare on a dry day, introducing your raincoat, wellies and umbrella indoors, playing rain sounds quietly and practising the towel routine before you need it. Expect toilet training

I did not expect a Japanese relay race to stop me in my tracks on a photo shoot morning in Henley. But that is exactly what happened. As we arrived at Mill Meadows, cameras ready and dogs on leads, the drums started and the crowds cheered. What I witnessed that morning turned out to be the most perfect description of what happens between a dog, their owner and me in a training session. And I have not stopped thinking about it since.

Three of the most common beliefs about dogs who chase, That they'll grow out of it, That ignoring it works, That toys and tug make it worse, These are all myths, chasing is instinct, not defiance, and Predation Substitute Training (PST) works by giving that instinct a safe, structured outlet instead of trying to suppress it.

This time last month I was getting ready for something special. Something that would finally bring to life how I work with clients, not just in words, but visually. After four and a half years of building Barkshire Dog Training, I knew it was time to stop hiding behind the work and start showing up for it properly. So I booked a photographer, called in some clients, and headed to the Thames. Here is what happened.

Have you ever found yourself in this situation? Coffee in one hand, lead in the other. You’ve barely made it past your own front gate before it all goes sideways, your dog starts to lunge, bark, often at something that triggers them every day, then you’re apologising and hurrying off as quickly as you can, your emotions running high.

One of the questions I get asked most as a dog trainer is: “What kind of holiday do you take with your dogs?” One of the ways I love, is camping, appreciate not everyone first choice but with the right preparation, the right strategies, and as I discovered this summer the right campsite, it is not only possible, it is genuinely wonderful. We love camping with our dogs, even when it is complicated. Even when someone has decided the tent next door is absolutely not to be tru

When a dog steps into an environment full of scent, movement and possibility, their nervous system ramps up. As a result they may find it hard to listen, respond or even take treats.

Going on holiday without your dog is harder than anyone admits. As a dog trainer and owner I wanted to share what I know to help you when you in a dilemma to stay or go?

There is something genuinely magical about a holiday where nobody gets left behind — and for those of us who share our lives with dogs, that means booking somewhere that works for every four-legged member of the family tooAs a dog trainer based in Reading, Berkshire, I have had plenty of experience exploring the UK with my own dogs in tow, and I have learned a huge amount along the way.

Each week my newsletter goes out to dog owners across Reading, Caversham, and the wider Berkshire area, sharing what I am thinking about, what I am seeing with clients, and the ideas that sit at the heart of how I work. During April, I dedicated the whole series to exploring the four pillars of Lifestyle Dog Training. This framework shapes everything I do with dogs and their owners. Here is a summary of what I covered this month, along with some of the real stories that broug

Something I see often, and it matters to say it clearly. Sometimes the dog is not the only one who needs support on a walk. Owners, you carry your own history, your own fears, and your own expectations. I know I did. And those things are real. They affect how a walk feels before it has even begun.

Easter has a way of turning up the volume on everyday life. More people, more noise, more excitement, more change to the usual routine. For us, that’s often a welcome thing. For our dogs, it can feel like a lot to take in all at once. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering at your Berkshire home, heading out to a dog-friendly café in the Thames Valley, or simply out and about a bit more than usual, some tips to help you and your dog.

Easter weekend is almost here, and if your dog struggles to settle in busy environments, a café trip can feel more daunting than exciting. The good news? There’s a reason it feels hard, and there are practical things you can do about it. In this blog, Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training explains why dogs struggle to relax in new spaces, why connection is your greatest tool, and shares five gentle, effective tips to set your dog up for a successful Easter outing — from timing your

This blog is about why recall can feel almost impossible at times, and why it’s so worth the effort. When you and your dog finally crack it together, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of your relationship.

In this post, I want to share what the experience was like, the people I met, and what this recognition truly means as I continue to build Barkshire Dog Training.

Barkshire Dog Training wins Theo Paphitis (Small Business Sunday) award In this post, you'll learn what SBS is, how I went about winning, and why this recognition matters for you and your dog.

Bringing home a second dog is exciting, but that first meeting matters, using some of Reading's parks and green spaces can help those initial meetings. In this guide, we'll explore how to introduce two dogs in a way that builds trust, reduces stress, and sets the stage for a harmonious life together. With simple steps, local advice for Reading and Berkshire families, and the real story of Poppy's and Manu's experience when they met some doggy friends, you'll feel ready to ma

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why won’t my dog come back?” or searching “How do I build a reliable recall?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common — and most emotionally charged — questions dog guardians ask. Before we jump into techniques and training plans, let’s pause and look at recall from your dog’s point of view. Because reliable recall doesn’t start with control — it starts with understanding.