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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.

This year was all about enriching our dogs’ lives in kind, thoughtful, and joyful ways — here’s a look back at the standout conversations, ideas, and connections we shared in 2025.

Interactive play isn’t just about burning off energy—it’s a powerful, joyful way to build trust, improve focus, and reinforce positive behaviours. In this blog, I’ll share how play can transform your training, deepen your bond, and bring more fun, patience, and connection into everyday life.

In this blog, I share what I believe dogs really want for Christmas through real moments with Manu and Poppy: clarity, patience, balance, emotional support and play. From using consistent cues to create safety, to helping dogs regulate their big feelings, to choosing rest as carefully as we choose adventure, this is about giving our dogs the gifts that last far beyond December. Gentle, practical, and deeply connected — just as our relationship with them should be.

In this blog, I share how Predation Substitute Training (PST) transformed my relationship with my own dog, Poppy. Rather than trying to stop her hunting instincts, I learned to work with them—giving her safe, structured ways to express behaviours like stalking, chasing, and dissecting.

Many reasons why enclosed fields are more than just ‘a place to run’ — they’re spaces for safety, decompression, learning, and deepening your connection with your dog. Whether you’re navigating big feelings or simply seeking more freedom in your routine, secure dog fields offer something special for every dog–human duo.

Thinking about getting a second dog? Whether you’re feeling excited, uncertain, or just exploring the idea, this blog will help you decide if now is the right time — not just for you, but for your current dog too. With kind, practical guidance and personal insights from life here in Reading, Berkshire, you’ll explore the emotional and lifestyle factors to consider before adding a second dog to your family.

As fireworks begin lighting up the skies across Reading and beyond—from Diwali to Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve—many dogs will be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frightened. This gentle guide is packed with practical, positive steps to help your dog feel safe, supported, and understood during the noisy months ahead.

Inspired by community in Berkshire & guided by values Ever wondered how Barkshire Dog Training got its name? Spoiler: it involves a rainy Welsh holiday, a forgotten antique map, and a lightbulb moment I’ll never forget. This blog isn’t just about a name — it’s about the heart behind the business, the values that guide my work, and how a spark of inspiration turned into something truly meaningful.

Summary: Discover Caversham’s most dog welcoming spots Planning a day out with your dog in Caversham? This guide highlights the best...

Whether your dog is heading into surgery or you're caring for them post-op, I hope this story offers reassurance, practical tips, and above all, the reminder that with a little patience, connection, and kindness, healing becomes a time to nurture trust — not just recover from a procedure.

In this blog, I’m sharing the journey of Benji — a rescue dog living in Reading, Berkshire — and how his family went from feeling...