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Dog Training Support
Practical tips and guidance to help you and your dog thrive together in everyday life.
Supportive advice for building calm, confident connections with your dog in real-world situations.
Kind, practical training support to guide you and your dog through life’s challenges.
Your go-to space for training tips, support, and strategies to make life with your dog easier and more enjoyable.


Why does recall feel impossible? What to do help to get reliable recall.
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
5 days ago6 min read


Introducing a second dog in Reading: A gentle guide from first meeting to settling in.
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

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Jan 314 min read


Interactive Play: Strengthening bonds through fun and games with your dogs.
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Dec 9, 20254 min read


The Gifts Dogs Truly Need at Christmas: Clarity, Calm and Connection
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Nov 26, 20255 min read


Hunting With Your Dog: A Kinder Way to Manage Prey Drive
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Nov 14, 20254 min read


Why use a secure dog field? Safe, enriching spaces for you and your dog.
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Should I get a second dog? How to tell if your dog — and you are truly ready.
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Oct 9, 20255 min read


How to help your dog with firework anxiety and noise sensitivity during Bonfire night, Diwali and New Years Eve.
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.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Sep 26, 20255 min read


From Chaos to Connection: Understanding Predation Substitute Training (PST) why your dog loves to chase
Struggling with a dog who’s wild around wildlife? Does a single squirrel sighting turn your woodland stroll into a tug-of-war? You’re not alone.

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
May 15, 20253 min read


Getting ready for your new puppy in Reading, Berkshire? Here’s what you need (and what you don’t!)
Welcoming a puppy into your life in Berkshire is a truly magical experience—but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. With endless advice and shopping lists out there, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. In this blog, I’ll guide you through what you actually need to give your pup the best start—from practical essentials to key skills that nurture calm, confidence, and connection

Sarah at Barkshire Dog Training
Apr 18, 20253 min read
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