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Fostering a well-informed, compassionate community.

Our blog is your resource for enriching lives, building understanding, and fostering a compassionate, well-informed community. Whether you're seeking practical tips, behavioural insights, or inspiring stories, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Together, let’s create a brighter, more connected future for you and your dog.

Woman sitting on white sofa with dog on her lap with her laptop

A German Shepherd Dog is lying down and facing toward the right with neutral body language and closed mouth, while being investigated by and English Setter approaching from the right facing left with neutral body language and closed mouth.

Language – what does it mean?

Dogs use body language, we use spoken language - what does it all mean?

Mar 285 min read

Pets can get sunburned too

While there is good awareness of the potential dangers of pets overheating in high temperatures during summer months, recognising that the sunburn itself can be a source of harm is also important. We might think that our furry friends are protected from the sun’s harmful rays thanks to their typical hairiness, but in reality, we need to protect them too. This is especially important for pets with light-coloured hair, pale, pink skin or those with fine or thin coats such as th

Sep 3, 20253 min read

Black German Shepherd Dog lying in front of a flock of grazing Dorset sheep

Breed-specific behaviour of German Shepherd Dogs

Pat has been working with GSDs in farming since the late 1970s. Having gained her MSc from Southampton she offers her services as a Behaviour and Training Consultant and has a wealth of knowledge coupled with lived experience working her team of GSDs. In 2021 her stunning dog Anna became HGH Anna von Tharandter Wald and achieved the accolade of being the first British trained and handled HGH.

Aug 14, 202517 min read

Five reasons your dog might really benefit from canine clothing

From raincoats to fleecy jumpers, snoods to booties, here are five reasons why your dog might need canine clothing this winter.

Nov 28, 20244 min read

Development and Start of the APDT

Most people wanted to have fun training their family pets and did not want to become bullies in the name of training.

Oct 1, 20245 min read

International Guide Dog Day

From APDT Dog Trainer to Guide Dog Puppy Development Advisor – Rebecca Stranney (MAPDT 01421) I joined the APDT as a full member in 2019. I was working as a self-employed dog trainer at the time and having gone it alone for a year or so, I was seeking a seal of approval – a measure of my standards, ethics and positive training style and an all-important support network in what can otherwise be a lonely career. I remember getting the letter confirming I was successful after as

Apr 27, 20227 min read

When does a dog have her first season?

The first season most commonly occurs between 6 – 23 months of age with most dogs having their first season by the age of 14-months. The time frame can vary between dog breeds with smaller breeds sometimes occurring at a younger age whilst large breeds occurring at a later age. How long does it last for and why do they act differently? Seasons last for approximately 3-weeks but can be shorter or up to 4-weeks. There are approximately 4-phases to a season with the first phase

Aug 7, 20205 min read

I have a reactive dog - can I get a new puppy too?

Many people who have a reactive dog wonder if they can ever have a puppy again. And they wonder their reactive dog would accept the puppy.

Jun 13, 20176 min read