Dog Behaviour Blog - Nick Jones
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How to Stop Your Dog Digging
If your once-pleasing garden is being turned into a crater, you're not alone, destructive digging is a common issue I help resolve. In this post, I explain how understanding the stages of digging, sniffing, scratching, then full-on excavation can help us design a tailored plan that addresses both root causes and damage control. With guided supervision, mental stimulation, and creative problem-solving, we can preserve your garden and protect your bond with your dog.
Diet, Food and Related Canine Behaviour
Your dog's food could be the hidden culprit behind hyperactive, aggressive, or lethargic behavior - and most owners have no idea. This comprehensive guide reveals how artificial additives in popular dog foods can trigger behavioral problems and provides expert advice on choosing the right nutrition for a calmer, more focused pet. Learn the feeding strategies that professional dog behaviourists use to transform problem dogs into well-mannered companions.
Choosing a Dog Behaviourist / Dog Trainer
Not all dog behaviourists are created equal, and I often meet clients who have sadly been misled by flashy titles and poor methods. In this post, I share advice on how to properly vet a trainer before they enter your home and handle your dog. With transparency, experience, and a commitment to your dog’s welfare, I welcome tough questions to ensure you're choosing the right person for the job.
Introducing the Dog to Your Baby Safely
Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s most joyful milestones, but it can also turn your dog’s world upside down if you're not prepared. In this post, I share practical, proven ways to help your dog gently adjust to the big change and avoid behavioural issues before they start. With some early planning and calm guidance, it’s absolutely possible to have a relaxed dog and a happy baby living under the same roof.
Chewing and Destructive Behaviour with Dogs
Chewing and destructive behaviour in dogs can feel overwhelming, but with the right insight, it’s often easily resolved. In this article, I explain the common reasons dogs chew, from teething and boredom to anxiety and overstimulation, and give practical, tried-and-tested ways to manage and redirect it. With a little detective work and some sensible adjustments, you can protect your home and support your dog in becoming calmer and more content.
How to Stop Your Dog Barking
Barking is normal dog behaviour, but when it becomes excessive, it can cause stress, neighbour complaints, and even legal trouble. In this post, I walk you through the many reasons dogs bark, how to calmly reduce unwanted barking, and what to do if you’re either receiving or facing complaints. With the right insight and some structured help, barking can be managed in a fair and balanced way that benefits both you and your dog.
Biting and Nipping Problems with Dogs
If your puppy is biting, nipping, or becoming too rough, you’re not alone, and you’re right to take it seriously early on. In this post, I explain why puppies mouth and how to calmly but firmly stop it before it becomes a lasting problem, while also offering guidance on more serious adult dog aggression. With the right approach, you can set respectful, black and white rules that lead to a calm, trustworthy and well-mannered dog in any home.
Car Travel Problems With Dogs
Struggling with a dog that gets stressed, aggressive or overexcited in the car? I’ve tackled these problems many times and can show you how to turn car travel from chaos into calm. From motion sickness to barking fits, protective behaviour or outright refusal to get in, I offer step-by-step advice to help your dog become a relaxed travel companion.