2024 was the year that D4dogs really found its feet. All areas of the business have grown and developed, be that dog walking, dog training and behavioural support or dog sitting.

Personally I have gained additional experience and understanding of dogs and their behaviour, through a mix of working with an ever growing range of dogs, ongoing private study and research into dogs – trying to keep up to date with the most recent developments in Canine Science and attendance at a 4 day workshop delivered by CIDBT at the Kennel Club in Warwickshire – focusing on aggressive behaviour in dogs, including dog on dog aggression and dog on human aggression, exploring causes, practical solutions and prevention. (Further workshops will be booked for 2025!)

D4dogs has grown through the addition of Vicki, Debbie and Megan. Vicki joined on a full time basis in the spring and quickly established herself with dogs and owners, she also offers Dog Sitting providing care and attention for dogs in the owners own homes. Debbie also joined D4dogs in the Spring on a part time basis and has established a brilliant rapport with her clients – 2 & 4 legged! Megan joined more recently, on a part time basis, and after several weeks shadowing Vicki and myself is now taking on her own clients. Megan will also be offering Pet Sitting, providing additional capacity.

Megan and Vicki with dogs! More details of the dog sitting service can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/184Wjf8zy5/?mibextid=LQQJ4d or call on 07743864373.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year was being approached to organise a fun dog show as part of Abbfest, a local food and drink festival that raises money for charity. After is was decided Abbfest would allow dogs into the festival, they decided they would have a dog show as well – so Dogfest was born! It was a lot of hard work, it never would have worked without the support of my wife, Kevin and Lesley our good friends and a host of other brilliant volunteers that made it work – despite the biblical downpour on the morning of the dog show!

Along side the fun dog show – superbly judged by Huw Peplow from Seymour Vets, we ran an agility course, sausage eating competition and a couple of other events. We also ran a photograph competition to find the dog to be the face of Dogfest 2025! Judged by Faye Winter local celebratory and influencer (who just happened to be an ex student of mine and sister of a long term client! Watch this space for news of Dogfest 25 and the Country Show at Newton Abbot Racecourse in August for more Fun Dog Shows!

Faye with Bonnie her Golden Retriever and below that the Dogfest winning photo as chosen by Faye.

We have continued to raise money for good causes – in 2023 and 24 we have been supporting Devon Dogs Behaviour, Rehabilitation and Rehoming. A rescue and sanctuary for dogs, run by the amazing Ruth Owens, which provides temporary and when required, a place for life for dogs whose behaviour makes them unsuited to being re-homed. Every Big Dog Walk has raised money through the kind donations of those who join us for walk in Bakers Park (or along the river Teign, in the summer months.) We also raise a little bit through participating in the Maltings Taphouse Tuesday quiz and donating the winnings – on the rare occasion we have won!

The Big Dog Walks have grown significantly since we started them in 2022, there are many regulars, who enjoy being able to let their larger dogs meet and interact with other big dogs, in a friendly, knowledgable and supportive environment. We probably average about 14 dogs per walk now, mostly depending on the weather! We had set ourselves the target of raising over a £1000 pounds in 2024 and it looks like we will achieve that, with two potential walks to go – the nexts being the 8th of December 1.30pm at Bakers Park.

October’s Bog Dog Walk – perhaps the wettest 90 minutes ever!

We have also been lucky enough to work with a number of dog charities, either directly or indirectly, we have been bother exercising dogs and helping reduce behavioural issues with South West GSD Rescue. Helping them to successfully re-home some lovely dogs, some of whom did need a little work, including following up and supporting their adoptive families. Jax below, in his new home.

Overall 2024 has been an amazing, hard, challenging but ultimately enjoyable year for D4dogs. The business has grown far more and far quicker than I would have predicted this time last year. We are keeping to our key principles – we will never walk more than 3 dogs per human in public spaces and never more than 6 dogs! Everyone at D4dogs must be DBS checked and hold or be working towards a qualification in Canine First Aid. We continue to use Pet Plan Sanctuary to provide the highest level of insurance cover for all our businesses and clients.

Given 23/24 was the year of the XL Bully it should come as no surprise that we have worked closely with several of these dogs, successfully supporting the rehoming of one and continuing to support the behavioural issues of others. We still focus the larger breeds and regularly work with German Shepherds, Cane Corso’s, Mastiffs, English Bull Terriers, American and English Bull Dogs, Doberman’s and various mixes including Rottweilers, Caucasian Shepherds, Bull Mastiffs and Chows. But we also work with Cockerpoo’s, Dachshunds, Miniature Pinchers, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.

We are also working with various rescue dogs, both UK origin and overseas – including Eastern European, Cypriot, Egyptian and Korean dogs. All with their own issues and everyone being unique.

So here’s to 2024 – its been a good year, lets hope 2025 brings more positive developments.

1 – Every dog is unique and needs to be treated as such

Behaviour, personality, likes & dislikes, energy levels, diet, habits, response to training, what motivates them, breed, breeding, socialisation, learning & experience 

The better you know your dog, & your understand your dog the better your relationship with them will be

2 – Understand that breed has a significant influence on a dog – it’s behaviour, personality, it’s needs – work with them

10 core types of dog based on 10’s of thousands of years of human directed selective breeding – guardian, herding, sight, scent, gun, bull, companion, terrier, world, natural

3 – Exercise, diet, environment and routine are crucial to a dogs health and well being

Many behavioural (& health) issues can be related to these 3 areas. 

Modern human lifestyles doesn’t always support dog welfare. 

Exercise can be more than a simple walk

Diet can be easily and cheaply supplemented with veg and raw foods

4 – Dogs communicate all the time – learn to understand what your dog is telling you

Their body language – how they hold themselves, the position of their ears, their eyes, their tail, their mouths, every part of the dog is telling you something if you know how to read their body language!

5 – Dogs are watching and reading you all the time – so be aware what you are telling your dog

Just as your dog is communicating to you al the time, so they are watching and listening to you, your body language, your tone of voice, your words. Understand this, remember this and when you wonder why did they do that?  Chances are its because they have been reading you and were following what they took to be your lead…

6 – Training is a non negotiable part of owning a dog

Every dog needs to be trained, whether it’s a 1.5 kg lapdog or a 100kg mastiff 

Operant conditioning provides an effective framework for training and Positive Reinforcement is the most effective part when related to dog training.

Pain has no place in training your dog, but you do need to control and manage your dog for their and everyone’s benefit

7 – Dogs are not wolves, they are not descended from wolves, Dogs live in families not packs, there are parents but no alphas, no struggle for dominance!

Dogs like children growing up need rules, guidance, advocacy and of course education & training. But they don’t need to be dominated or tamed, there has been perhaps 40000 years of selective breeding to develop the partnership between human and dog

Some breeds will tend towards independence others towards dependency based on their original purpose – a herding dog will most likely have a strong drive to work with humans, a livestock guardian breed most likely will have far less need for human interaction 

8 – Don’t judge your dog or it’s behaviour by human standards 

Judging a dog by human standards sets the dog up to fail – dogs live in the moment, are driven by a different set of instincts and drives. They don’t know when to behave or when to play. They don’t plan, plot, seek revenge or behave like Disney characters – they are dogs and we should love and celebrate them for what they are!

9 – Find a good vet you trust and you and your dog can have a positive relationship with

There are many Vets to choose from, from large national organisations to single vet practices. There are no hard and fast rules, but your dog should be registered with a local vet in case they need treatment. 

Choose a Vet that makes you and your dog(s) comfortable.  Can you talk to them, do they make you feel reassured?  What services can they offer, office hours or 24 hour coverage? Some Vets can offer almost every service available, others may link up with larger practices or Vet Hospitals. What are you happy with – don’t be afraid to ask ask questions.

10 – Know what the law says about your dog – You (or the person walking the dog) are responsible for the dog and it’s behaviour

Its highly recommend that you Insure your dog – public liability & vet cover.

Clear up after your dog & carer sufficient bags for this purpose

Keep your dog on a lead where required – no longer than 1 metre on pavements etc

Do not walk more than 6 dogs – the varies by District council 6 is the current maximum in Teignbridge

You dog is legally out of control if it injures someone or cause concerns that it might injure someone (or another animal inc another dog)

Like road rage but directed at dogs and their owners

Manifests as;

Accusation it’s a dangerous dog – “that’s a pit bull!” – when its actually a Staffie… 

Claims your dog is aggressive when it is lunging and barking on the lead because its nervous and/or frightened of the small dog rushing in and out of its personal space barking and snapping at it…

Verbal demands such as keep your dog away from me, my kid, my dog etc. as you walk past with your perfectly behaved dog on a lead…

Over protective reaction – sweeping small dogs up into their arms,  whilst pulling face of disapproval and tutting, placing their dog at the level of your dogs nose, whilst your dog had been ignoring them…

Excessive over reaction to dog on dog interaction- your dog is attacking mine… when it is natural dog play behaviour…

Entitled perspective- My off lead complete dog doesn’t like complete males therefore your dog must be on a lead…

Unsolicited advice on managing your dog such as – that dog should be muzzled!

Unnecessary request by the commercial dog walker with their 6-7 off lead dogs running about, that you keep your dog away…

Keep your dog under control instructions, by the ball throwing dog walker as they launch the tennis ball directly in front of your dog for the 7th time in 5 minutes…

Keyboard warriors who post exaggerated and inaccurate accounts of ‘terrible dog experiences’ they have had to endure on social media…

Dog Breedism – a bit of sociological insight

Dog breedism – prejudicial beliefs and attitudes held about specific dog types, breeds, size and certain colours of dogs, as a result of which individuals with these prejudices will ascribe negative patterns of behaviour and personality types upon dogs who fit this stereotype or label.

Thus they believe-all (type or breed of dog – GSD, Malinois, Rottweiler, Doberman, Staffie, Bull Mastiff, XLBully, Cane Corso etc) are aggressive and dangerous, regardless of the actual dogs behaviour or personality.

Like the other -isms (racism, sexism, ageism etc) these attitudes are created by ignorance, fostered by unrepresentative and inaccurate reporting in the media and social media, and broad generalisation based on one off experiences or events.

Unfortunately there is a very small number of dogs who do fit the negative labels, either through poor or irresponsible breeding, inappropriate owners who seek affirmation through association and ownership of so called status dogs, and by far the most common cause, inadequate socialisation and training.

None of this is intended to diminish the thankfully rare occasions where dogs do become aggressive and hurt other dogs, or worse humans. However it does seem to reflect a growing trend of intolerance amongst some members of the public and some breeds of dogs and their caring responsible owners.

I would be very interested to hear others views on this issue…

As you may be aware I promised to outline my approach to working with Dogs and their Owners, an approach I refer to as Holistic – that is trying to understand the dog, their owners, circumstances and environment as well as the specific issue or concerns that I am asked to support them with.

Every dog is unique and its physical traits, behavioural traits, personality type, energy level and ‘issues’ are the product of a broad range of factors including (but not exclusively) these listed below;

Breed – dogs are the product of domestication and selective breeding for thousands of years, to fulfil specific roles, be they guardian, herder, terrier, sight, scent, bull, toy and so on. To understand a dog you need to consider their genetics and the predispositions and potential this gives them. But breed is not the defining characteristic of a dog, however it is a useful indicator! Know how the dog is likely to behave, its probable size, exercise and grooming needs, its potential to react to external factors and people may all be genetically determined. In blunt terms its rarely a good idea to get a Cocker Spaniel or Border Collie if you prefer the sofa to the great outdoors. (There are of course dogs that prove the exception – like the 50KG Neapolitan Mastiff that just wants to run around the woods and fields all day!)

The Individual dogs breeding background and early experiences – Is the dog from a long line of working dogs, family pet or show dog? Different breeding will potentially influence a dogs likely development and future behaviour. Early socialisation with the litter mates and mother (or dam) may influence elements of personality and patterns of learned behaviour. Dogs raised in a family home and exposed to a broad range of human environments, may adapt to life as a pet more easily than a puppy from a commercial breeder whose concern for the puppies welfare is profit motivated.

Life stage of the dog; puppy, adolescent, adult, elderly – Dogs like humans have distinct life stages, they change, develop and adapt to each with varying degrees of success. It’s a sad fact that a large number of dogs put up for adoption/rehoming are in the adolescent stage – where like humans – they can be a little bit challenging, especially when we compare them to the younger version of their selves…

Rescue dog – Rescue it’s an old phrase but still valid – “Rescue – my favourite breed!” However rescues can come with a range of additional issues and blanks in their CV that mean their families may need to start from the beginning of training and socialisation. But rest assured the vast majority of rescue dogs make the transition to their new family and home successfully, even those joining us from a totally different climate, culture and circumstance.

Health issues and conditions – Dogs behaviour is affected by their physical well-being. A healthy dog may develop and behave along the expected trajectory, however a dog that struggles with inherited genetic illnesses or conditions, or suffers from disease may not be so lucky. Conditions that cause pain or discomfort may make the dog irritable or unpredictable. Sudden changes in behaviour in a dog, may be the result of illness – so as a first step, always get them checked over by a competent Vet.

Injuries – As with illness and conditions, injuries can impact significantly on a dogs behaviour and personality. It may in turn effect your ability to exercise the dog properly, which may create further issues. Joints, pads, spine, jaw, eyes and ears etc can all impact on a dogs well being and may require careful consideration in order to manage them effectively for your dog. As above Sudden changes in behaviour in a dog, may be the result of pain – so as a first step, always get them checked over by a competent Vet.

Socialisation – as well as the crucial early stages of puppyhood, dogs benefit from planned socialisation that allows them to adapt to and absorb the many factors that they will encounter throughout their life as a pet. Other dogs of various breeds and ages, humans of all life stages genders, cultural backgrounds, noises, vehicles, environments etc. Familiarity will help your dog adapt to and accept human environments more easily. Poor or a lack of good socialisation – “lock down puppy syndrome” – can lead to a number of behavioural issues for dogs.

Home environment – what type of environment does the dog live in, house, flat, garden, access to outdoors, nearby parks, urban or rural etc. Where does the dog sleep or go to, which rooms can it access, is it crated, solo or multiple dogs/other pets. Potential causes of stress or excitement

Family structure and membership – How many humans does the dog share the house with on a permanent, part time or occasional basis. How do the different members of the family interact with the dog, variations in behaviour and response from the dog.

Daily schedule week days/ weekend – How does the dog spend its day? During the week and at weekends? How much contact time does the dog have with its family?

Exercise routine – One of the most important areas in terms of potential impact on the well being of the dog, its physical and mental health and behaviour. Too much or too little exercise can have significant implications for you dog and its family!

Diet and delivery method/schedule – As the old saying goes – rubbish in, rubbish out – both literally and in a more general sense. There are a huge range of options for dogs diet, some good, some excellent and some that might be at the root of a range of potential issues!

Recent changes or significant event ie family or routine changes, loss of other dog etc – Dogs like humans are affected by changes in their environment – it many cases this can be worse as the dog has no control over the environment and situation it lives in, but stress and anxiety will be expressed in the dogs behaviour, mental and physical health. There are many approaches that can help dogs and owners successfully manage the challenges life throws at us.

Prior training home or professional – It’s important to know what previous training the dog has received and the approach used to deliver the training – as well as its success, or otherwise! Puppy classes, professional training, family following a specific book or approach to dog training accessed through the internet. Some approaches are more effective and some are more ethical. One of the issues is the sheer amount of advice out there and the often contradictory nature of it…

Owners previous dog history – First time dog owner, dog as a child, lots of experience the variations are endless. In some case issues with dogs may result from previously effective care and lifestyle, not being suitable for a dog with different breed characteristics. An Old English Bulldog owner changing to a Springer Spaniel might not expect the change in exercise required to be quite as extreme as it might be. Equally a Springer Spaniel owner going the other way to an Old English Bulldog, might be shocked by the different response to training of the Bulldog when compared to the Spaniel!

Other areas of discussion may include the following points, issues and concerns.

Likes and dislikes ie ball toy chew food rump scratches

Mental stimulation opportunities

Collar or harness type

Reactive – dogs other animals

Reactive – people

Reactive- vehicles other

Other issues

Loose lead walking

Off lead walking

Recall

Jumping up

Resource guarding

Barking

Mouthing & nipping

Well being

Nervous

Anxiety

Fear

Obsessions

Isolation anxiety

Understanding a dog, its behaviour, welfare and well being is not a simple task. Meeting the client, the dog(s), walking them, observing them interact with their family and other dogs. In addition to the initial assessment helps to gradually develop an insight and hopefully understanding of the dog and its issues. More importantly, this will hopefully provide the answers that allow us to change the dog (or the owners) behaviour in order to achieve our goal of Happy Dogs, Happy Humans, Happy Days.

With the owners permission, I wanted to share a short account of the work D4Dog Walking, Training and Behaviour Support have been doing with Bear, a Greek Shepherd Dog, rescued by his owners from Greece in 2021.

I first met Bear in December 2021, on Christmas Day! He is a stunning dog, as you can see in the photos, a large, bordering on giant dog in size and weighing roughly 50KG. A handsome and powerful dog. At this point his owners had had Bear for around 5 months, having collected him from the rescue organisation in August 2021.

Our initial discussions revolved around the possibility of working on his recall, which was poor, but quickly expanded to include a growing number of concerns about Bear’s behaviour. The most significant concern was Bear’s relationship with his male owner. Bear was becoming challenging towards him, using his size to push him off the sofa, not respecting his space when working at home on the computer, stubbornness, including refusing to come into the house when called by him and most concerning, biting him on the hands and arms when he was excited, something that happened in particular whilst on walks.

I was shown several of his owners jackets, which Bear had simply ripped and or bitten and punctured through on the arms and a pair of tough leather rigger gloves that were also ripped and punctured by tooth marks. It was becoming clear that Bear’s owners were approaching the point, where they were seriously beginning to consider if they could keep him.

A factor that the owners commented on was the difference in Bear’s behaviour towards his female owner. With her he was far calmer, more obedient and hadn’t demonstrated any of the concerning and unwanted behaviour that he had with his male owner.

After a two hour consultation, where we explored the owners concerns, what they knew about Bear’s background both in terms of his breed and his experiences as a ‘feral dog’ in Greece, the rescue experience and his journey to the UK from Greece in the summer of 2021. We discussed what they wanted to achieve and we talked about Bear’s behaviour and exploits since they had rescued him. Following our meeting and research into the known breed traits of Greek Shepherd Dogs, their history and original purpose as Guardian early Herding dogs, the owners were provided with a written report on Bear, outlining the identified issues, strategies to resolve these and guidance on how to implement these.

The key focus was on changing the relationship between Bear and his male owner, through adopting different behaviour on his owners part, being aware of body language – both his and Bear’s. Careful use of positive reinforcement and control of feeding. Underpinned with an increase in exercise to match Bear’s needs. Changing our behaviour with our dogs is very difficult and it is to his owners immense credit, that he has followed the recommendations consistently and effectively.

Bear’s behaviour towards his male owner has shown significant improvement following the initial guidance and recommendation, there has been one occasion where Bear did fall back into his ‘over excited’ pattern of behaviour, but following a number of support sessions on walks and at home, Bear (or rather his behaviour) has become much closer to his owners ‘ideal’.

Bear remains a work in progress and I look forward to continuing to help support his owners moving forward, his recall still needs work and we are looking to develop his interaction with other dogs to help develop his ‘social skills’.

I am immensely proud of Bear and his owners, seeing the improvement in the relationship and the reduction of stress caused by unwanted behaviour on Bear’s part is why I work with dogs and their owners.

Variable weather, a new vehicle and positive developments in the behaviour side of the business.

2022 has seen a significant increase in the behaviour and training side of the business. I was delighted to be invited into my old school KEVICC to run an ‘introduction to working with therapy dogs’ session, for the teaching and support staff. A very enjoyable session, with positive feedback and a nice return to the classroom after 12 months.

Case studies – The 3 B’s; a Neapolitan Mastiff, a St Bernard and a Greek Shepherd respectively. Two giant and one very large breed dogs. A mix of needs; an over excited and boisterous dog that made her owners life challenging in the home, reactivity on the lead and an overprotective response to other dogs and humans on walks, a rescue with unacceptable behaviour, towards one of the family that had adopted him.

All started their behaviour and training sessions in January, following an initial e-enquiry and or a phone call, followed by a visit and detailed discussion of the dog and clients needs, they are then provided with a written initial assessment and carefully considered guidance. After further discussion with the client, an agreed program of behaviour and training supporters has then been put in place, to include observing and walking the dogs, in order to better understand their individual personalities and behaviour.

Through combining an approach that recognises both the individual dogs experiences and the inherited traits associated with the breed. I aim to help the client better understand their dogs, in order to more effectively achieve the results they are looking for, reducing or extinguishing unwanted behaviour and developing the desired patterns of behaviour through appropriate control and management techniques and positive reinforcement. As a result I am pleased to say that all three are making positive progress.

2022 seems to have packed in most of the different weather we can expect in Devon, from torrential downpours, mist and fog, glorious sunshine and frosty mornings. As a result every day so far this month has been a different experience, whether it has been trudging through ankle deep mud or wading new streams caused by rivers breaking their banks. But the dogs love it, regardless – well not quite all of them, Benson a feisty miniature pinscher does not enjoy the rain or the mud and has point blank refused to walk in some areas or in the pouring rain. Fortunately he is small enough to carry over the worst of the mud! As for the rest, I think they enjoy it even more than normal, knowing that they will get a good rub down afterwards with a fresh towel!

One of the disappointments of late 2021 was having to retire our classic Mercedes E class estate, a great car that had served us well, but one unseen deep ditch too many, meant it was necessary to replace it with something a little more suited to the needs of our own Mastiffs (more head room!) and the ability to carry a range of clients dogs in safety (never more than 3 mind!) After much research and deliberation we opted for a JDM import Nissan Elgrand, which we have converted to run on LPG as it is both cheaper and cleaner than petrol. Diesel not being an option moving forward. With some magnetic signs outlining the services offered by D4Dog – walking training and behaviour support it feels very professional.

Not of course forgetting the successful completion of the Canine First Aid course in mid December!

So after a long mild and mostly dry Autumn, Winter does seem to have arrived. Two words – or one hyphenated one – Gore-Tex.

Can’t recommend this stuff enough, after trying various ‘other’ coats and coatings/materials and always ending up soaked through after an hour or so, I finally invested in a decent Gore-Tex coat and joy of joys I can. now withstand the worst the British weather can throw at me whilst walking the dogs!

On a different note, there have been worrying reports of an attempted dog theft at Bakers Park/Bradley Woods. I’ve not been able to find any details other than two males attempted to seize a dog from a guy walking his dog, he fought them off and no harm was done to the dog, but I imagine it must have been a nasty experience and worrying for anyone with a dog.

At D4Dog we are sticking to our policy of walking no more than 3 dogs and then only after careful vetting for suitability and compatibility. Almost all our walks are of single dogs or two dogs from the same household. Its less financially rewarding than taking several dogs at the same time, but I know what level of care and attention I would want for my dogs on a walk and I endeavour to provide that for my clients dogs.