A group of dogs playing together on the day care floor at The Fairy Tails K9 Centre

Careers 4 July 2026

What Jobs Can You Actually Get With an Animal Management Qualification? An Employer's Honest View

An employer's honest view of animal management qualifications: where the animal care jobs really are, and the laws every dog professional works under.

Say no to cruel dog collars illustration — three dogs straining against a choke chain, prong collar and electric collar

Training Methods 10 August 2025

Why Dog Training Guarantees Can Be a Red Flag – The Truth About Quick Fixes and Archie’s Story

Learn why guarantees in dog training are unrealistic and risky. The injuries they can cause, and why positive reinforcement is the safest, most humane approach.

A Weimaraner relaxing on a leather sofa at the Fairy Tails K9 Centre

Behaviour 16 October 2024

Training is not working?

Dog behaviour is more than just a training issue — the owner plays the most critical role in shaping their dog's behaviour.

A young Labrador peering over a yellow stable door at the Fairy Tails K9 Centre

Training Methods 12 October 2024

Board and Train (Intensive Dog Training) Program

Why the Fairy Tails board and train programme is your dog's best path to success — consistency, repetition and a balanced, reward-based approach.

View across Greenwich Park towards the Old Royal Naval College and the Canary Wharf skyline

Health & Care 17 December 2023

Dog Parks in London: A Dog's Guide to the City's Green Spaces

A dog's guide to London's best parks and green spaces — where to walk, sniff and play across the city, from the royal parks to local favourites.

A group of dogs of all shapes and sizes looking up at the camera in the daycare yard

Puppies 22 November 2023

Puppy Daycare Benefits: Shaping Happy, Confident Canines

Why starting daycare young matters — building routine, socialisation, confidence and adaptability for a well-rounded, joyful puppy.

Behaviour 11 February 2023

Building a relationship with your dog

A good relationship requires knowing what you want as a handler and what the dog wants as a dog. Plan training for mutual benefit, combining the two.

Training Methods 8 February 2023

Certified Dog Trainer?

There are no OFQUAL-regulated courses for dog trainers — what 'certified dog trainer' really means, and what to look for when choosing one.

Behaviour 13 December 2022

Dogs reacting to the noises and activities that occur by the door

Does your dog erupt at the doorbell or a knock? A step-by-step desensitisation and counterconditioning protocol for noises and activity at the door.

Behaviour 6 November 2022

Frustration in dogs - dog training

Frustration is a negative emotional state implicated in a range of canine behaviour problems — what causes it, how to spot it, and how training helps.

A dog being trained to overcome fear and anxiety

Behaviour 20 October 2022

Fear and anxiety in dogs

Fear is essential for survival — but in a family home it becomes anxiety. What fear is for, how it works in dogs, and how to help a fearful dog.

A relaxed tan dog sitting on grass, watching a hand signal from its owner

Training Methods 10 September 2022

Force-free trainers v Balanced dog trainers

Why are dog trainers confined to two camps? Force-free v balanced dog training — what each label means, and what actually matters for your dog.

A yellow Labrador lying calmly in an open wire crate

Puppies 11 April 2022

How to crate train your dog

Crate training your dog may take some time and effort but can be useful in various situations, giving your dog a safe place of its own.

A tan dog on a lead barking and lunging on an indoor training floor

Behaviour 3 April 2022

Fear anxiety - humans and dogs with CER

How a Conditioned Emotional Response (CER) is learnt, why it drives fear and anxiety in dogs, and how counterconditioning can change it.

Four dogs of different breeds barking, surrounded by colourful exclamation marks

Behaviour 20 March 2022

Dog Barking

Barking is one of various techniques of vocal communication used by dogs. To address a barking problem, you must first work out why your dog is barking.

A terrier playing tug of war with a colourful rope toy on the grass

Health & Care 20 January 2022

The importance of toys in your dog's life

Why dog toys are crucial for a dog's development, providing mental and physical stimulation, reducing destructive behaviour and encouraging rest.

A golden retriever puppy lying on grass, inset against a night sky full of fireworks

Behaviour 27 December 2021

How to desensitise your pet to fireworks

Dogs hear fireworks far more acutely than we do — why the random bangs are so distressing, and how to desensitise your dog before fireworks season.

A freshly groomed white poodle-cross sitting on a grooming table with its head tilted

Health & Care 17 April 2020

Why dog grooming is important

A regular dog grooming schedule helps to maintain a healthy coat, help stop hair from matting and will help keep your pooch looking, feeling and smelling great.

A white dog pulling hard on the leash while being walked on grass

Training Methods 16 April 2020

Why your dog is pulling on the leash

What is a dog's opposition reflex? Why dogs pull on the leash, the history behind the reflex, and what it means for your walks.

A bulldog eating an iced doughnut from a plate on a kitchen table

Health & Care 15 April 2020

15 Food items to avoid

Fifteen everyday foods that are fine for humans but harmful to dogs — the most frequent items to avoid giving your dog, and why.