Dog Behaviour

Puppy biting is one of the most common concerns new owners have, and it can also be one of the most frustrating parts of living with a young dog. Puppies can seem to spend an extraordinary amount of time with their mouths attached to hands, arms, sleeves, trouser legs, shoelaces and anything else that happens to move past them. For some families, the biting is relatively gentle and easy to redirect, while other puppies become increasingly intense as they become excited and ca

We often hear certain dogs described as “ancient breeds.” The Basenji, Saluki, Akita, Shiba Inu, Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed and Afghan Hound are just some of the dogs regularly given this label. They are often described as being thousands of years old, genetically closer to the wolf and fundamentally different from the modern breeds we live with today.

When we talk about hormones and dogs, the conversation often begins and ends with adolescence. Your previously attentive puppy reaches puberty and suddenly seems to have forgotten everything you taught them. Recall becomes optional, other dogs become fascinating, confidence can fluctuate and behaviours that appeared to have disappeared months ago suddenly return. We shrug and say, “It’s the hormones.”

When we talk about dog behaviour, there is a tendency to place almost everything at the feet of training and socialisation. If a dog chases, pulls on the lead, barks at strangers, guards the house, struggles to settle or disappears after a scent, we often hear some version of, “It’s all how you raise them.” But dogs are not born as blank slates.

So when someone says they have a "reactive dog", what do they actually mean? In most cases, they're referring to a dog whose reaction to certain triggers is bigger, more intense or more difficult to control than we would typically expect. Rather than simply noticing another dog, a cyclist or a stranger and carrying on with their day, the dog becomes emotionally overwhelmed and responds in a way that is difficult for both them and their owner to manage.

Bringing a puppy home is exciting, emotional, and full of promise. Those tiny paws, the wagging tail, the first cuddle on the sofa — it’s a special time. But alongside the joy comes something many owners underestimate: the responsibility of shaping a developing brain during the most critical learning period of your dog’s life.

I’m so pleased you’re here. Super Pooch Dog Behaviour & Training was created for owners who want more than quick fixes. If you’re looking for calm, confident, well-mannered dogs — and a stronger relationship built on clarity and trust — you’re in the right place. Whether you have a brand-new puppy or you’re navigating more complex behaviour challenges, my role is to guide you with structured support, realistic expectations, and professional expertise.