Barking mad

Your pooch knows what it likes and what it doesn’t, including other dogs. But socialising them has been hard throughout the pandemic – how can you get them used to other animals and people?

GRAEME SAYS: “If your dog does react to something in the street like traffic, other dogs or other people, you need to take the heat out of the situation and stand further away to start with. Once they’re calm at a distance. but can still see that thing that makes them react, praise them. Dogs, like humans, can’t think straight when they’re excited or stressed, so even if the dog reacts at ten metres away, try 20 and gradually reduce the distance. Expect the odd setback, but don’t give up.”