
Jan Barley
Jan is a dog behaviorist and writer living in the Cotswolds, UK. She has shared her life with dogs for over fifty years and is fascinated by behavior. She enjoys helping people better understand their dogs to develop a deep bond and enjoy time together. Jan particularly enjoys working with impulsive and reactive dogs as her legacy from helping Poppy, her rescue Weimaraner cross overcome fear reactivity.
Latest articles by Jan Barley

5 reasons why your dog’s recall isn’t working (and what you can do about it)
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide Are you making these common recall mistakes? Don’t worry – it’s not too late to fix them, and our behaviorist is here to help!

3 common mistakes owners make with reactive dogs
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's Guide My lack of understanding had caused my pup’s reactive behavior to worsen

Behaviorist’s top recall tips
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's Guide Discover my top tips for a reliable recall, so your dog comes back every time you call

Can you have a Christmas tree with a dog?
By Jan Barley published
Trainer's Guide Having a Christmas tree with a dog can be challenging. Here are 11 ways to dog-proof your tree, according to a trainer.

Dog Christmas movies to watch with your pooch
By Jan Barley published
Guide These are our favorite dog Christmas moves to watch during the holidays.

Are prong collars cruel? Expert shares 3 reasons why you shouldn’t use one on your dog
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's Guide A behaviorist answers, 'Are prong collars cruel?' and shares some ethical alternatives.

Front-clip vs back-clip harness: which is best?
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's Guide A behaviorist compares a front-clip vs a back-clip harness to help you make a decision.

Are shock collars cruel? Behaviorist explains why you shouldn’t use them (plus 4 ethical alternatives)
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's Guide An expert answers, 'Are shock collars cruel?'

A beginner’s guide to paddleboarding with a dog
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide If you love SUP and you love dogs, imagine the fun you can have paddleboarding with a dog.

How much does a pet sitter cost? Everything you need to know
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide Wondering, 'How much does a pet sitter cost?' We reveal the answer.

Pet sitter vs boarding: which one is better?
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide If you're deciding between a pet sitter vs boarding, this guide will help you choose the best option for your pet.

Should I let my dog play with my cat? How to tell if they’re fighting or just playing
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide A behaviorist answers the common question: 'Should I let my dog play with my cat?'

How to play hide and seek with your dog in 8 easy steps
By Jan Barley published
How to Want to learn how to play hide and seek with your dog? Follow this simple guide from a behaviorist.

Doggy play date: How to set one up and what to expect
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide Everything you need to know about setting up a doggy play date.

Do dogs like hugs?
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's tips We love to give our pooches a fuss but do dogs actually like hugs?

Why do dogs love belly rubs? We asked a behaviorist
By Jan Barley published
Trainer's tips Wondering why dogs love belly rubs? Us too, so we asked an expert.

Maltipoo dog breed: characteristics, care and what you need to know
By Jan Barley published
Breed profile Thinking of getting a maltipoo? A behaviorist reveals everything you need to consider.

Is it easier to train a mixed breed dog or a purebred?
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide Is training a mixed-breed dog easier than training a purebred? As a qualified behaviorist, I've worked with both and here’s what I think.

Cavapoo: characteristics, size and what to expect, according to a behaviorist
By Jan Barley published
Breed profile Considering bringing a cavapoo into your family? Here's everything you need to know about this special 'designer dog'.

Why do dogs howl at sirens? I’m a behaviorist, here’s the answer
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's guide Are you wondering, ‘Why do dogs howl at sirens?' Here’s why they do it and my top tips for stopping it.

How counterconditioning can help your reactive dog and increase your bond
By Jan Barley published
Trainer's guide Understand how to use a simple but effective training method to help calm your reactive dog.

7 behavioral changes in elderly dogs, and what you can do about them
By Jan Barley published
Behaviorist's tips Is your pooch getting older? We asked a behaviorist what to expect.

Caring for a senior dog? I’m a dog behaviorist and these are my 10 top tips
By Jan Barley published
How to If you want to learn more about caring for a senior dog, my tips can help you navigate this new life chapter.
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