Dog-G8 director Chris Maxted warns that 'spring fever', a seasonal rise in impulsive behaviour, makes dogs more likely to bolt or ignore recall. He urges owners to reinforce training and watch for hazards, since livestock worrying can bring fines of up to £1,000.

The Sniffer Shop's Kate Hart encourages dog owners to embrace scentwork this spring, arguing sniff-focused walks leave dogs calmer than fast-paced ones. She suggests simple games like the Scatter Search, hiding treats in long grass for dogs to find.

Mandy Rigby of Canine Scentwork Academy explains that scent work taps into a dog's primary sense and suits any age, breed or temperament, building confidence and problem-solving. She notes it strengthens the dog-owner bond and can be started easily at home.

A nationwide survey found 34% of dog owners are unsure how to train their pets, with recall and reactivity among the most common struggles. Dog-G8 director Chris Maxted recommends a calm time out technique using safety gates instead of shouting.

The Sniffer Shop's winter guide recommends shorter, scent-led walks for dogs sensitive to cold, paired with indoor games like a cardboard-box treasure hunt. It also suggests protective gear such as paw balm, coats and reflective accessories for winter walks.

Scentwork instructor Kate Hart explains how daily nose-led activities give dogs mental stimulation, citing Spudd, a dachshund-French Bulldog mix with IVDD who has thrived through nosework. Simple treat-hiding games offer enrichment an ordinary walk cannot.