As the colder months arrive and the days shorten, many owners ask: “Can I still take my dog out on walks in snow and icy weather?” or “How do I keep my dog warm on walks when it’s freezing?” Whether you’re heading out for dog walks in Essex, or the neighbouring areas of Harlow, Epping, Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy winter walks - with the right preparation, safety awareness and training mindset!

If you’ve ever asked, “My dog is scared of noises” or wondered “how to stop my dog barking at fireworks”, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through research-led strategies for helping dogs scared of fireworks, plus a detailed how-to for sound desensitisation and what to do if your dog is highly fearful.

Learn how to confidently advocate for your reactive or nervous dog in public. Practical tips from ASCENDK9 to support real-life training, reduce stress, and build trust with your dog.

When the British summer finally makes an appearance, it brings sunny skies, BBQs… and a big risk to our companions. Dogs and puppies can struggle in hot weather, and knowing how to keep your dog cool is essential for their health and happiness.