No time for training? It’s worth remembering that the way you go about every interaction with your pup is in fact ‘training’. Secondly, it can help to think about the moments in our day where we could easily combine our own activities with a few moments of training.

But just shouting ‘No’ works? Right? Often pet parents will say, ‘but I just shout no, or uh-uh in a stern voice, and it works.’ Or does it? What’s really going on? It's a much better strategy to ask for what we do want.

Play with other dogs helps puppies learn how to respond appropriately in different interactions. Building socially appropriate behaviour around other dogs begins by supervising their first encounters, checking for safe play signals, so they can build up a bank of positive experiences.

Food toys can be a recipe for success. Dogs (and especially puppies) are busy bees. While management is central to guiding good choices, growing good habits with food toys provides mental stimulation, and they can be a saving grace for tired caregivers.

I paid a visit to the historic Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. I had in mind that it would be a great place for sniff walks and guardians of shy dogs.