The Dog Diaries – Turning daily challenges into peaceful chapters

Calm Communication

Learn what your dog is really signalling with its behaviour and what you are saying back with how you react.

Real-Life Guidance

Get practical support for using in your house, on walks and with your daily routines to help bring harmony to your home.

A balanced partnership

Build trust, confidence, and understanding with your dog and bring calm into your home and daily routine.

About me

I’m Donna, dogs are a part of my family and I could not imagine life without them, but not every moment is smooth.

Boxer dogs have been a part of my family for over 20 years, and at one point we lived happily with 3 boxer dogs, 3 cats and 2 dumbo rats! But, not every day was without challenges.

I’ve been working with rescue dogs for a boxer rescue charity for over 9 years and have previously been secretary of a Rottweiler breed club. I started early on in my career working in a cattery that also had a kennel section for a breeder with around 20+ dogs on site, I also started a company a few years back selling a bone & joint supplement for dogs, and later launched a dog food in the European market for a direct selling company where I learned a huge amount about dog nutrition.

I know from my own personal experience what impact it has on your life when your dog is anxious, unsettled, and just how stressful it can be when you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour. And I also know from my own personal experience how it feels when things fall into place and you achieve a calm home and see the result in your relaxed dog.

So, if you are looking for calm solutions, you’ve landed in the right place! I would love to help you understand how to communicate with your dog to find harmony in your home and outside on walks.

Understanding your dog starts with dog listening

The modern human world can be overwhelming for dogs. Behaviour challenges like barking, pulling, anxiety, or reactivity are their way of trying to cope. My role is to help you understand what your dog is saying, reduce stress, and bring calm back into your everyday routines. With dog listening methods inspired by Jan Fennell, and taught by the School for Professional Dog Listeners, I focus on clear, calm communication, and simple changes that make a big difference.

Every dog and every home is unique, so the support I offer is tailored to you and your dog. Together, we look at the whole picture, not just the symptoms, and help you to rebuild harmony in a way that lasts.

Behaviour Support

For help with stress, anxiety, barking, or everyday challenges inside the home.

Walk & Lead Guidance

To help build calm and confidence outdoors, without force or overwhelm.

On-going Coaching

Continued support while you build new habits and communication skills.

Why the Dog Diaries?

A calm, compassionate approach

My work blends years of people-centred experience, work with boxer dogs handed into a rescue charity, and connections with my own dogs over the last 20 years.

This isn’t quick-fix training. It’s about communication and relationship building. Once you understand the root cause of certain canine behaviours, your communication with your dog improves and you will see the results.