Jessica Downey

Jessica Downey

Freelance Writer

Jessica brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for all things pets. Her journey into the world of pet writing began after a year of writing for our sister site, Fit&Well, where she shared her love for all things health and wellbeing. However, after spotting too many adorable dogs on her runs and growing up with a chaotic rescue lurcher she made the move to PetsRadar to write about her love for all things furry.

With a degree in journalism from Cardiff University and PPA-accreditation, she has earned bylines in esteemed publications like PetsRadar, Fit&Well, LiveScience, Runner's World, The Evening Express, and Tom's Guide. These experiences have allowed her to build strong connections with experts in the field, including behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians. It's these connections that enable her to provide our readers with the latest, most insightful, and accurate information on pet care, behavior, and well-being.

Through her writing, she aims to empower pet owners to make informed decisions that enrich the lives of their furry companions.

Latest articles by Jessica Downey

Dog howling in a garden
Trainer shares how to stop your dog barking in the garden and it’s great for making them feel calmer and happier

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Expert shares how creating positive associations in the garden can transform your dog's behavior and avoid annoying the neighbors

NEWS
Dog not taking treat from person's hand
If your dog isn’t food driven then you need to try this trainer’s advice

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Certified dog trainer and behaviorist shares how she trains and connects with a non food driven dog

NEWS
Dog looking at something with a worried expression
Struggling with reactivity? Canine expert reveals the three biggest mistakes you could be making

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Is your dog's reactivity causing chaos on walks? Trainer Vanessa Charbonneau unveils where you could be going wrong

NEWS
Dog eating fruit from person's hand
Trainer shares a four ingredient supplement recipe to help boost your dog’s overall health

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn how to pack the health benefits of berries into a delicious homemade and nourishing treat for your canine

NEWS
Dog sniffing person's hand
Stop your dog from jumping up at people with this trainer’s tip for keeping paws on the ground

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover a simple yet effective technique that encourages calm greetings and keeps paws on the ground

NEWS
Dog barking at window
Want to stop your dog barking at the window? Canine trainer reveals an easy peasy training tip

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Put an end to your dog's incessant window barking with an expert training tip from canine specialist Gia Savocchi

NEWS
Dog on a leash walking in front of owner
Want your dog to walk better on a leash? Trainer reveals the secret to a smoother walking experience

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Level up your dog's leash walking behavior and transform your walks into enjoyable and focused outings

NEWS
Two cats peering at a vase of flowers
Thinking about starting a multi-cat household? Cat expert shares the trick to doing so smoothly

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Want to ensure you have a purrfectly harmonious home? Animal behaviorist covers the groundwork for you

NEWS
Labrador smiling with owner sat behind
Struggle to maintain your dog’s attention? Try this behaviorists training tip that's great for relationship building

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Enhance your relationship with your dog and boost their focus with a behaviorist's training tip

NEWS
Woman playing with her cat
Are you playing with your cat right? Behaviorist reveals the most enriching ways to play with your feline friend

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover the key to engaging your cat's hunting instincts and ensuring their happiness with expert advice from a behaviorist

NEWS
Owner petting dog while out on a walk
Dog trainer shares five key skills you need to create happier more enjoyable walks

By Jessica Downey Published

News Key tips for dog owners looking to enjoy safe, engaging, and enjoyable outings with your dog while strengthening your bond

News
Dog barking
Canine trainer reveals a simple solution to stop repetitive barking, here’s what to do

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn how to break the cycle of demand barking and foster a stronger relationship with your four legged friend

NEWS
Child touches nose with cat
Feline expert reveals five things you shouldn’t do if you want a happier cat

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover what not to do as a cat owner to ensure your cat's happiness and well-being

NEWS
Man walking a dog on a leash
This loose leash walking tip is ridiculously simple but effective for stress free walks

By Jessica Downey last updated

News Enhance communication, promote focus, and eliminate pulling with this simple tip

News
Dog sitting down on a leash
Trainer shares why your dog won’t settle in public and how to fix it

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn how to teach your dog the invaluable skill of settling in public places with tips from certified dog trainer, Melissa Goodman

NEWS
Dog looking at something while walking on a leash
Want to reduce your dog’s anxiety on walks? Use this trainer’s calming solution

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Have you tried the 'Engage/Disengage' game with your nervous pup? It aims to neutralize triggers and create stress-free walks

NEWS
Puppy biting a hand
Worried your puppy is biting too much? Canine trainer debunks four myths about the common behavior

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover the truth about puppy biting as a certified dog trainer debunks common myths

NEWS
Dalmation walking on a leash
Canine trainer shares two easy ways to manage reactivity and it all comes down to distraction

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Certified dog trainer, Piper M Novick, shares effective distraction techniques to redirect your dog's attention from triggers

NEWS
Puppy running over grass
Why is my puppy breathing fast?

By Elizabeth Racine, DVM last updated

Advice Expert veterinarian Dr Elizabeth Racine uncovers the reasons behind a puppy breathing fast

Advice
Cat playing inside a litter box
Why is my cat sleeping in their litter box?

By Dr Rebecca MacMillan last updated

Vet's guide Why is my cat sleeping in their litter box? Veterinary surgeon, Rebecca MacMillan explores the reasons behind this behavior and shares preventative tips

Vet's guide
Collie running toward the camera
Hit a wall with recall training? Try this trainer's silly trick that actually works

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Learn how the running away game can make your dog come when called faster and strengthen their response

NEWS
Man teaching a dog to stay in a field
Six canine trainer approved tips for building a reliable ‘stay’ and building trust

By Jessica Downey Published

Build trust and reliability while teaching your dog to stay in the face of distractions

Dog Training
Dog watching a vacuum under a table
Save $70 on the Shark NV360 vacuum this Amazon Prime Day and vanish all pet hair from your carpets

By Jessica Downey Published

DEAL Amazon has shaved 32% off the Shark NV360 vacuum for this year's Prime Day which means no more finding pet hair everywhere

DEAL
Dog chilling in its bed
Is your dog a sleepaholic? Treat them to an orthopedic dog bed for just $37 this Prime Day

By Jessica Downey Published

DEAL This premium large dog bed has a fantastic 40% marked off it's original price in the Amazon Prime Day sales

DEAL
Dog licking man's nose
Trainer shares a super simple name game that will build a dog’s patience and improve overall training

By Jessica Downey Published

NEWS Discover this trainer-approved name game that improves your dog's patience and overall training

NEWS
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