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

Woman with dog sat on her lap is opening up parcels
It’s expensive getting a new dog - here’s five canine essentials we’d buy this Prime Day that cost less than $70

By Jessica Downey Published

DEAL With Prime Day savings as large as 57% off, first-time dog owners can fully equip themselves for less

DEAL
Dog on a leash walks ahead of owner
Are you holding your dog’s leash correctly? Try this trainer’s simple advice for more calm and controlled walks

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover the key to calm and controlled walks with your dog!

News
Dog pulling on leash
Sick of your dog pulling on the leash? Use this trainer’s advice for a smoother walking experience

By Jessica Downey Published

News Learn effective techniques for teaching your dog to 'heel' and achieve smoother walks on the leash

News
Dog stealing food from kitchen coutnter
Here’s how one dog trainer teaches the ‘leave it’ command - it’s key to improving behavior and keeping your dog safe!

By Jessica Downey Published

News Unlock your canine's self-control and teach them the 'leave It' command for improved behavior and engagement

News
Dog looking guilty next to a torn up sofa
Does your dog repeatedly do things that you don’t like? Trainer reveals where you’re going wrong

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover effective solutions to address your dog's unwanted behaviors and prevent them from rehearsing repetitive actions

News
Nervous dog on a leash looks behind at its owner
Want to enjoy walks with your nervous dog more? Trainer shares how to turn scares into positive associations

By Jessica Downey Published

News Embrace rewarding non-reactive behavior and watch your furry friend grow in confidence

News
Dog jumping up on person's leg while sticking tongue out excitably
Trainer shares the surprising reason behind why you shouldn’t always pet an excitable dog and it makes total sense!

By Jessica Downey Published

News Canine expert shares surprising insights on dog behavior, revealing the consequences of rewarding excessive excitement

News
Woman leaning down with puppy
Want to maintain your puppy’s focus around other dogs? Listen to this trainer's top tip for more enjoyable walks

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover a trainer's top tip for maintaining your puppy's focus around other dogs during walks, leading to more enjoyable outings and a stronger human-canine bond

News
Dog barking with it's paws resting over a silent dog
Stop repetitive barking and build a stronger relationship with your dog using this trainer’s simple piece of advice

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover a trainer's simple yet effective approach to address demand barking and strengthen the bond with your dog

News
Man speaking to dog on a walk
Dog trainer reveals five reasons why your dog isn’t responding well to their recall and how to gently build it back again

By Jessica Downey Published

News Strengthen your four-legged friend's recall and ensure their safety during outdoor adventures

News
Dog in bed next to owners' feet
Canine behaviorist reveals that it’s ok to sleep with your dog in the bed but only on one condition!

By Jessica Downey Published

News Online dog trainer Will Atherton reveals his one rule for allowing your dog to sleep in your bed

News
British Shorthair
32 fun facts about British Shorthair cats

By Kathryn Williams Last updated

Fun Facts These fun facts about British Shorthair cats will have you eager to adopt one – if you haven't already!

Fun Facts
Chihuahua on a leash sitting on the ground peering up at owners
Trainer reveals one of the first things you should teach your dog while walking on a leash

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover the power of non-verbal communication in leash training

News
Cat sat behind a birthday cupcake and candle
Feline expert shares how to make a cat-friendly birthday cake and it’s so easy to replicate

By Jessica Downey Published

News Check out this simple and delicious recipe shared by a feline expert - purrfect for celebrating your furry friend!

News
Dog snoozing on the sofa
Dog owners! Trainer reveals how you might be escalating your dog’s reactivity and how to stop this

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover how you might unknowingly escalate your dog's reactivity and learn strategies to promote a calmer mindset

News
Hyper dog standing on a bench outside
Trainer reveals the secret to calming down a hyperactive dog and it’s pretty straightforward

By Jessica Downey Published

News Learn how to implement this canine expert's method and create a peaceful environment for your energetic canine companion

News
Woman potty training a dog
How to potty train an older dog

By Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS Last updated

Vet's guide Discover vet-approved, effective and reliable methods for how to potty train an older dog

Vet's guide
Woman training a puppy Alsation
Make puppy training more enjoyable and successful with this trainer’s useful hack - you just need food!

By Jessica Downey Published

News Learn how to utilize your pup's meals as a valuable tool for engagement and learning

News
Dog barking in the water on a beach
Want to teach your dog a new trick? Trainer shares how to teach a pup to spin — it’s great for relationship building!

By Jessica Downey Published

News Find out how teaching your pup to spin can bring joy and better understanding to your relationship

News
Family laying on a bed with their dog
Does your dog struggle to settle down? Trainer reveals four ways to help them calm down

By Jessica Downey Published

News Learn how daily activities can promote calmness and create a harmonious environment for your furry friend

News
Dog playing around
Dog not engaging with your commands? Canine psychologist explains why you should say less

By Jessica Downey Published

News Discover a simple yet effective technique that will help you communicate effectively with your furry friend

News
Dog looks guilty as he hovers over some chocolate on the floor
Canine nutritionist reveals what makes chocolate toxic for dogs and which kind is the most dangerous

By Jessica Downey Published

News Canine nutritionist unveils the potential risks of chocolate consumption in canines

News
Two women walking two pugs on leashes through a forest
Wish your dog was more responsive on walks? Try this trainer’s surprising solution for better recall

By Jessica Downey Published

News Learn how this simple yet effective strategy strengthens recall behavior and maintains a positive association with the command

News
Cat sitting on a platform
Feline experts reveal five benefits of training your cat on a platform to improve daily behavior

By Jessica Downey Published

News Experts reveal how training your feline companion on a platform can improve their daily behavior and strengthen your bond

News
Woman lifting dog up
Improve your dog’s recall and build a stronger bond with this trainer’s simple hallway game

By Jessica Downey Published

News Good Wellesley Dogs Training shares the foundation of solid recall and how it can benefit your outdoor training

News
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