In a packed episode of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, Channel 5 dog expert Graeme Hall—known affectionately as the “Dogfather”—faces one of his toughest challenges yet. This week, he is called in by desperate antique shop owners Louise and Mark, whose two Boxer-cross Basset Hounds, Bernie and Walter, are pushing them to the brink. The dogs’ behaviour has not only made day-to-day life stressful but has begun to affect the couple’s business, scaring away customers and threatening the livelihood they have built together.
Louise and Mark first reached out to Graeme after numerous failed attempts to control the two-year-old brothers, whose excitement and aggression escalate whenever a customer steps into the shop. The converted barn, where they sell antiques seven days a week, has become a high-stress environment for the couple, who rely heavily on passing trade. Whenever the bell rings to signal a new arrival, Bernie and Walter erupt into loud, aggressive barking fits that leave visitors intimidated and hesitant to enter.
Graeme Hall arrives at the barn ready to assess the situation and quickly realizes that this will be no ordinary training session. As soon as he rings the doorbell himself, he experiences firsthand the chaos: “It’s a pretty full-on experience. You hear Bernie and Walter before you see them, and the sound… it doesn’t sound friendly,” he tells viewers. His initial impression captures the intensity of the environment and the challenge that lies ahead.
The episode highlights the complexity of managing two dogs who share both a bond and a competitive edge. “The two together and they fire off each other and they are stubborn dogs, which might give me a problem in training,” Graeme admits. While the dogs are not aggressive by nature, their excitement often spirals into behaviour that could quickly become dangerous if left unchecked. “It’s not as if they can’t stand each other and are fighting all the time,” he clarifies, “but sometimes they turn on each other.”
Understanding the Problem
Louise and Mark explain how the dogs’ behaviour is taking a toll on their daily lives and their business. Louise confides, “I’m worried about us needing to make more money; it’s what we need to do,” referencing the ongoing challenges of running a small business in the current economic climate. Mark adds, “Especially in this day and age with the cost of living crisis,” highlighting how the dogs’ misbehaviour has compounded the pressures they face.
Despite these challenges, the couple’s bond with Bernie and Walter remains strong. “I couldn’t imagine life without them,” Louise says, “but they make our lives so hard.” This candid admission underscores the emotional complexity of pet ownership: the dogs bring love and companionship, yet their behaviour threatens the stability of the family and the business.
Graeme quickly identifies the root cause of the problem. He notes that Bernie and Walter’s aggressive behaviour is not due to inherent malice but is instead a result of overexcitement whenever someone arrives. “If they’re already here with excitement, they’re going to spike out of control when the bell rings. It’s what we’re seeing now,” he explains. This insight provides a foundation for the training techniques Graeme employs, which focus on managing excitement, reinforcing calm behaviour, and establishing boundaries without breaking the dogs’ spirits.
The Challenges of Training Two Stubborn Dogs
One of the episode’s most striking elements is the dynamic between Bernie and Walter themselves. Graeme observes that their interactions with each other can quickly escalate tensions, making training a delicate balancing act. “Sometimes they turn on each other,” he warns, emphasizing that their bond can amplify misbehaviour if not carefully managed. For viewers, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the challenges of working with multiple dogs whose behaviour feeds off one another.
The situation is further complicated by the dogs’ reactions to other pets. When a female customer arrives with her own dog, Graeme notices a stark difference in Bernie and Walter’s responses. “It’s way louder, way louder—they’re not happy to have somebody walking in. They’re probably saying a swearword and ‘go away,’” he comments, highlighting the nuanced differences in the dogs’ behaviour depending on the situation.
Graeme’s approach is methodical and empathetic. He understands that these are not aggressive dogs at heart; rather, their behaviour is a manifestation of anxiety, overstimulation, and learned habits that have gone unchecked. Throughout the episode, he combines practical techniques with insight into canine psychology, aiming to give Louise and Mark a roadmap for long-term success in managing their pets.
High Stakes for the Family Business
The stakes for Louise and Mark are significant. Their antique shop relies heavily on foot traffic, and customers who are frightened by the dogs’ aggressive barking are unlikely to return. Graeme acknowledges this pressure: “I’ve got a lot on my plate today,” he admits. For the couple, the outcome of Graeme’s intervention could make a meaningful difference not only for their home life but also for their livelihood.
Viewers are given a window into the emotional strain that comes with managing difficult pets while also maintaining a business. Louise and Mark’s honesty about their frustrations, paired with Graeme’s expertise, creates a compelling narrative that highlights both the joys and challenges of dog ownership.
A Packed Episode for Dog Lovers
Tonight’s episode of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly promises more than just the antics of Bernie and Walter. The hour-long broadcast also features a Doberman with an unusual obsession with brushes and segments where Graeme works with puppies and their owners to recall skills learned at puppy school. For dog enthusiasts, the episode offers a mixture of practical advice, emotional moments, and the inherent unpredictability of working with animals.
For Graeme, every episode is a new challenge, and the emotional and physical energy required to train and guide both dogs and owners is significant. His approach combines patience, understanding, and proven techniques to ensure that even the most stubborn or challenging dogs can learn to coexist harmoniously within the household and, in this case, a business environment.
The Verdict
As viewers tune in, the question remains: will Graeme succeed in calming Bernie and Walter and giving Louise and Mark the tools they need to maintain peace in their shop? While the episode is filled with tension, it’s also peppered with hope, as Graeme demonstrates that with consistency, understanding, and compassion, even the most challenging situations can improve.
Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly airs at 8pm on Channel 5 on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Fans can watch to see how Graeme handles the chaos, and whether Bernie and Walter finally learn to greet customers calmly rather than unleashing mayhem.
For many viewers, the show offers more than entertainment—it provides valuable insights into canine behaviour, training techniques, and the ways in which dogs’ emotional lives intersect with those of their human companions. Tonight’s episode, with the added drama of a family business on the line, promises to be a particularly memorable installment for fans of the Channel 5 favourite.
