18/10/2026
Another day, another dog in a shock collar and more, being pushed on the back to do a down stay when he's likely sore and stressed, on my feed, edited to look flashy, with some very grim dog body language and training.
Using punishment in the name of adopting them at any cost can have real fallout and can set well-intentioned adopters up to change their entire life, spend thousands, and feel like they're in the deep end when they just wanted a dog. TBH, that's kinda why I am a trainer now, with good guidance when I was trying to figure out how to get educated from pals like Focus Dogs + Westside Paws.
The need to place every dog at any cost nearly killed my dog and me, and it most likely killed the foster dog we were trying to 'save'. A foster dog I took because he needed "emergency placing" because he was "staring at the baby". A dog who was so traumatised, shut down and covered in scars that when I scroll past his photos, I get chills and feel really sad, as I can now see the hard, scary, big stress on his face and eyes.
I love rescue and fostering; I love being able to help an animal find their feet. It's been a huge part of my life for a long time. Many are doing the good work, and I hope more learn and grow.
Just ask 'em and ask why, I guess.
