Taylored Dog Training

09/09/2025

This applies to so many of my wonderful clients….

We might have had a different idea of what life with our dogs looked like. Sometimes we can do everything right but our dog’s personality, insecurities, learning history and chemistry are their own. Their own journey.

It takes quite a dog to be able to show up everywhere and so we sometimes have to let go of that image. It can be hard, we may even mourn the life we had with less ties, where we were free to go out, go away, stay out without making arrangements.

It’s okay to feel sad about it, it’s okay to miss what we had before or what we dreamed of. It doesn’t take away how much we love them and appreciate every part of them. ❤️

26/07/2025

It was a privilege to be invited to speak at this year’s Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Science Week conference. I heard some great talks by Veterinary Behaviour and Animal Welfare Specialists and had some lovely positive feedback about my research on anticipatory grief, caregiver burden and canine cognitive dysfunction.

23/07/2025

The one good thing about all the travel I’m doing this year is that it gives me plenty of time to read! And this one has definitely become an immediate favourite! Management in training and behaviour change is so often overlooked and underrated. This is a great guide to use management in modifying many of the most common unwanted behaviours in our dogs.
Never stop learning!

14/07/2025

Our breeding choices have had serious negative consequences for our beloved pet dogs. It’s time for all breeders to do better and prioritise welfare over looks and sales.

The silent suffering that many dogs (ANY breed, but higher risk in some types) experience as a result of how we’ve designed them is a sad reality that is hard to think about because we love our companion dogs for how they look. They are to us, more than how they look. https://doggiedrawings.net/pages/dogs-of-the-world-book

Worth reading: What Should Dogs Look Like? By Dr. Jessica Perry Hekman.
https://open.substack.com/pub/companiondogproject/p/what-should-dogs-look-like?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Dr Alison Skipper: https://www.vethumanitiesuk.org/alison-skipper

https://functionalbreeding.podbean.com/e/dr-alison-skipper-the-health-and-history-of-brachycephalic-dogs/

Also check out this free download: https://doggiedrawings.net/products/buying-a-dog-ethically

If you are not a breeder and are interested in learning more deeply about breed traits, check out the Puppy Seekers Project

06/07/2025

If you have a senior dog at home and are thinking about adding another four-legged family member, then this is a must read. There’s lots to consider so make sure you take your time and really consider all the implications for both you and your old dog.

05/07/2025

One of the (few!) benefits of a 39 hour commute home is lots of reading time! I was never fortunate enough to meet Karen Pryor in person, but I benefit from her knowledge and progression of the animal training industry every day. This was a lovely book to read. It told of the advancement of clicker training against the backdrop of her life experiences. Thank you and vale Karen Pryor.

22/06/2025

I’ve been privileged enough to be in Saskatoon Canada this week to present some of my research at the International Society of Anthrozoology conference. Being around other curious, like-minded people has been inspiring and motivating. It’s heartwarming to see so many people trying to improve the lives of dogs and their guardians!

14/06/2025

Good trainers are always learning! I have just spent a week at The Ranch of the Karen Pryor National Training Centre working under the tutelage of inarguably the world's best animal trainer Ken Ramirez. In amongst feeding, cleaning and enriching the animals, we enjoyed lectures on a vast array of topics, and trained goats and miniature donkeys. We also got to work on conditioning the shy Llamas. Let me tell you, nothing sharpens your skills like working two fast, foody goats at the same time! A big thanks to The Ranch team for making me feel so welcome, pushing me out of my comfort zone, and providing such helpful and supportive feedback. I've only just left but I can't wait to come back.
Happy training!

04/06/2025

“The majority of research suggests that dog training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful, more effective, more humane, and do not negatively impact welfare or the human-animal bond” So why choose anything else?

Balanced dog training is anything but as negative reinforcement can heavily outweigh any positive reinforcement in a dog's mind.

30/05/2025

I am heading overseas to once again improve my training skills and learn from one of the best (check out Ken Ramirez if you want your animal training socks knocked off!).
I'll also be presenting some of my research in Canada at a conference focused on the human-animal bond.
If you need a qualified, force-free trainer before mid-July please check out the RSPCA's Force Free Trainers List:https://www.rspcasa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ForceFreeTrainersList.Aug2024.pdf
See you in July!

27/05/2025

Making sure your dog gets good quality sleep is important for so many functions!