Daytripper Dog Training

23/07/2025

The focus of last night's class was loose leash walking games. I began the lesson by talking about how our expectation that dogs walk beside us is unrealistic -- they have four feet while we have two, they naturally move more quickly than us and they find the environment far more interesting that we do. Heck, when was the last time you felt compelled to chase a butterfly, leaf or...SQUIRREL!???

Jo-Rosie Haffenden's post below will give you a better understanding of WHY dogs pull on leash. They are not trying to give you a hard time!

Loose lead isnt natural. Biomechanically, dogs are built to move faster than us. Dogs choose to shift to a natural trot and on average walk at 2.5 - 4 mph (Hildebrand, 1966) where us naked monkeys on the otherhand average 2-3 mph walking (Kirtley, 2006). Do you know what 2.5 feels like? You should!

Because the mismatch alone creates tension — physically with the lead and emotionally in the relationship. Infact Dogs Trust found 30% of owners considered it a reason to rehome.

Now add in breed differences with research by Fischer & Lilje (2011) suggesting that Different breeds have different locomotive profiles based on original function. Malinois and Vizslas who are bred to move, track, cover ground; hearding breed like kelpies and collies who are bred to arc out infront; scent hounds like Beagles and Bloodhounds - designed to follow their noses with purpose, drive and speed; and of course breeds like Huskies who are literally bred and built to pull - it’s in the actual job description.

Its not a suprise that Rooney & Cowan (2011) found Lead tension and restricted gait was specifically a negative welfare marker for working breeds.

So when we expect all dogs to plod beside us through a park at human pace, ignoring smells, distractions, and natural instinct…we’re arent asking for a behaviour: We’re asking for the dog to restrain their pace, suppress their instincts, and constantly self-regulate.

In my opinion loose lead is one of the three essential skills I believe every dog pro needs to understand in depth - gait, drive, motivation, mechanics, assessment, different technique and exercise, consequence gradients and all.

Because when you understand what you’re really asking for,
you stop calling it stubbornness
and start training it like the advanced skill it actually is. And this leads to way better pet dogs with way happier relationships. ###

23/07/2025

Excellent and timely post by Elite K9.

22/07/2025

20/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1RnEZrGwEs/

Dream of Working with Dogs as a Qualified Trainer or Behaviourist? Realised there isn't an accredited route or qualification accessible to you?

20/07/2025

Excellent dog - child safety tips all parents and dog guardians should know.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/174RUXnYvQ/

17/07/2025

By modifying the canine predatory sequence dogs have been selectively bred for specific purposes, as depicted in this excellent infographic.

This information will help you better understand your dog's behaviour.

This Predatory Motor Patterns infographic is in my book and I've received several requests to make this chart available as a download/poster.

NOTES here: https://doggiedrawings.net/blogs/whats-new/new-free-download-predatory-motor-patterns

DOWNLOAD for free here: https://doggiedrawings.net/products/predatory-motor-patterns

Edit to add: What was the [breed] traditionally bred to do? Buy my book :) http://doggiedrawings.net/pages/dogs-of-the-world-book

17/07/2025

The dominance theory was debunked literally decades ago, yet the term and all that goes with it refuses to die.

Canine Principles' original text is well worth the read and share.

The 'pack leader' approach, also often referred to as dominance theory, stems from early studies on captive wolves which suggested that wolves in a pack constantly compete for dominance, with one alpha wolf coming out on top. The theory was then applied to domestic dogs, with the idea being that dogs view their human family as their pack and behave badly because they're trying to assert dominance over their human 'pack members'.

This concept has been widely popularised through various forms of media, including TV shows. However, the dominance or 'pack leader' approach to dog behaviour and training is not supported by current scientific research, and here's why:

Flawed Initial Study:

The initial study that gave rise to the dominance theory was conducted on a group of unrelated, captive wolves. Later studies on wolves in their natural habitat found that wolf packs don't operate on a dominance hierarchy, but are instead structured more like a human family, with parent wolves acting as leaders of their offspring. The original model, therefore, isn't applicable even to wolves, let alone to dogs.

Dogs Are Not Wolves:

Even if wolves did operate on a dominance hierarchy, applying these findings to dogs would be misguided. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and while they are related to wolves, they are a separate species with different behaviours and social structures. The way dogs interact with humans is also fundamentally different from how wolves interact with each other.

Misinterpretation of Behaviours:

Many behaviours that are often attributed to 'dominance' or a desire to be a 'pack leader' are usually normal dog behaviours or responses to fear, anxiety, or confusion. For example, a dog that jumps up to greet people might be doing so out of excitement or because they've learned that jumping up gets attention, not because they're trying to assert dominance.

Ineffective and Potentially Harmful:

The 'pack leader' approach often advocates for the use of punishment or aversive techniques to 'show the dog who's boss'. Not only can these methods cause fear and anxiety, but they can also damage the relationship between the dog and their guardian. Positive reinforcement training methods are more effective and build a relationship based on trust and mutual respect, rather than fear.

Contradicts Modern Canine Science:

The overwhelming consensus among modern canine behavioural scientists and veterinarians is that the dominance theory is outdated and incorrect. Dogs, like all animals, are complex beings whose behaviours can't be explained by a simple desire for dominance. They have a wide range of motivations and emotions, and their behaviour is influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and situational factors.

In conclusion, the 'pack leader' approach is not a valid or ethical method for understanding or changing dog behaviour. Instead, positive reinforcement and force-free methods should be used to teach dogs desired behaviours, with an emphasis on understanding and meeting the dog's individual needs.

Learn more with the Canine Principles Skill Hub and try before you buy.. https://www.canineprinciples.com/subscription/skill-hub-membership

16/07/2025

There are a plethora of reasons why dogs bark.

The solution is to first determine WHY your dog is barking, then address the underlying cause.

If you're struggling to determine why your dog is barking, seek the assistance of a force-free professional. A shock/e-collar may seem like a quick fix, but it's the last thing you need for any of the causes listed below.

Trainer Tip Tuesday:

15/07/2025

Send a message to learn more

13/07/2025

10/07/2025

Excellent and very thorough piece about dog parks and their risks.

It's been literally decades since we've stepped foot in a dog park. There were some minor issues, then our young dog who was perhaps just 20 pounds at the time, was attacked by an adult German Shepherd. The Shepherd's owner refused to help, saying our dog needed to learn to "look after herself", proof that it's not just the dogs to consider when going to dog parks.

Thankfully, our dog was not physically injured. She WAS emotionally traumatized. It took almost a year to build back her confidence and comfort in the presence of other, especially larger dogs.

What's your alternative to a dog park?

As we look forward to raising our current litter and sending these puppies home with their wonderful families to enjoy new adventures, I was motivated to finally finish an article I've been writing for years about the risky nature of dog parks. Check it out!

https://www.stannyfield.com/stannyfield-dispatch/the-not-so-hidden-risks-of-dog-parks