Wagology Dog Behaviour

03/06/2026

Another lovely review on our google business page

03/06/2026

WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY DOG? 🤔

We get asked this every single day.
With food intolerances, sensitive stomachs, allergies… it’s no wonder so many owners feel overwhelmed trying to choose the “right” food.

The reality?
Without understanding canine nutrition, navigating the pet food aisle is hard. It's then marketing and brand awareness start to outweigh actual nutritional value… it gets even harder.

As behavioural trainers, we see the impact diet has on dogs every day. And yes, there are brands out there with very little nutritional value (you probably know the ones 😉 B****s)… alongside well-known, “trusted” names.

But here’s something to think about: 🧠

A huge percentage of the global pet food market is controlled by just a couple of companies such as Nestlé-Purina and Mars Petcare. They produce everything from kibble to wet food and have spent years mastering marketing across the whole of the food industry.

No wonder it feels confusing 🤯

Now, while we’re not canine nutritionists, we do work alongside professionals who are. Although our speciality is rescue and reactivity, we will always collaborate with the right experts to make sure both you and your dog get the support you need.

Because every dog is an individual… just like you.

Our job is to guide you towards what actually suits your dog and not what’s trending.

The industry should make this easier. Not harder.
Thankfully, resources like All About Dog Food are helping bring transparency back… but there’s still work to do.
👇 Tell us—have you ever felt confused choosing your dog’s food?

01/06/2026

We are so pleased with our new workwear we just have to show it off (no apologies 🤣)
Massive shout out to the team at Jaybee Supplies Limited they have been amazing !!!

31/05/2026

This past week, we’ve been exploring The Hierarchy of a Dog’s Needs 🐾🐾 A great way to better understand what truly matters for your dog’s wellbeing.
Curious to learn more?
Click the link ➡️ Wagology Dog Behaviour
for further insights and practical tips!

🧠 This week’s topic is all about the Hierarchy of Dog Needs 🐾

Just like us, dogs have different needs that must be met for them to feel safe, happy, and able to learn 💛

When we focus only on “training” without looking at the bigger picture, we can easily miss why behaviours are happening 👀

Over the next week we’ll be diving into:
🐶 Biological needs
💛 Emotional needs
🐾 Social needs
🌱 Force-free training
🧠 Cognitive needs

Understanding these needs helps us better support our dogs and build training that actually works 👏

31/05/2026

Thanks to ABC Dogs NZ for this powerful reminder. It’s all too easy to judge or criticise others without understanding their circumstances, especially when it comes to financial stability. Take the time to read, reflect & remember: we rarely know the full story behind someone’s situation 🐾🐾

Some people are holding onto their dogs by a thread.
And we're arguing about blueberries.

Now isn't the time to shame people for feeding their dog the only way they financially can.

If some rice needs to be added to bulk a meal out because there simply isn't enough food, then that's where some people are right now.

A perfect raw diet served in a beautiful bowl with blackberries, green-lipped mussels and salmon oil might look great on social media.

But for some people, it feels like a slap in the face, over and over again.

They don't know you're already skipping meals yourself.

They’ve no idea you're juggling rent, power, groceries, fuel and a dozen other bills while trying to keep your dog fed too.

Being told "if you cared, you'd find a way" is SO easy when you're not the one standing in the supermarket trying to figure out how on earth you can get the whole family fed for the week when your bank app says seventeen dollars.

Let's be real.

People are surrendering their dogs because they can no longer afford to keep them.

Others are doing everything they can not to.

They're behind on the mortgage.
Behind on the rent.
Putting off things they really need.
Living in cold houses because the power bill has become yet another thing to worry about.
Answering the phone?
Well, you don’t really do that anymore because you know it’s someone wanting money that you just don't have.

And through all of this.
Day in and day out.
People are trying to keep their dog.

Because their dog is family.

Their dog that sleeps on their bed, snuggles and snores.
Their dog that got them through the divorce.
Their dog that sat beside them when life just fell apart.

Their dog was there in those moments when nobody else was.

People are clawing and scraping to hold onto that relationship.

And while they're doing everything they can to keep their dog in their home, they're being told they aren't good enough because they just can't afford someone else's version of the perfect diet.

Perspective matters.
Of course nutrition matters.
And yup, we should feed the best diet we reasonably can.

But right now.
In these economic times.
A dog eating a less-than-perfect diet in a loving home is often in a far, far better position than a dog that loses that home altogether.

And for many families, that's not a hypothetical.
That's the very decision they're trying desperately not to make.

30/05/2026

📚 Every day is a school day… even on a Saturday! 🐾

Today we’ve been spending the day with Yaz at Yorkshire Pooches Therapies, learning all about pain in dogs 🐶

Pain can have a huge impact on behaviour, emotions, learning, and overall wellbeing, so it’s incredibly important for us as professionals to continue expanding our knowledge and understanding.

We’re looking forward to taking what we’ve learned and using it to better support the dogs and guardians we work with 💛👏

30/05/2026

🧠 Mental stimulation is a need, not just an “extra” 🐾

Dogs need opportunities to think, problem solve, explore, and learn.

Cognitive needs can include:
✔️ Training & learning new skills
✔️ Sniffing and exploring
✔️ Enrichment activities
✔️ Choice and problem solving
✔️ Using natural behaviours

Meeting cognitive needs can help dogs feel more fulfilled, confident, and settled 💛

A busy brain is just as important as their physical exercise!

30/05/2026

Beginners Recall

29/05/2026

If you’re following our page, the chances are you train your dog using force-free methods, amazing! 🤩

This type of training is about teaching through clear communication, trust, working within your dogs comfort zone, and positive reinforcement, rather than using aversive tools, fear or intimidation 🐾💛

Dogs learn best when they feel safe enough to engage and make good choices.

Force-free training focuses on:
✔️ Building confidence
✔️ Preventing fear and stress
✔️ Rewarding behaviours we want to see more of
✔️ Strengthening the relationship between dog and guardian

29/05/2026

🐾 1-2-1 Training Sessions Tailored Just for You & Your Dog 🐾

Our 1-2-1 sessions are designed for dogs of all ages and training levels — whether you’ve recently adopted, are working through reactivity, or simply want to build stronger foundations.

Each session allows us to really hone in on your dog’s individual needs. We always start with a relaxed, chatty consultation where we get to know everything about your dog’s world — including health, diet, exercise, enrichment, and any underlying factors that may be influencing behaviour.

Understanding you and your expectations is just as important. From there, we create a fully bespoke plan tailored to your goals — whether that’s structured training, a behavioural programme, or personalised training walks.

This week, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly fabulous teams, alongside delivering customised training walks — and we’ve loved every minute of it! 🐶✨

If you’d like to find out more or explore how we can support you, we offer a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your options.

📩 Get in touch to book yours!