Mendmydog Dog Behaviourist

12/06/2025

Lovely week in the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District celebrating three significant family birthdays and we all enjoyed a fabulous Wolf experience. My mini wolf, Fizz very much enjoyed practising her livestock guardian duties on the patio. 🐺✨ **Debunking the Wolf Dominance Theory** ✨

For years, the “wolf dominance theory,” popularised by biologist David Mech, suggested that wolves operate within strict hierarchies, led by an alpha male. However, recent research has challenged this notion.

Mech’s studies revealed that wolf packs are often family units where cooperation and social bonds take precedence over dominance. Instead of a constant struggle for power, wolves exhibit nurturing behaviours, care for their young, and work together for survival.

This shift in understanding emphasises the importance of social structures and relationships in the animal kingdom, reminding us that cooperation often trumps competition. Trying to ‘dominate’ your dog is now an outdated method of dog training. Let’s celebrate the true spirit of wolves! 🐾❤️ .

05/06/2025

02/06/2025

Thrilled to Share Some Exciting News! 🎉🐾😍

After months of dedicated study (and some enforced rest thanks to a broken ankle!), I’m proud to have officially graduated and become part of Meesh Master’s nationally renowned Professional Dog Trainers Team.

Meesh has been a true trailblazer in the world of Romanian rescue dogs—raising awareness and providing essential education for both adopters and trainers. Her mission to ensure these dogs receive the understanding and support they deserve has deeply inspired me over the years.

My passion for helping Romanian rescues began six years ago when I adopted my own girl, Fizz. Navigating her unique, fear-based behaviours opened my eyes to the specialist support these dogs truly need. This course has been a perfect complement to my existing qualifications and a meaningful step forward in my ongoing commitment to this wonderful community.

I’ve followed Meesh’s work for years and feel genuinely honoured to now be part of her incredible team. Getting things right early on with these dogs can be life-changing—for them and for their families—and I’m excited to continue helping more adopters do just that.

02/06/2025

Very interesting study on evolutionary differences from ancient breed dogs in comparison to modern companion breeds and how their brains develop differently in terms of trainability and fear...those of us who work with ancient breeds will know this well.

31/05/2025

Hello Percy what a joy to meet you today, Percy was a superstar and he’s only 10 weeks old but is settling in very well with his new owners.

30/05/2025

UPDATE ALERT 🚨🚨. Did you know that German shepherd PUPPIES are often returned their first year? Shelters are overrun with German shepherds because people simple don’t understand the breed before they get them?? They like to puppy bite and cause a lot of trouble and most people get overwhelmed by it. But I always give the same advice. Find a trainer that can help you because once they turn 1.5 years old they will calm and turn into the best friend you have ever had. So if you are struggling with a German shepherd puppy. DONT GIVE UP!!

28/05/2025

Adopting a traumatised Romanian rescue dog can be a challenge for all concerned but Oakley‘s amazing owners took that chance and took Oakley home five months ago. Oakley is probably one of the most shut down dogs the shelter had seen and would sit in the corner, not even looking away from the wall for most of his day. His wonderful owners have made tremendous progress with him as you can see from the smile on his face now❤️. I knew he was unlikely to appear when I arrived yesterday and that is fine as work begins with his owners first and building trust with them is the most important initial step. I can work remotely with his owners using video so as not to scare Oakley, but it was nice to meet Bonnie, his adopted sister who was very keen to learn a few new cues with me. I look forward to working with Oakley and his wonderful owners to build up his trust gradually and hope to meet him when he is ready.

20/05/2025

20/05/2025

Today is National Rescue Dog day and here are mine. Each one has been a unique original, not a carbon copy of all the other dogs you see walking around, they are all mixed breeds which meant that they all lived incredibly healthy and happy lives, Fizz my Romanian is still only seven but Milo lived till 14 1/2 and Chip to almost 19. I miss Milo and Chip still every day but the joys and adventures that we had together are unforgettable. Here is to all you wonderful dog rescuers out there who have literally saved your dogs lives by adopting them. Have a fantastic day.🐾❤️ ❤️

16/05/2025