The Mali Dad

10/04/2026

Some awesome shots taken today by IG - thanks for taking and sending them Donna 😍

09/03/2026

31/01/2026

Bedtime with a Mali in the house 😂

Watch, follow, and discover more trending content.

17/01/2026

I’m often asked what equipment and tools I use, here’s a list with links to the exact kit. I’ve tried a lot with the malis, they push things hard and I know these all last

Note: I may earn a small commission from these, all proceeds go directly back to our own dogs in way of toys, treats, tools etc

Bit tug toy - these are brilliant, JJ absolutely rags this at full,speed, will try and get a video at some point https://amzn.to/49MkXYl

Large Chuckit ball - storm will kill for one of these over everything else, last forever but they don’t float! https://amzn.to/3ZhmAIn

Halti 3m lead. Very flexible and can be doubled up or left full,length, will warp around your body. We’ve used these for nearly 9 years with our shepskis, just brilliant https://amzn.to/4bAJn9t

The HALTI Control Lead is designed to maximise control when walking your dog. This versatile double clip lead provides multiple functions and optimal control when used with a non pull dog head collar or harness. The Lead Handle aids the training process by allowing your dog to enjoy loose lead co...

17/01/2026

Please read, this is so true!

I was told today that I shouldn’t be teaching people if I have a reactive dog myself.

That it’s like having a fat personal trainer.
Or a bank account that’s in debt.

And honestly, this belief is everywhere.
But, it’s built on a misunderstanding of what reactivity actually is.

A reactive dog is not a badly trained dog or something that can be trained out of them.

Reactivity is an emotional response, not a lack of obedience.

It describes a dog whose nervous system responds more intensely to certain triggers like other dogs, people, sounds, pressure, because their brain is wired for heightened survival responses.

And, here’s the part that a lot of the dog world still refuses to say out loud:

‘Reactivity’ cannot always be “fixed.”

Not because the owner hasn’t tried hard enough.
Not because the trainer isn’t good enough.
But, because reactivity can be shaped by things that cannot be trained out, such as:

• Genetics and temperament
• Early developmental trauma
• Poor or stressful early socialisation
• Chronic pain or medical issues
• Long-term nervous system sensitisation

You cannot obedience-train a nervous system into being something it isn’t.

That all said, it does not mean progress isn’t possible.

It is.

We can lower intensity.
We can shorten recovery time.
We can build coping skills.
We can create safety, predictability, and trust.

A dog may always be ‘reactive’ by nature, but they don’t have to be unsafe, distressed, or out of control.

And as for the comparison?

A personal trainer who understands fat loss because they’ve lived it has insight.

A business mentor who’s rebuilt from debt has credibility.

A person with PTSD or anxiety who’s learned coping strategies and boundaries can live a normal life, but the emotions still remain and may surface or change from day to day

And a professional who lives with a reactive dog, managing it ethically, realistically, every single day, understands this work at nervous-system level, not ego level.

Reactivity isn’t failure.
It’s biology meeting environment.

And progress isn’t perfection.
It’s stability, safety, and quality of life.

That’s the truth people don’t like, but it’s the truth dogs and you as dog owners need.

16/01/2026

I had the pleasure of this young ladies company today with her new owner, Tim whom was not sure if he would be able to manage her!

Two year old Mali, adorable temperament, nervous but has a lot of potential. If we were not moving, I’d have loved to bring her into our clan.

I gave Tim a few tips to help them both get more comfortable with each other, how to use the slip collar properly, long line recall games, engagement tips and food luring.

When she arrived she pulled like a train and wouldn’t take treats. At the end of the session she was walking nicely with a lot less tension, and she was taking my sausage treats like no tomorrow.

So glad Tim is keeping her, I’ll be following her progress closely, just a joy to be around (Ruby that is, not Tim 🤣🤣🤣)

15/01/2026

Koda with the mean machine

15/01/2026

Feeding time at the zoo 😂

25/12/2025

Like my new hat?

13/12/2025

Please take note. Your dog maybe friendly, mine possibly isn’t - keep yours under control 💪