Being Canine, Dog Behaviour and Training

06/05/2025

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390848540_A_Comparison_of_Food_and_Non-Food_Enrichment_with_Zoo-Housed_African_Lions_Panthera_leo

PDF | Ongoing research on the effectiveness of enrichment at the species, group, and individual levels is beneficial to our growing understanding of... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

06/05/2025

Let’s all take a moment to be more mindful of what dogs truly need.

Every dog, regardless of breed, deserves to be understood, not controlled. Their body language tells us so much, if we only take the time to observe.

No dog needs a “firm hand” or harsh methods.

That old idea has no place in modern dog care. Force-free, kind, and respectful training is the way forward, for every dog, every time.

Many 'trainers' will try to convince owners that their dog is different, that they need to be treated harshly to be able to listen and it's a moment in time but ultimately the dog needs it :(

Of course, using punishment is easier than actually learning about dogs. The more that we highlight the need for education and knowledge, the more that there is push back from people defending the use of punishment.
After all, it's painful to have to admit that you might have been wrong and have to relearn - much easier to just defend, defend, defend.



Photo: Let's move away from the 'firm hand' attitude and move towards understanding dog behaviour.

06/05/2025

I won't be able to check emails/messages or phone calls from wed 7th to Friday 9th of May.

04/05/2025

02/05/2025

02/05/2025

Why Do Some Dogs Find Change So Hard?
You might notice how some dogs struggle when the furniture moves, a new person visits, or their routine shifts just a little? It’s not stubbornness, it's a combination of factors.

Dogs thrive on predictability, especially those who are sensitive, had limited early experiences or have had negative experiences Therefore any change., even small changes, can feel overwhelming to dogs who:

Have a sensitive stress response (their brains go straight into “fight or flight” mode),

Missed out on safe socialisation as puppies,

Have had scary or unstable experiences in the past,.

Imagine living in a world where you don’t understand what’s happening, can’t predict what comes next, and don’t have control over your surroundings. That’s what sudden change can feel like for some dogs.

Helping these dogs means:

Giving them choice and control,

Making change gradual and positive,

Supporting their emotional safety every step of the way.

Think about how you feel when change happens, we tend to feel much less stressed out, if it is something that we have chosen or can control. Having change imposed on us, is not comfortable but at least we can talk about it or rationalise it.



Photo: Become familiar with the signs of stress in your dog and take supportive action. Many puppies will sit and refuse to move when they are trying to process or work out what is happening around them. Don't be in such a hurry, try to notice and respond rather than coax or cajole

01/05/2025

Training vs Behaviour Plan

It’s a common mix-up, putting a training protocol in place and calling it a behaviour plan. But they’re not the same.

Training protocols are often about teaching specific skills like “sit”, “leave it”, or loose lead walking. They’re task-focused and usually rely on repetition and cues.

A behaviour plan, on the other hand, dives deeper. It’s about understanding why a behaviour is happening in the first place. It considers your dog’s emotional state, history, health, environment, triggers, and needs. A well-designed behaviour plan looks at the bigger picture not just what we want the dog to do, but how the dog is feeling, what choices they have, and what changes can reduce stress or improve wellbeing.

You can teach a dog to walk nicely on lead but if they’re terrified of traffic or overwhelmed by the world around them, a training protocol won’t touch the root of the problem. That’s where a behaviour plan comes in.

It’s not just about “how do I stop this?”
It’s about “what does my dog need?” and “how do we help them feel safe, secure, and supported?”

If you're dealing with behaviour concerns, it’s worth looking beyond protocols. Behaviour change takes empathy, observation, and a plan that supports the complete dog.

The skill set of training is largely mechanical in nature. That means it's based on timing, consistency, and physical coordination, the ability to mark a behaviour at the right moment, deliver reinforcement efficiently, use your body language clearly, and apply cues and rewards with precision. These are all mechanical skills that can be practised and refined.

But while training is mechanical, behaviour work is more strategic and emotional. It requires observation, interpretation, empathy, and a deep understanding of the dog's internal experience, not just what the dog is doing, but why they’re doing it. That’s where behaviour plans come in, focusing on emotional safety, motivation, stress reduction, and long-term change, often in complex or sensitive situations. The owners and people in the dog's life are also part of that behaviour plan.

So, training is a craft while behaviour work is a blend of science, strategy, and compassion.

Photo: While teaching some training skills are useful, like waiting before go through a gate or having a good solid recall, these activities are unlikely to have any impact on behaviour challenges or indeed how the dog perceives and interacts with the world outwith those training moment.

30/04/2025

The Power of Play: Supporting Well-Being Without Dog-to-Dog Interaction
Play is a vital part of a dog's emotional and physical health even for dogs who don’t enjoy the company of other dogs. While social play with other dogs can be enriching for some, it's not the only way to meet a dog’s need for joyful, stimulating activity. For dogs who are reactive, selective, or simply uninterested in dog-to-dog play, other forms of play are just as important.

Play with a trusted human can strengthen your bond, reduce stress, and support learning. Activities like gentle tug, chase games, or search and find tap into natural canine behaviours in a safe and positive way. Toy-based play, such as with balls, food puzzles, or soft squeaky toys, can provide mental stimulation and help release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Even solo exploratory play, such as scent games or interacting with favourite toy can be deeply satisfying. The key is finding the activity that your dog loves.

Importantly, play is about more than just movement, it's about emotional expression, autonomy, and feeling good.

Even if your dog couldn't care less about other dogs or would rather avoid them, try to make sure that they have play opportunities, it simply feels good!

Photo: Ava loved to play with other dogs but she still enjoyed a bit of solitary play with a toy too.