08/06/2026
At the weekend Sarah took Ophelia to a local fun dog show. It’s something we’ve attended before and usually enjoyed, but this time it left us with a lot to think about.
We saw countless reactive dogs being pushed into situations they clearly couldn’t cope with. Dogs pulling so hard on poorly-fitted harnesses that they were making themselves sick. Overweight dogs. Dogs running loose. Owners struggling to manage their dogs. Even a serious dog fight after one dog broke free from its equipment.
But the biggest thing to us was how many dogs looked like they were simply trying to cope with situations they weren’t ready for, while the people around them didn’t recognise what they were seeing. We don’t think this comes from bad intentions, most people love their dogs and want the best for them. The problem is that dog ownership has never been more accessible, but good education around dog behaviour, welfare and training often feels harder than ever to find.
Our dogs can live incredible lives. They can learn, explore, travel, compete, socialise and flourish in the world around them. But they need us to help them get there. We’ve been in that position, and now that’s one of the reasons we’re SO proud of the people we work with. Reaching out for help can be scary but it isn’t admitting failure, it’s taking that first step towards a life where you and your dog can thrive, not just survive.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing dog ownership in the UK today? We’d love to hear your thoughts ⬇️
