19/06/2026
When I go out to a behaviour or training consultation, I assess the entire picture. 📸 I don’t just go in and ‘fix’ the specific problem without enquiring further, because more often than not, the obvious behaviour is part of a much bigger puzzle. 🧩
I want to make sure…
✅Their gut is happy
✅Their exercise needs are being met
✅They are physically healthy and not in discomfort
✅Their breed-specific needs are being met
✅There are clear house rules and boundaries
✅There is consistent training and communication
If these things aren’t ticked off, it’s not fair to expect your dog to behave impeccably. There is a difference between holistic behaviour modification and training. Two separate things; they both matter and should intertwine.
If your dog is pulling on a lead but you don’t give them decent physical time to burn off energy, that’s on you.
If you don’t want your dog to jump up visitors but you let them jump up you or the family, that’s on you.
If your dog doesn’t pay any attention to you but you make no effort to be fun and rewarding for your dog, that’s on you.
If you constantly give your dog attention and then get mad when they can’t switch off, that’s on you.
If you get mad when they’re stealing off your dinner plate but you haven’t taken any time to teach them boundaries, that’s on you.
🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
We’ve got to start taking responsibility for our dog’s behaviour. We should not be getting high drive working dogs and wondering why they aren’t satisfied with a walk around the block.
We have to stop comparing our current dog to our old dog and treat them like the individuals they are. If you got a high drive dog, STEP UP. Do better.
Do scentwork. Take them to agility. Get into canicross. Try competitive obedience. Explore different places.
When I see an owner and dog truly enjoying each other’s company, like the wonderful Deb and Indy in the picture, it reaffirms why I do this job. These glorious partnerships keep me smiling. When I’m faced with daily struggles, both human and canine, I cling to those who truly go the extra mile to enjoy their dog.
❤️❤️
