Being Canine, Dog Behaviour and Training

22/07/2025

Would it surprise you to learn that a 'misbehaving' dog doesn't actually need more training?

Hard to believe isn't it as everyone from the person you meet in the park to professionals will tell you to 'get that dog trained'.

Surely the majority can't be wrong

21/07/2025

https://aeon.co/essays/when-is-enjoying-funny-animal-videos-not-anthropomorphism?fbclid=IwY2xjawLq_I5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHuM5e4O8elaqfdmCdAnjJXT0MGcTvBb3BVbWRq56F6Z8F2mRtQ24NQG6UV5U_aem_KPDdWeQGeT_MhfRodOj1jg

Interpreting the emotional lives of animals requires a subtler and more nuanced understanding of anthropomorphism

17/07/2025

Why I Don’t Aim for My Dog to Be ‘Happy’ All the Time

In modern society, there’s a strong emphasis on happiness, often portrayed as the ultimate emotional goal. This mindset has, understandably, carried over into how we think about our dogs. We want them to be happy, to enjoy life, and to thrive. But happiness, by its nature, is fleeting. Chasing it as a constant state can lead to unrealistic expectations for both us and our dogs.

What I aim for instead is emotional wellbeing. I want my dogs to feel secure, curious, calm, and to experience a full and healthy emotional life. That doesn’t mean exposing them to distress or fear, but rather allowing space for natural emotional variation. Not every moment needs to be exciting or joyful and that’s not only okay, it’s essential.

As Derren Brown writes in Happy,
"The pursuit of happiness as a constant state is both futile and harmful. Life is richer when we allow ourselves to experience the full range of emotions."

Similarly, psychologist Dr. Russ Harris notes in The Happiness Trap, “The expectation that we should feel happy all the time is a modern sickness.” The same applies to our dogs. A meaningful life includes moments of stillness, uncertainty, and exploration, not just constant pleasure.

In short, I don’t aim for ‘happy’ dogs. I aim for dogs who are emotionally supported, resilient, and able to experience life in all its richness.

Happiness is not a goal... it’s a by-product of a life well lived.”
Eleanor Roosevelt"

15/07/2025

Sometimes I look back and realise just how little we truly understood about dogs, and I think of the dogs I lived with when I was young.

When I was 13, I refused to take my German Shepherd mix back to training classes because the trainer was showing everyone how to do “lead pops.” If you’re old enough to remember Barbara Woodhouse, you’ll know exactly what that kind of method looked like.

What saddens me is that even back then, I felt compassion for dogs. I didn’t want to hurt them or make them unhappy; I wanted to give them the best life possible. Yet now, I wonder: where is that compassion?

I can’t imagine watching someone yank my dogs around, or use a prong or electric collar and yet it still happens. Sensible people sometimes push down their compassion in pursuit of control.

Given how much we now know about dogs and their behaviour, things really should have vastly improved. But every now and then, punishment-based techniques seem to become “popular” again. It’s disheartening.

We have access to more information, more research, more studies, and more organisations condemning certain methods than ever before. And yet, at the heart of it, compassion for dogs can still be missing.

When I was young, we had the excuse of limited information and largely relied on what parents or other adults told us was “normal.” Even then, I questioned whether those approaches were right.

I don’t question it anymore. I know they’re not.

Photo: No digital photos of the dogs from my youth but any excuse to share a picture of my lovely Theo. Subjected to forceful methods in the first year of his life but flourished in his new life here.

11/07/2025

There is extremely limited research exploring the links between pesticides and pet poisonings.

11/07/2025

A re share of one of the Without Worry Canine Education blogs. There are a few on the website to check out.

We often hear people stating that using a single correction, with expert timing, will not have any adverse lasting effects on a dog, but it is worth it, in the long run, to deal with worrying or troublesome behaviours. This is how abuse is justified by using 'tough love.''Tough love' is a phrase tha...

10/07/2025

“I know Kung Fu.”

In The Matrix, Neo downloads martial arts skills in seconds and declares his mastery.

In the real world, learning doesn’t work that way.

Attending a course, watching an online video, or reading a book doesn’t automatically make someone an expert, nor does it equip them to teach others effectively.

The true value of learning lies in what comes afterwards:

Applying new knowledge thoughtfully and consistently

Developing practical skills through experience and reflection

Understanding the principles behind techniques, not just the techniques themselves

Adapting information to suit individual contexts and needs

While it may be tempting to replicate what we see in training videos or adopt popular concepts, genuine expertise is built through the deeper work of integrating, questioning, and refining our knowledge.

Learning is the beginning. Mastery comes from the effort we invest beyond it.

10/07/2025

Hot Weather Warning for Dog Owners!

Dogs can overheat very quickly as temperatures rise. Some might seek out shade if they’re feeling too warm but others can become so engrossed in play, socialising, or simply have no choice if they’re on the lead.

While you might be enjoying the sunshine, your dog could be at serious risk of heat stroke. Don’t risk it:

Walk early or late when it’s cooler
Always provide fresh water and shade
Never leave dogs in cars, even for a few minutes

Keep your dog safe and cool so you can both enjoy the summer!

08/07/2025

Why do we often accept what experts say without question and why that can be risky

When someone is regarded as an expert, their words often go unchallenged. This trust in expertise can create a “halo effect,” where people assume the information is accurate simply because of who’s delivering it, rather than what is actually said.
There is a real danger that when someone speaks with enough confidence, or even arrogance, people will simply accept what they say without question.
Cialdini, R. B. (2007). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Revised Edition).

Confidence can be mistaken for truth, causing us to overlook the need for critical thinking and verification. This is why it’s so important to stay curious and evaluate the information we hear, regardless of how assured the speaker sounds.

This is partly because humans naturally rely on cues like credibility, confidence, and likeability to decide what to believe. When we’re tired, distracted, or unfamiliar with a topic, we often take mental shortcuts and accept the confident speaker’s message without critical evaluation.

True expertise embraces questioning and continuous learning, so let’s remain curious and always verify the information we receive, no matter the source.