Get a Grip

05/28/2026

I wish this was common knowledge rather than some of the weird myths that stubbornly persist.

I can. But I’m not going to.

I don’t want your dog to shrink away while I insist on ruffling their hair up.
They don’t need me to touch them to prove “I’m safe”.

What they actually need is for me to keep my hands in my pocket and wait for some signals of consent.

We have a tactile “obsession” when it comes to dogs.

Maybe it starts when they’re puppies and their squidginess draws our hands in.
100% their fur and wee fat rolls combined are irresistible.
From there though, it can become a habit.

We see a person up the street we haven’t seen for a while, stop for a chat and our hand goes down to pat while we say “Aww whose this wee girl”.
That’s how easy these habits grow.

They’re ingrained.

How about we start to normalise not touching?
And start normalising watching for consent.

05/16/2026

I love this! All but one rule goes for my own household, too. The rule about feeding is not feasible with how many dogs I have at my house.

05/15/2026

This is very important with fearful dogs.

In Treat/Retreat, after a dog comes forward and takes a treat, the next treat is tossed past them, back into their safe zone. Then another one or two land further still, into the Safer Zone, the area behind the dog where there is nothing alarming, where they can simply be undisturbed for a moment before choosing whether to return.

This surprises people sometimes. Things were going well. Why send the dog away?

Because being sent back to genuine safety after each approach teaches the dog something important: coming close is a choice they can make and then unmake. They can approach, eat, turn away, and return to where they feel comfortable, and then come back again when they are ready. The retreat is not a pause between repetitions. It is half the lesson.

Learn how to take this simple concept and build - learn how to help shy and fearful dogs in a way that is not only meaningful to the owners, but to the dog.

Treat/Retreat Certification is on sale now for the month of May - your chance to save over 30% on this life changing course.
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Not ready for certification? Well maybe you are looking for Treat/Retreat First Aid -Treat/Retreat First Aid is a foundation of tried and true strategies to help fearful dogs. If what you need right now is solid first aid skills to help a nervous client, your own shy dog, or unsure rescue dogs who need a little boost - this course is for you.
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05/10/2026

The more we know…

Anxiety disorders in dogs are ever-growing and represent an important concern in the veterinary behavior field. These disorders are often disregarded in veterinary clinical practice, negatively impacting the animal's and owner's quality of life. ...

05/04/2026

Looking at young Stanley practice ‘Superbowls’ just across the gravel road from dogs in the dog park, you wouldn’t think he would normally jump and pull and vocalize to join them. Well done, Stanley and family!

04/11/2026

The best approach? None.
None at all.

I want a dog to feel safe.
Secure.
To understand, clearly, that I am no threat.

And the quickest way to do that?
Take the pressure right off.

No reaching. No leaning in and no stepping into their space.

Because the moment you move toward them, or bend down in an attempt to connect with them, you’ve already changed how it feels for them.

Dogs don’t need us to prove we’re friendly.
They need us to be non-threatening.

There’s a big difference.

And this isn’t just about them.
It’s about you too.

You may know nothing about this dog. That matters.

If you crouch down right in front of them, you’ve just put yourself in a compromised position.

Your centre of gravity is now off.
Your movement will then be slower.
Your ability to step away quickly is reduced.

If this dog reacts?
You’ve lost those crucial seconds and your face is right there directly in front of theirs.

So, try this instead

Turn your body.
Stay upright.
Give lots of space.

Let them decide if they want to come closer.

Because the clearest and best message you can send a dog is this:
I’m not here to pressure you.

01/16/2026

Usually it is the dogs that get tired after a session but today the handler did as well. 😀

01/03/2026

This!

11/14/2025

https://stevedalepetworld.com/blog/shock-collars-are-not-safe-or-harmless-court-agrees-in-class-action-law-suit/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAODb61leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEefqbdZGl7tbi49XLSlXRzMx_be_u3PSXzYSIKKor-CXHuHrwkeJDVFecGuk0_aem_HJsqFhak_Ih97pcrYrDtDg

Dozens of peer review studies have demonstrated the dangers, potential short- and long-term impact of using shock collars (e-collars) on dogs. And just now a $1.9 million consumer class action arising out of misrepresentations and omissions by parent company Radio Systems in connection with its manu...

11/05/2025

This is what I help owners figure out.