All of us in the animal industry have forever used food to teach and train our pets. Over recent years as I’ve learned more about the brain and the cognitive side of things I’ve questioned what we are really teaching our pets especially when it comes to behaviour problems. Yes, some dogs undoubtedly love their … More Food For Thought
In recent months I have noticed a real increase in the number of people contacting me because their dog is struggling with other dogs. In fact having spoken to many other professionals we are all saying the same thing – that there has been an unprecedented increase in dog-dog reactivity. So why might this be? … More Help-My dog doesn’t like other dogs
We humans are obsessed with the fact that our dogs need to be walked aren’t we? How many times have we pushed ourselves to take the dogs out when we don’t feel well and probably shouldn’t go out. We walk them whatever the weather because if we don’t we feel guilty that they have been … More Is it time to rethink our walking habits?
We’ve all seen these dogs. Lunging, pulling, barking with hapless owners dragged behind them. Many people have crossed the road or walked the other way to avoid these dogs and their owners. Some of the dogs are wearing the “Yellow” jacket asking owners to give them space. There are countless dogs like this up and … More Walking in their shoes – The truth behind reactive dogs.
Dogs are social creatures by habit. They love company and many love nothing better than to have a good run with their buddies. Those of us who witness healthy, happy play with carefree abandon love to see our dogs mixing happily but unfortunately in most cases that play isn’t always carefree and healthy. I love … More Pack Walks – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
I remember many years ago before I got into Animal Behaviour attending a class with my own dog. At the time I had no idea what I was doing or what was a good class or anything about how dogs actually think. Looking back the class was horrendous, full of people shouting at dogs, … More Choosing professional help for your pet – A how to guide to finding the right person
Over the years I have been working in Animal Behaviour I am always amazed at how many people disregard science and research. The world of dog training has really moved forward as science has discredited some of the more outdated methods such as Dominance and pack leadership style methods. There has been a huge amount … More Treating fear with pain – Why does it appear to work and what really happens under the skin?
People have often asked me why I do this job and what qualifies me to call myself an animal behaviour specialist. The short answer is that I love animals and I have spent a fortune studying their behaviour. The long answer is detailed – yes I love animals, yes I am qualified but more than … More Why I got into Dog Training & Animal Behaviour.
A number of years ago I read an article in which a dog owner recounted what was on the surface an amusing story. It was Christmas and the owners had gone out to do some shopping. The dogs had been left with free rein of the house including the room where the Christmas tree was. … More Christmas Paws
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