The Cognitive Dissonance Crisis in the Dog Community It is becoming harder and harder to talk about dog behaviour without emotions taking over the conversation. Many owners genuinely want the best for their dogs, yet have been led to believe that love means softness, that discipline means cruelty, and that science has somehow proven that balance and consequence have no place in modern dog training. But the truth is, we have entered a period where emotion often outweighs reaso

Why Viewing Your Dog’s Behaviour Through an Emotional Lens Limits Your Ability to Help When we view our dog’s behaviour through emotion rather than objective observation , we unintentionally limit how much we can truly help them.Feelings like guilt, fear, or sympathy can cloud judgment and pull our focus away from what the dog needs and toward how we feel . Many owners become more worried about hurting their dog’s feelings than addressing the underlying issue. In reality, th

Being a leader to your dog isn’t about bullying or intimidation. It’s not about raising your voice, forcing obedience, or proving you’re in charge. That’s not leadership — that’s insecurity masquerading as control. True dominance, in the healthy sense of the word, is quiet, confident, and earned — not loud or forceful. Think about the kind of leader you respect. Is it someone who barks orders, micromanages, and punishes mistakes just to remind you who’s boss? Or is it someon

Introduction Over-dependency in dogs is a common issue that can be challenging to address, primarily because it often stems from the owner's own emotional attachment to their pet. This article explores the dynamics of this behaviour, the impact on both the dog and owner, and strategies for addressing it effectively. The Root of Over-Dependency - Owner's Role : Many cases of over-dependent dogs are linked to owners who, due to their own emotional needs, reinforce their dog's c

The interplay between emotion and the critical mind is a complex and nuanced topic. Emotion, while essential to human experience, often becomes dominant, overshadowing our ability to engage in critical thinking. This phenomenon is particularly observable in the realm of dog behaviour, where a lack of understanding of the true nature of dogs leads to emotional responses that eclipse reasoned analysis.  The Dominance of Emotion Over Critical Thinking Emotion plays a crucial rol

Understanding Your Dog's Psychological State Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring your new pet transitions smoothly into its new home. The psychological state of your dog is crucial to understanding the requirements needed to help them settle in with as little stress as possible for both your family and your dog. It can take up to three months for a dog to fully adjust to its new environment, making it essential to create

Introduction All dogs deserve to live in loving homes. However, this belief must be balanced with responsible rehabilitation practices. Emotional decision-making in dog rehoming, without critical assessment of their psychological and behavioural state, can lead to significant issues for both dogs and their adoptive families. This article explores the potential consequences of such emotionally driven approaches and underscores the need for balanced, objective strategies in dog

Sending your dog away to be "fixed" by a trainer often shifts the blame for behavioural issues onto the dog, rather than addressing the underlying dynamics within the home environment. In my experience, more than 70% of dogs sent away for behaviour modification return home and quickly revert to old habits. Quick fixes are rarely effective; a dog’s behaviour is deeply influenced by the home environment and the owner’s commitment to consistent guidance and structure.  I’ve enco

Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, developing a unique ability to attune to human emotions. Their extraordinary sensitivity to emotional cues, such as tone of voice, body language, and energy, has made them exceptional companions. However, this deep connection also means that dogs are profoundly affected by their owners' emotional states. Unregulated human emotions—both negative and positive—can lead to psychological distress and behavioural instabilit

The Hidden Cause of Separation Stress Separation stress is one of the most common behavioural issues I see in dogs—and more often than not, it begins in the first few weeks after a puppy is brought into the home. What many loving dog owners don’t realise is that excessive nurturing during this early stage—what I call “over-mothering”—can have long-term psychological consequences. Let’s break it down. What Happens in Nature? In a natural environment, a mother dog doesn’t just