Often in the dog world we discuss how to get the dog to do this that or the other, or even, how to get the dog to stop doing this that or the other. That’s not always a bad thing, I’m not suggesting that dogs should be left unguided to participate in whatever they want. … Continue reading I SEE YOU

This is a difficult subject. It’s difficult to write or speak about it without upsetting a lot of people on either side of the debate. It’s difficult because humans often think in absolutes, all or nothing. It’s difficult because humans are very susceptible to confirmation bias. It’s difficult because humans are often outraged at any … Continue reading When does dog training become animal abuse?

Writing books is a tough gig. You might spend a year or so writing. Then rewriting and editing. You will spend a ridiculous amount of time looking for errors. You may have spent years, as I did, acquiring the knowledge. You can put everything you’ve got into producing an excellent book, but then what? The … Continue reading WHY WRITING DOG BOOKS IS A TOUGH GIG?

I’d often read the posts of others on Facebook, reporting the loss of their dogs. Each and every time, my heart would sink, and my eyes would become watery. I knew my day would come. I knew that one day, I’d have no choice but to say goodbye to Barney (Mr B). That day came … Continue reading Losing Mr B

The dog training world is quite divided in some respects, and never more so than right now. The constant debate, or hatred of each other seems to be increasing. I don’t think the divide, between aversive style trainers (particularly shock and prong collar users) and force-free trainers, will ever be settled on social media.  Many … Continue reading Why I’ll no longer be debating training methods on social media

I often see people writing about enrichment in ways that do not quite fit with my beliefs. Strangely, they often don’t want my uninvited opinion. So, ever so slowly, I’m learning to keep out of other people’s realities. But here, I will continue to teach what I consider to be right. But, of course, things … Continue reading Should food be used for enrichment?

Why does any human or animal avoid pain or discomfort?   It’s to escape things which might be harmful. So, imagine we apply some kind of pain or discomfort to a dog who growls at a child (or is reactive to anything else for that matter). What would happen in the dog’s mind? Could it … Continue reading Does punishment work?

I have two puppy books in my possession. Both are modern and against the use of traditional, punitive, measures. But when it comes to the subject of crates, they could not be more opposite. I’m not going to name the books or authors because, running the largest dog group on Facebook, I already have my … Continue reading The Great Crate Debate

I began school aged 5. One of my earliest memories is of being told off for not copying from the board. The teacher couldn’t understand why I wasn’t doing it. She thought I must have poor eyesight and sat me closer, but still I produced nothing. She repeatedly asked why I wasn’t doing my work … Continue reading Learning isn’t over until you say it’s over.