You don't have to blindly agree with your dog trainer to be a good dog owner. In fact, asking questions, challenging advice and being willing to think critically can be one of the best things you do for your dog.

Why Our Dogs Deserve Better Than Social Media Just one day this week I've seen: A trainer suggesting removing all of an aggressive dog's healthy teeth instead of considering behavioural euthanasia. Claims that force-free trainers are always telling owners to put their dogs to sleep. Every other post saying about the scientific method. A trainer talking about skinners pigeon experiments and how it shouldn't apply to dogs. A prominent positive reinforcement trainer sharing vide

"Not because I think I know better than vets, but because I think dog owners deserve conversations that go beyond 'take this tablet' or 'never use medication'. Like most things in dog training, I suspect the truth lives somewhere in the middle." Let's get something out of the way before you decide whether to keep reading. I'm not a vet. I'm not a veterinary behaviourist. I can't diagnose anxiety disorders, prescribe medication or tell you whether your dog should be taking it.

Like many people in the dog world, I recently read about the conviction of former Crufts-winning breeder Lynda Cooper for multiple animal welfare offences. The details are upsetting. Following concerns raised in 2024, officers from Torfaen Council, the RSPCA and veterinary professionals entered the property under warrant. They found dozens of dogs living in conditions that the courts later ruled failed to meet even the most basic standards of welfare. Many needed veterinary t

The dog training industry is full of passionate, knowledgeable people who genuinely want to help dogs and their owners. Confidence is important. In fact, we’d argue it’s essential. Clients need to trust that the person they’re paying can guide them through difficult behavioral issues. But confidence and ego aren't the same thing. Somewhere along the way, our industry has started rewarding certainty over curiosity. Instead of saying, "I don't know," or, "This case is outside m

Exploring Both Sides of the Debate If you've ever searched for a dog trainer, you'll have noticed something surprising: almost anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Unlike professions such as veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, or teaching, dog training remains largely unregulated in the UK. There is no legal requirement for qualifications, no mandatory standards of practice, and no governing body that every trainer must answer to. For some, this is a major problem that p

The discussion around breed health has gone beyond veterinary clinics and welfare charities. Animal welfare organisations, including PETA UK, have called for stronger action to address the health problems associated with some heavily modified breeds. In recent years, the organisation has urged major dog shows such as Crufts to stop promoting flat-faced breeds, arguing that breeding dogs with exaggerated physical features can lead to lifelong health issues. PETA has also supp

Understanding the Challenges of Rescue Dogs I work with rescue dogs nearly every day. I see their fear, anxiety, and the emotional damage caused by poor handling and bad advice. The truth is, these dogs often suffer due to a system that claims to protect them but frequently fails. The dog rescue system in the UK is broken. This may upset some people, but after years of working with rescue dogs, I can say it confidently. What makes it even more frustrating is my background as