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

Let's be honest, the idea sounds brilliant. Your dog disappears for a few weeks and comes back walking beautifully on the lead, recalling from the other side of a field, and politely ignoring squirrels. It's a bit like sending your teenager away and having them return doing their own washing and thanking you for your efforts. Unfortunately, dog training rarely works like that. Board and train programmes have become increasingly popular, and for some dogs and owners they can h

Read This First. Getting a puppy is exciting. You picture long walks, cuddles on the sofa, and a loyal companion who'll become part of the family. You probably don't picture standing in your kitchen at 2 am wearing one slipper, holding a paper towel, asking a tiny furry creature why it has once again weed on the floor despite being outside five minutes earlier. Yet somehow, that's also part of the puppy experience. The reality is that a puppy isn't just a cute addition to you

Scooby-Doo is technically a Great Dane, but the issue isn't specifically Great Danes—it's the pattern we've seen repeatedly with Dalmatians after 101 Dalmatians, Border Collies after Babe, Chihuahuas after Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Huskies after snow dogs, Game of Thrones, and so on. The announcement of a new Scooby-Doo film has dog trainers, rescue centres, and shelter workers everywhere making exactly the same face: "Ruh-roh." Don't get me wrong. I love Scooby-Doo. I grew up

Choose a side? If you've spent more than five minutes in an online dog training group, you've probably seen someone dramatically announce: "I only use positive reinforcement!" Followed by someone else replying: "Actually, that's impossible because all four quadrants are always present..." At which point three people leave angry comments, someone posts a picture of a wolf, and the original question about pulling on the lead is completely forgotten. Welcome to the wonderful wor

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

This might be an unpopular opinion, but it's something I've been seeing more and more often, and I think it's worth talking about. A couple announces they're expecting a baby. A few weeks or months later, they bring home a puppy. The idea sounds lovely. The baby and puppy grow up together. They become inseparable best friends. The photos are adorable. The social media posts get hundreds of likes. It's the kind of story we've been sold for years through films, adverts, and soc

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