Understanding Canine Dog Training

12/10/2026

Such an important skill!

Easy Peasy.
No pleading.
No lead pulling.
No awkward "standoff" while your dog has read the same clump of grass for 8 minutes.

Just a word or two you've taken the time to teach.

And suddenly, you've got a really handy "trick" up your sleeve.

It's simple, it's kind, and it can get you out of so many sticky spots before they get stickier.

It helps you dodge the dog you don't want to meet.
Helps you turn around without a tug-of-war.

And yup, it can absolutely help with reactivity too.

🤔 If you're wondering how I actually use it on a walk, I've put the 5 moments I use it most in today's Story

15/09/2026

I’m not here to judge or shame anyone - this is just my personal experience and why I don’t feel the need to use aversive tools. I always knew I wanted to learn animal training from more than one species. But the most important aspect was learning to train animals that could always choose not to participate.

I wanted to have the potential of physical force completely off the table so I could learn how to think outside the box. Outside just the quadrants of operant conditioning and into understanding ethology, neurobiology and simply how to be a good teacher for that individual animal. And I’ll never claim to have always gotten it right or never made mistakes, but I want to keep being challenged and never stop learning.

This weekend at the PPGA workshop and conference, I continued my commitment to this ongoing learning. Because there are hundreds, if not thousands of guardians, trainers, behavioural consultants, veterinary behaviourists and animal care professionals all working successfully with animals without the need of aversive tools and “corrections”. And it was just awesome to be around so many like-minded professionals that all have the same goals around their work with animals.

We can address behaviour concerns without aversive tools. We can be safe, reliable and predictable teachers for our dogs, while still establishing boundaries and keeping them safe. I don’t expect everyone to agree, but I welcome anyone to respectfully share their thoughts, if they would like to!

09/09/2026

Some photos I took of the beautiful dingoes at BargoDingoSanctuary this morning. I highly recommend going out to visit and get to see and meet the dingoes yourself! It feels important to see these animals up close now more than ever as the NSW government finally is reviewing their “management” (lethal control) in National Parks.

Don’t be fooled by the collar and leash - these are not domestic dogs. When meeting Nookta, he would say a little hello but he never seemed to disengage from his environment - ears swivelling towards every sound, always looking towards the bush. Not in the manner you would see from a hypervigilent dog, but calm and processing without any excess energy spent on stress.

Every movement they make feels purposeful, fluid and efficient - even when perimeter pacing around a fence line. They are a representation of resilience and tenacity and the true boss of the Australian bush.

24/08/2026

Well done to all the hounds graduating from Social Skills for Hounds yesterday! It’s always amazing to see how much progress happens in just 6 weeks - just by building predictability and positive associations with the environment and other dogs.

Everyone progresses at their own pace and we celebrate every win, no matter how small it is!

Congratulations Phoenix, Pretzel, Finch, Clarry, Ebby Rose and Bottles! 🎓🥳

17/08/2026

For some greyhounds, the concept of socialising with other dogs on leash can be really challenging for them. It’s important for us to step up and show them how to navigate social situations, giving them the skills and information so that it doesn’t feel too overwhelming or stressful.

This is why I developed Social Skills for Hounds - it all about giving your greyhound a safe space to learn those skills.

Dog directed “Reactivity” in greyhounds kind of makes a lot of sense when you consider how greyhound management is in the racing industry. During critical socialisation periods, it is industry standard to house puppies in paddocks - never exposed to anything they might experience in their pet life (busy streets, traffic, other breeds of dogs ect.) .

So when your new hound goes on their first walk and sees a dog on a leash… how are they supposed to know how to even navigate that situation?

They might “steamroll” in with big energy and intensity, not really thinking through what they’re doing and then growling because they want space.

They might immediately tense up and lunge and bark because its too stressful for them to even think about interacting.

They might tuck tail and try to bolt for home… All of these responses indicate anxiety and uncertainty. Even if they seem initially keen and curious, chances are they’re muddling through and hoping for the best.

Whatever shows up in your hound, it is possible to teach them how to navigate their world and fill those gaps in their socialisation and problem solving skills.

Check out the link in my bio for upcoming September Social Skills classes!

29/07/2026

Have you experienced this culture clash with your hound?

Selective breeding has shaped dogs into a diverse range of breeds and personalities - all with different play styles and social behaviours.

Sighthound play is all about running fast and chasing. But if your hound is in a space they can’t run fast in or on a leash, you may also get what some call “statues” - where the dogs go from a “play bow” to a freeze in place.

You may also get frustration behaviours if your hound wants to play but they’re on leash. My whippet Myx will often vocalise when greeting another dog because she just wants to RUN. So that conflict and frustration can look a lot like what we might label “reactivity”.

Not every dog needs to be your dog’s best buddy - it’s much better for them to have 1 or 2 dogs they know well and can hang out with, rather than constantly dealing with total strangers - that’s a lot of social pressure to navigate. And your dog’s ability to tolerate other dogs may change as they age - or if they have any pain/discomfort in their bodies.

💡Keep all on leash greetings to short 3-5 seconds hellos and make sure dogs are getting plenty of breaks during off leash play!

24/07/2026

Could not agree more!!! Every hound is an individual!

For years, greyhound rehoming in Australia has been built around marketing labels. It’s something that has always frustrated us. We have written this post many times over the years.

Rather than seeing greyhounds as individuals, we’ve tried to fit them all into neat little boxes.

First came “They’re therapy dogs.” True for some. Not true for all. In fact, many needed therapy themselves as they adjusted to life beyond racing. Unrealistic expectations led to failed adoptions.

Then came “They’re perfect apartment dogs.” Many are. But not every greyhound is suited to apartment living, and once again, mismatched expectations resulted in dogs being returned.

Then came “They’re couch potatoes.” Absolutely true for plenty of them… but not all. Some are playful, energetic and love an active lifestyle.

Then “They don’t need much exercise or walking.” Some are perfectly content with shorter daily walks, while others thrive on much longer adventures. There are greyhounds that enjoy hiking, long bushwalks and, when healthy, fit and gradually conditioned, some even love running alongside their owners and can excel in endurance activities.

Then “They all want to chase small dogs.” Many do have a high prey drive. Many don’t. Some happily live with small dogs and even cats after appropriate assessment.

So what’s next?

What new label will we give this incredible breed?

The truth is far simpler.

Greyhounds are just like Labradors, Border Collies, Staffies or any other breed. They are individuals. Each has their own personality, energy level, likes, dislikes and needs.

Some are quiet. Some are goofy. Some are independent. Some are needy, Some are social butterflies. Some will happily spend the day on the couch, while others are looking for adventure.

Please, let’s stop pigeonholing this beautiful breed. Let’s stop adopting out stereotypes and start matching people with the greyhound in front of us.

The best thing we can say about a greyhound isn’t that they’re all the same. It’s that they’re all different.

20/07/2026

Happy Monday! We had adventures at our favourite Sniffspace ❤️