Understanding Canine Dog Training

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 ❤️

29/06/2026

What a fantastic group of greyhound guardians braving the rain to learn and grow with their hounds!

Everyone made huge progress together and should be so proud of themselves!

Congratulations for graduating Life Skills for Hounds to Pellinor, Nila, Diesel, Paris and Nigel! 🎓👏🥳

17/06/2026

Thank you Sue for the interview and for the opportunity to share my work with greyhounds and beyond ❤️

17/06/2026

Beautiful photos from Blue Mountains based Pet Photography of Myx’s runs at her lure coursing trial. She truly is in her element when she gets to chase and “kill” those plastic bags 😅

We can’t ask our dogs not to be dogs - but we can provide outlets for their genetic-driven behaviours, while managing and preventing access to less “appropriate” expressions of these behaviours (like hunting the neighbourhood cats).

It’s important that the outlets we do provide are context specific - so the dog can differentiate between what is accessible to them and what isn’t - and, above all, safe for them to participate in with low risk of injury.