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15/06/2026

Is your dog really trying to be “the alpha”? 🐶

The idea that dogs are constantly trying to dominate their owners has become one of the most widespread beliefs in dog training; but it isn’t what the current body of evidence supports.

Modern behavioral science suggests that:

* ✔️ Dominance describes a relationship between individuals, not a personality trait.
* ✔️ Dogs can exhibit dominance relationships with other dogs in certain contexts.
* ✔️ Common behaviors like pulling on the lead, jumping up, or guarding resources are often better explained by learning history, motivation, reinforcement, fear, or the value of the resource than by a desire to “take over the household.”

This video explores what the research actually says and why understanding the difference matters for both training and welfare.

Some of the key references informing this discussion include:
• Mech, L.D. (1999). Alpha Status, Dominance, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs.
• Bradshaw, Blackwell & Casey (2009). Dominance in Domestic Dogs: Useful Construct or Bad Habit?
• Kubinyi et al. (2019). Dominance in Dogs as Rated by Owners Corresponds to Ethologically Valid Markers of Dominance.
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals.

Science evolves, and so should our understanding of canine behavior. The goal isn’t to win a power struggle with our dogs; it’s to understand them well enough to communicate, teach, and live with them successfully.

What’s the biggest myth about dog behavior that you still hear today?

14/06/2026

With all of the s**t news at the moment, here’s a gentle video of Lilibet learning to look up and down. We are using a platform on the grown and a hand target above … I will get a cup on a stick when I remember to. Both are marked with a clicker. Annoying part is, I used reward specific markers at the start of the video but her success rate wasn’t as clean as this snippet where I did not use them, preferably because we had gotten into the flow of what we were doing and having the addition of RSM may have broken that.

11/06/2026

Find and participate in consultations and surveys run by the Northern Ireland Civil Service

08/06/2026

🐾 Considering neutering? Understanding hormones can help inform the decision.

Behaviour is influenced by many factors, including genetics, learning, health, environment, and hormones. Because every dog is different, a one-size-fits-all approach to neutering isn’t always appropriate.

A pre-neuter hormone assessment measures reproductive hormone levels before a neutering decision is made. This information can help veterinarians and behaviour professionals understand how much influence s*x hormones may be having on an individual dog’s behaviour.

Research shows that hormone-dependent behaviours such as:

✔️ Roaming
✔️ Urine marking
✔️ Mounting
✔️ Some forms of competition between dogs

may be influenced by reproductive hormones and can improve following neutering in some dogs.

However, fear, anxiety, reactivity, and many forms of aggression are often far more complex. Current evidence suggests neutering does not consistently improve these behaviours and, in some cases, may increase fear-related responses.

That’s why understanding your dog’s hormone profile can be a valuable part of the assessment process. It helps support evidence-based discussions about whether neutering is likely to be beneficial for your individual dog.

🐶 Better information leads to better decisions—for behaviour, welfare, and long-term health.

DogWelfare ResponsibleDogOwnership

07/06/2026

🐾 Exercise Isn’t Just Physical…It’s Emotional Wellness Too! 🐾

When we think about exercise for dogs, we often focus on fitness. But movement does so much more than keep our dogs physically healthy, it plays a critical role in their emotional and behavioral wellbeing.

Regular exercise can help:
✅ Reduce fearfulness and anxiety
✅ Improve emotional wellbeing
✅ Lower stress vulnerability
✅ Support overall physical health
✅ Build resilience and confidence

Whether it’s a daily walk, a game of fetch, a hike, or structured enrichment activities, exercise provides dogs with an important outlet for both their minds and bodies. A well-exercised dog is often a happier, more balanced, and more confident companion.

As pet professionals, trainers, behavior consultants, and dog guardians, it’s important to recognize exercise as a powerful protective factor that supports long-term behavioral health and quality of life.

💡 Remember: Exercise isn’t just about burning energy, it’s about building emotional strength, reducing stress, and helping dogs thrive.

How do you incorporate physical and mental enrichment into your dog’s daily routine?

PositiveReinforcement DogHealth CanineEnrichment FearFreePets PetCare DogOwners BehaviorMatters 🐕💚

06/06/2026

Today was our Second ever show, what a result! Not only took Best puppy Bitch but also Best Puppy in Breed! Well done little Lilibet you worked your little socks off.

03/06/2026

🐾 Positive experiences create a positive feedback loop.

Every interaction a dog has with the world shapes what they expect from it.

When dogs experience safe, rewarding and predictable outcomes, they become more curious. Curiosity encourages exploration. Exploration creates learning opportunities. Learning leads to success. Success builds confidence. And confidence strengthens resilience.

That resilience then makes dogs more likely to engage positively with future experiences, reinforcing the cycle.

🔄 Positive Experiences → Curiosity → Exploration → Learning → Success → Confidence → Resilience

This concept sits at the heart of behavioural welfare and resilience building.

Rather than focusing solely on reducing unwanted behaviours, we can help dogs develop the skills and emotional flexibility needed to cope with challenges by creating opportunities for positive experiences every day.

Small wins matter.

Every successful interaction, every confidence-building experience, and every moment of safe exploration contributes to a more resilient dog.

BehaviourModification VeterinaryBehaviour PositiveReinforcement CanineScience FearFree DogBehaviourist AnimalWelfare

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