Respect Dog Training & Instruction

09/10/2026

🐕 THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO HELP YOUR DOG

If you spend much time online, you'd be forgiven for thinking there's only one right way to deal with problem behaviour. You'll hear:

“It's always big feelings — only counter-condition!”

“Never correct — you'll just make it worse!”

But real life rarely fits neatly into one approach. And here's what's not often said:

Not every unwanted behaviour comes from strong emotions. Sometimes it's over-arousal — they're just too revved up to think straight. Sometimes it's an ingrained habit — they've learned that pushing through gets them what they want.

Treating everything like an emotional problem needing therapy doesn't just slow things down — it can mean we're reaching for the wrong tool entirely.

Counter-conditioning has its place. It can be an excellent tool when strong emotions really are at the root. But the dog needs to be able to stay present enough to notice that things are changing. If they're already reacting intensely every time, there's little opportunity for that learning to take hold.

And expecting owners to manage every single trigger and the environment perfectly, indefinitely? That's not practical or realistically possible in many cases. The chronic stress this puts on both ends of the lead is rarely talked about — yet it's this very strain that can eventually lead some owners to consider rehoming.

Sometimes, a timely, mild but effective correction is not just acceptable — it can be the kindest first step and the gateway to lasting success.

I'm not talking about what you'll often hear labelled as bullying, abuse and cruelty. Those have no place in responsible training — full stop.

I'm talking about a clear, well-timed intervention that stops the unwanted behaviour, at least long enough to create a pause — a moment in which the dog can make a different choice.

And what happens in that gap matters.

We guide the dog towards the 'alternative behaviour' so often spoken about — the response we'd prefer to see — and reward that choice.

Then the dog gets an opportunity to experience something different. They make a better choice, discover that the situation can be handled without the previous reaction, and learn that the alternative behaviour pays off.

That exposure, that moment of realisation — that's where learning can begin to take hold.

We don't always need to work out exactly what our dog is feeling before we can help them respond differently. Some feelings are perfectly understandable. Dogs can be wary, protective or excited, and we don't necessarily need to change those feelings to help them behave differently.

Sometimes, we don't need to change how they feel. We simply need to give them a better way to respond to those feelings.

And once they can make that better choice reliably? That's precisely when counter-conditioning and other approaches can become more effective, because the dog is now in a better position to learn from the experience.

It's not one method against another. It's about understanding the dog in front of us and using the right approach at the right time.

Sometimes we need to change how a dog feels. Sometimes we need to interrupt what they're doing and teach them what to do instead. And sometimes we need a combination of approaches.

The important thing is that we're helping the dog and owner move forward — not forcing every problem into the same training philosophy.

That's practical training. That's what matters in real life.

🐾 R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Dog Training & Instruction

It Pays to Pay Attention.

08/10/2026

Have just got in from D.S.S. Thursday evening class where no topic of conversation is taboo and where this general subject was talked about this evening.

07/10/2026

✅ UNDERSTAND & OVERCOME: THE OPPOSITION REFLEX FACTOR

Ever noticed how, when your dog feels pressure on the lead — even gently — their instant reaction can be to lean into it or pull the other way?

That's opposition reflex.

It's a deep-set, natural instinct. Put tension on a dog's collar or harness and their body can automatically respond by pushing or pulling against that pressure.

It's not stubbornness.
It's not them being awkward.
And it's not necessarily about where they want to go.

It's how they're wired.

This is one of the often-overlooked factors that can make pulling on the lead so difficult to improve.

We rightly talk plenty about rewards, choices and habits — and those really do matter. But we rarely talk about this automatic physical response.

Even when a dog wants to walk nicely, that physical reaction can kick in before they've had time to think about what they're doing. That's one reason you can sometimes feel as though you're making real progress one day, only to find yourself back at square one the next.

And that's why learning and practising good lead-handling skills can make such a difference.

You're not necessarily dealing with just a habit.

You're also working with instinct.

That's why learning to recognise and understand opposition reflex is so important.

It's not about fighting nature. It's about understanding it, so we can teach our dogs to move with us, rather than continually working against pressure.

We can't simply wish it away or ignore it. We have to learn how to work with it, work around it, work through it — and ultimately overcome it.

Getting to grips with this can change the way you approach loose-lead walking. It becomes less about constantly fighting against the lead and more about developing communication, movement and cooperation between you and your dog.

If you've been working hard at improving loose-lead walking and still feel stuck, perhaps this is a factor worth investigating.

💬 Have you noticed opposition reflex in your dog?

Let's chat below.

No quick fixes. No magic solutions. Just honest understanding and practical training.

07/10/2026

06/10/2026

This is exactly the sort of thinking and professional practice that I'm proud to support. It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be a registrant of the RMCBT — a professional approach built around understanding, ethical practice, communication and real-world outcomes.
Well worth a read.

EXPLAINING BEHAVIOUR ISN'T THE SAME AS EXCUSING IT

Understanding why a dog behaves in a particular way is an important part of good behavioural practice.
But there is a difference between explaining behaviour and excusing it.

A dog may be frightened.
It may be frustrated.
It may be over-excited.
It may have learned that a particular behaviour gets a particular result.
It may be responding to its environment, its previous experiences, its biological makeup, or a combination of several things.

Understanding those influences can help us decide what to do next.
But understanding why something happens doesn't automatically mean we should accept the behaviour as inevitable.

Nor does it mean the behaviour should simply be left unchallenged.
A dog can have a reason for doing something and still need to learn to behave differently.

This is particularly important when we talk about unwanted behaviour.

There is a growing tendency to interpret behaviour through the lens of what the dog might be feeling.
Sometimes that is absolutely appropriate.
But identifying a possible emotional state is not the same as establishing that it is the complete explanation for the behaviour.

And even when an emotional state is genuinely involved, the professional question doesn't necessarily end there.
What can we do about it?
Can the dog learn a different response?
Can we change the motivation?
Can we alter the consequences?
Can we improve the dog's understanding?
Can we change the environment while also working towards meaningful behavioural change?

Does the owner need better knowledge or practical skills?
Is some management necessary while learning takes place?
And, where appropriate, does the dog need to learn that a particular behaviour simply isn't an effective or acceptable option?

These are not questions that can be answered properly if the explanation has already become the conclusion.
“They're anxious” may help us understand something.
It shouldn't automatically become:
“Therefore nothing can be expected of them.”
Likewise:
“They've learned this behaviour” doesn't automatically mean:
“They should simply be allowed to continue doing it.”
Explanation should help us understand the problem.
It shouldn't prevent us from addressing it.

Good behavioural practice requires both understanding and responsibility.

We can recognise emotion without assuming that every unwanted behaviour is caused by emotional distress.

We can recognise learning without ignoring the dog's individual experience.

We can acknowledge limitations without prematurely deciding that improvement isn't possible.

And we can understand why a dog does something without losing sight of the fact that owners still need to live safely and successfully alongside their dogs.
Perhaps the most useful question isn't simply:
“Why is my dog doing this?”
It is:
“Now that we have a better understanding of why this is happening, what can we responsibly do about it?”

Because understanding behaviour should open the door to better solutions.
It shouldn't close the door on them.

The Registry of Modern Canine Behavioural Trainers
COMPETENCE | ETHICS | REAL-WORLD OUTCOMES

05/10/2026

🐾 A STORY WITH A LESSON FOR DOG OWNERS
I'm resharing this fictional story about Little Tommy because, although it isn't about dogs, the principle behind it has a very strong parallel with behavioural training.
Teaching an alternative behaviour is important — but sometimes simply teaching what we want isn't enough to keep someone safe when curiosity, instinct or opportunity takes over.
The story explores that idea, and why protection and appropriate intervention can sometimes matter just as much as teaching.
It's worth a read. 👇

Curiosity didn't kill the cat but it did scar little Tommy.
Tommy’s mum could be described as a very kind and compassionate parent, although some might say a little over protective and even permissive or over indulgent.
She saw herself as a modern mum that believed in nurture and encouragement over what she considered structured boundaries that could limit life choices for her ‘shining star’. Any trace of old fashioned traditional parenting was really not for her or Tommy.
Always being a little short of cash but being creative she supplemented her income by making Miniature Bonsai Trees from recycled materials and selling them at the local crafts fairs that Tommy would attend with her.
Tommy would watch whenever he could as his mum would work her magic creating these beautiful sculptures and was always excited when they came into life through leaf by his mother’s hand and the use of a hot melt glue gun.
Truth be told Tommy had a potentially unhealthy fascination with the glue gun but his mum would always redirect his attention to something else. Often encouraging him to sit and draw or occasionally play with his toys, anything to keep him away and what she believed safe.
She was never going to teach her boy that somethings are dangerous and best left well alone, the way her mother had taught her.
She still remembered how her mother had once told her not to touch a Hot Apple Pie that had just come out of the oven and been placed on the side to cool. She had been told not to touch it because it could “burn” and when she ignored her mothers warning and reached to touch it. Tommy’s grandmother had taken her wrist shouted “Don’t” and slapped the back of her own hand. As there was no physical contact to herself it didn’t hurt but it did startle her enough to get the message. Even though it served to teach her a valuable lesson and kept her from harm she was never going to use this approach and believed there was a kinder way. This was a decision she and Little Tommy were going to live to regret.

The day that changed their lives forever.
It was two days before Little Tommy’s 4th birthday and a day both will never forget. She had ordered him a present that was due to be delivered that afternoon and she had received an email from the courier confirming a p.m. drop.
She set up in the morning to put the finishing touches on her latest creations and bringing them into leaf. She had sat her ‘Shining Star’ down to draw and colour in, planning to work to about early lunch then pack everything away safely before her delivery was due.
They lived in a modest but comfy third floor flat with three flights of stairs. When he was young the stairs didn’t pose much of a problem, but Little Tommy wasn’t so little anymore and too heavy for her to carry, so she would need to make sure that he was suitably engaged or possibly having a nap after lunch, when she did the trip down the stairs later to take his present in.
Unfortunately this was the day that the courier arrived early and without warning, she still had her craft station all set out and some of her Bonsai waiting for their leaves.
Under pressure and telling her boy just to stay colouring , although not totally comfortable she believed he’d be OK as she would only be a couple minutes she thought.
But very sadly no sooner had she left the flat with the front door still open, Tommy’s curiosity got the better of him as put down his pencils and walked over to the craft station.
Picking up the Hot Melt Glue Gun that he’d always been fascinated by but never been effectively taught was dangerous and best left alone.
His mum will probably never forget the screams of pain that followed Tommy squeezing the trigger and filling his palm with Hot Molten Glue in curiosity. Her ‘shining star’s’ birthday that year was spent in hospital.
Tommy still carries the physical scars to this day and his mum the emotional ones and guilt.

A fictional story told to highlight why just teaching an incompatible alternative behaviour may not be enough to keep those we love and cherish safe and while teaching an effective ‘Leave’ that thing along is both morally and ethically acceptable even if it does involve a mild aversive.

05/10/2026

🐾 DON'T WAIT UNTIL CHRISTMAS — START NOW! 🎄
Christmas is getting closer, and with it comes visitors, excitement, changes to routine and plenty of opportunities for our dogs to be tested!
If you'd like some help with things such as:
🐾 Calm behaviour & settling
🐾 Jumping up at visitors
🐾 Paying attention & listening
🐾 “Leave”
🐾 Coming when called
🐾 Loose-lead walking
then R.E.S.P.E.C.T. D.S.S. Thursday Evening Classes could be just what you're looking for.
D.S.S. isn't simply about teaching your dog a collection of commands. It's about educating you as well, helping you understand how your dog learns, improving communication and giving you practical skills you can use together in everyday life.
We combine practical training, theory and understanding in small, structured classes, with a maximum of just 6 dogs.
🐾 NEW TERM — THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER
📍 Gillingham, ME7 5DQ
🕖 7–8pm
📅 8-week course
💷 £140
🐕 ONLY 2 PLACES REMAINING
This is the final D.S.S. term of 2026, so if you've been thinking about joining us, now is a good time to get in touch.
📞 07774 266461
Or message me through Facebook.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Dog Training & Instruction
It Pays to Pay Attention. 🐾

02/10/2026

Today we said our final very sad farewell to Terry.
A former D.S.S. student, later an assistant, and ultimately a friend.
He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered — not least through the many memories he shared with us, alongside his beloved Reggie.
Rest peacefully, Terry. 🐾💙