Respect Dog Training & Instruction

05/09/2026

THOUGHT FROM MY 1-2-1 WORK — AND A SUBJECT WE TOUCHED ON AT DOG SUNDAY SCHOOL

I briefly touched on the subject of training equipment during Thursday's initial Dog Sunday School induction and theory lesson.
It was only a brief introduction, but it is something that comes up regularly in my 1-2-1 work too, particularly when I'm working with dogs that have developed a strong history of pulling on the lead.
And it prompted me to revisit something I've seen repeatedly over the years.
Sometimes changing the equipment isn't about finding a better tool.
It's about creating a better starting point.

THE SEMANTICS OF SAFETY: SOMETIMES A CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT CHANGES EVERYTHING

In modern dog training, equipment can become surprisingly ideological.
Harnesses are often presented as the universally safer or more humane option, while collars can be portrayed as inherently uncomfortable or even harmful.
But perhaps we're asking the wrong question.
The more useful question is:
What is the equipment helping the dog and handler to learn?
Equipment doesn't train a dog.
But it can influence how easily we can communicate, how the dog responds to pressure, and whether existing patterns of behaviour are being continually rehearsed.
And sometimes, simply changing the equipment can provide something incredibly useful:
A clean slate.

WHEN THE EQUIPMENT HAS BECOME PART OF THE PROBLEM

Consider a dog that has spent months pulling into a harness.
The dog pulls.
The harness provides comfortable resistance.
The dog continues towards whatever it wants — a scent, another dog, a person, somewhere interesting.
The behaviour has a history.
It has been rehearsed repeatedly.
That doesn't mean the harness has somehow "taught" the dog to pull. Nor does it mean every harness causes pulling.
But it can mean that the equipment has become part of the context and cueing system surrounding that behaviour.
The dog may not consciously "decide" to pull each time. After sufficient repetition, the appearance of the equipment and the familiar sequence surrounding the walk can become powerful predictors of what comes next.
The response can therefore become highly practised, strongly cued and remarkably automatic-looking.
Simply continuing to use exactly the same arrangement while expecting a completely different response isn't always the best or easiest place to begin.

SOMETIMES A FLAT COLLAR PROVIDES A FRESH STARTING POINT

A well-fitted flat collar can offer a remarkably useful alternative.
Particularly when the dog has no previous history with that particular collar, we can introduce it as part of a completely new learning experience.
The aim isn't to make the collar uncomfortable.
It isn't to use it as a punishment.
And it certainly isn't to rely upon the collar to "stop" pulling.
Instead, it allows us to introduce some very basic principles of lead handling and communication from a new beginning.
The dog learns that subtle changes in the lead can have meaning.
The handler learns how to handle the lead rather than simply hold onto it.
Desired behaviour is recognised, rewarded and reinforced.
Unwanted behaviour is dealt with calmly and proportionately when necessary.
And, perhaps most importantly, the owner begins to learn what they are doing, when they are doing it and why.

THE EQUIPMENT ISN'T THE ANSWER

This is where I think many discussions about dog-training equipment go wrong.
There is an overwhelming temptation to believe that finding the "right" piece of equipment will solve the problem.
It won't.
A harness won't teach a dog to pull.
A flat collar won't teach a dog to walk nicely.
Neither piece of equipment possesses the ability to train a dog.
The handler does.
The equipment simply forms part of the communication between them.
A change of equipment can very often make that communication easier — particularly when it breaks an established pattern and allows us to start teaching something different.

THE REAL TRANSFORMATION IS OFTEN THE HANDLER

In many cases, the initial change can produce surprisingly quick results.
But that certainly isn't the end of the process.
It is actually only the beginning.
The dog may already have demonstrated that they can behave differently. The next challenge is helping the owner consistently reproduce that result without relying upon the trainer being there.
That's where coaching becomes so important.
Learning how to recognise the right moment.
Learning how to respond before a situation escalates.
Learning how much lead to give.
Learning when to reinforce.
Learning when to intervene.
Learning how to make the desired behaviour easier for the dog to choose.
And gradually turning those new responses into everyday habits.

THERE IS NO MAGIC PIECE OF EQUIPMENT

I've worked with enough dogs to know that changing equipment can sometimes produce an impressive initial difference.
I've also seen dogs wearing exactly the same equipment behave completely differently depending upon who is holding the other end of the lead.
That's an important lesson.
The equipment matters.
But the relationship between the equipment, the dog and the handler matters far more.
This is why I don't believe in prescribing one piece of equipment for every dog.
Sometimes a harness is entirely appropriate.
Sometimes a well-fitted flat collar is the better choice.
Sometimes something else may be appropriate.
The point isn't that one piece of equipment is universally "good" and another universally "bad".
Nor should we assume that a harness is automatically safer simply because it is a harness, any more than we should assume that a collar is automatically dangerous simply because it is a collar.
A collar is hardly some specialist or inherently aversive piece of training equipment. For dogs being taken into public places, it is also a normal part of responsible ownership, with the Control of Dogs Order 1992 requiring dogs in public places or on a highway to wear a collar bearing the owner's name and address, subject to certain exemptions.
The more useful questions are:
Can the dog move comfortably?
Can the handler communicate clearly?
Can we teach the behaviour we actually want?
Can the equipment be used appropriately and responsibly for this particular dog?
The equipment should serve the training — not dictate it.

THE PRINCIPLE

For me, good training isn't about finding equipment that prevents a dog from doing something.
It's about creating the conditions in which the dog can learn what we would like them to do instead.
Sometimes that means changing the equipment.
Sometimes it means changing our technique.
Sometimes it means changing the way we think about the problem.
And very often, it means all three.
Because ultimately, the goal isn't simply a dog that doesn't pull on the lead.
It's a dog and handler who have learned how to move through the world together with greater understanding, communication and confidence.
Equipment doesn't train dogs.
People do.
And sometimes, changing the equipment is simply the first step towards teaching both of them how to do it better.

04/09/2026

New short course
Now available across Medway and the surrounding areas.

04/09/2026

Yet again I find it necessary to reshare this previous post.

Why I feel compelled to re-share a previous post.
Everywhere I look right now, it seems more and more trainers are adopting and actively promoting the term "dog guardian" as if it is the only respectful, ethical way to describe our relationship with our dogs. It's being framed as progress, as compassion, as the "right" way to think. It has certainly become one of the latest industry marketing buzzwords and is often used to signal alignment with a particular ideology. So much so, that my social media feeds have been flooded with it again over the last few days.
But what many people don't know – and what so few of those promoting it mention – is that this language was never a natural, well-meaning shift that simply emerged from within the community. It was created intentionally, from the very beginning, as part of a calculated campaign to change how we view our dogs, how we relate to them and ultimately our control over them.
If we demand evidence, honesty and transparency in our training methods, then surely we should demand the same transparency about the words we're being encouraged to adopt.

EDUCATION beyond Training and Behaviour:


Why I still call myself a Dog OWNER (and why you should care)

I’ve been increasingly concerned for a while now about the push to stop saying "dog owner" and start using "dog guardian" instead. 🐾

On the surface it can sound kind and respectful. Anyone who knows me knows that Cassie and Rolo are my whole world. They aren't just "pets" or "animals" to me; they are family, and a huge part of my life and home. But this is not just a harmless change to kinder language. It is part of a deliberate, pre-planned policy movement that could fundamentally alter our relationships with our dogs, for me and for you.

The Strategy Behind the Word

The "Guardian" terminology did not happen by accident. It was launched as a specific campaign by In Defense of Animals (IDA), and remains a core part of the policy agenda of groups including PETA.

This was never just about updating vocabulary – it was designed to shift the legal status of animals away from "property" as a stepping stone to wider ideological goals. While that might sound noble at first glance, it carries very real risks for anyone who loves and cares for a companion dog:

- A Shift in Rights: Legally, an Owner holds full, final authority to make decisions about their dog’s medical care, training, welfare, and end-of-life care. A Guardian, by definition, is only a temporary caretaker of another party’s "ward." If our dogs cease to be recognised as our responsibility under law, it opens the door for external bodies – charities, state agencies, or campaign groups – to override our choices about how we live with and care for them.
​
- The Goal of "Non-Domestication": Many of the organisations and leaders who pioneered this language have long stated that the very existence of companion animals is an exploitation that should eventually be phased out entirely.

A Moment for Critical Thinking

Some people now use the word "guardian" simply because they have seen trusted figures use it, and believe it is the more caring option. But many others in our industry are actively promoting this term as an ethical standard, while never disclosing where it comes from, or that it was created specifically to advance the agenda outlined above.

I Won't be changing anytime soon

I love Cassie and Rolo deeply, but I will continue to call myself their Owner. To me, being a responsible owner means I accept full legal and moral responsibility for their safety, health and happiness. It means I defend my right to care for them in the way that is best for them, without interference from movements that do not believe companion dogs should exist at all.

I’d encourage everyone to look into the origins of this campaign, and think critically about the words we adopt and promote. Are we choosing language based on what is best for our dogs – or are we repeating a message that was designed to serve very different ends?



Copyright © 2026 Mark Baldwin, Behavioural Trainer and Canine Symbiotic Relationship Coach.

Please follow, like and share if you find this informative – and let’s talk openly about what lies behind the language we use.

04/09/2026

🐾 DOG SUNDAY SCHOOL —
WEEK 1

A big thank you to everyone who enrolled and attended last night's initial induction and first theory lesson. 😊

It was really nice to meet some new faces, while also spending time with some familiar ones again.

We covered quite a lot during the evening, along with a few unplanned topics that naturally came up along the way. That's one of the things I enjoy about Dog Sunday School — there's always room for questions, discussion and following an interesting thought when it arises.

I'm sure everyone took something valuable away from the evening, just one of the topics we explored was something that most probably take completely for granted...

The importance of your dog's name.

It might sound like a very simple subject, but perhaps it should at least invite a little critical thinking about what we actually expect our dog's name to mean — and what our dogs may have learned it means.

Next week we welcome the other side of the training teams...

🐶 THE DOGS! 🐶

We'll start putting some of what we've discussed into practice, begin some practical exercises and learn some new skills.

But don't worry — there will still be some theory...

And, as always, at least a little philosophy. 😉

This isn't just a class; it's an education in how your dog thinks and learns, helping you improve your life together through understanding, communication and practical, real-world training.

To this terms students,
See you next Thursday! 😊🐾

03/09/2026

Last CALL!

Only 1 Place remaining!

Dog Sunday School
THURSDAY EVENING
CLASSES
7pm ME7 5DQ

STARTS TONIGHT

8 week term £140
(See page for Full Details).

Message or WhatsApp
07774 266461
To secure your place.

02/09/2026

CONTINUED PROGRESS IS A VERY BIG DEAL. 🐾

This is Pixie, a lovely adolescent Labrador, and this is another one of those completely unedited, one-take videos that shows real progress rather than a polished training demonstration.

When Cora and Roy first contacted me, Pixie quite literally pulled like a proverbial freight train! 😅

Today, the difference is remarkable.

She's not perfect — and she's not expected to be. There are still moments when the smells and distractions of the environment win her attention, and there's more work to do.

But that's the point.

We're not trying to create a dog that performs perfectly for a few minutes on camera. We're building skills, understanding and habits that can be carried into everyday life.

Today's session was another step forward, and Pixie and her owners are going to continue that development by joining the structured environment of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. D.S.S. Thursday Evening Classes.

From pulling like a freight train to walking together like this...

**That's progress. And progress is what training is all about.** ❤️🐾

01/09/2026

YOUR DOG ISN’T BEING DIFFICULT — OR ARE THEY?

There’s a growing tendency in dog training to look at unwanted behaviour and immediately ask:

“What is the dog feeling?”

Anxiety. Frustration. Stress. Overwhelm. Fear.

And sometimes, that really is the answer.

But sometimes it isn’t.

A dog pulling on the lead, refusing to disengage, repeatedly jumping up, ignoring a cue or persistently trying to get something they want doesn’t automatically mean that they are emotionally struggling.

Dogs can also be excited. Motivated. Persistent. Habitual. Reinforced by what has happened previously. Taking advantage of an opportunity. Or simply doing something that has worked for them before.

The problem isn’t recognising emotional states. Understanding how a dog is feeling can be an important part of good behavioural assessment.

The problem comes when the explanation is decided before the behaviour has actually been assessed.

Good behavioural practice requires us to look at the whole picture.

What is the dog doing?

What happens immediately before it?

What happens afterwards?

What has the dog learned from those consequences?

What role might motivation, environment, reinforcement history, arousal or emotion be playing?

And perhaps most importantly:

Are we explaining the behaviour — or are we simply attaching a label to it?

The professional skill isn’t in finding one explanation that can be applied to every dog.

It’s in being able to distinguish between different possibilities and then respond appropriately.

Sometimes your dog really is struggling.

Sometimes they’re simply doing what dogs do.

The skill is knowing the difference.

— Registry of Modern Canine Behavioural Trainers (RMCBT)

01/09/2026

📖 More Than Just Dog Training...
One of the things every new Dog Sunday School student receives is a professionally produced handout to support what we cover together in class.

The most important of which is "Walk with Me" – one of the core foundation exercises any pet or companion dog can learn.

Of course, teaching a dog not to pull on the lead is essential.
But for me, it's about much more than that.
It's about building engagement, communication and a relationship where your dog wants to walk with you, rather than simply being prevented from walking somewhere else.

The handout aids students in practising between sessions, helping them understand not only what to do, but why they're doing it.
Learning doesn't stop when the class finishes each week.
It continues at home, where real progress is made.
It's all part of the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. approach to helping owners build the relationship they always hoped to have with their dog.

To enrol on the new term starting Thursday, 3rd September, in ME7 5DQ, simply message 07774 266461 and begin building the relationship you always hoped to have with your dog.
☆Only 2 places left!☆

01/09/2026

Last Chance!

Don't delay. Enrol Today!

Dog Sunday School
THURSDAY EVENING
CLASSES
7pm ME7 5DQ

8 week term £140
(See page for Full Details).

Message or WhatsApp
07774 266461
To secure your place.

31/08/2026

🐾 THE BIGGEST FAILURE IN DOG TRAINING MAY HAPPEN BEFORE TRAINING EVEN STARTS.

We talk a lot about why people drop out of dog training.

Lack of consistency.

Lack of effort.

Lack of commitment.

And yes, those things can undoubtedly lead to disappointing results and ultimately to failure.

But I think there's another, much less talked-about, possibly more serious problem.

**Not starting in the first place.**

"I'll wait until things settle down."

"They're still young."

"Perhaps we'll do it next month."

"We'll start when we've got more time."

"I'll wait and see if they grow out of it."

And before you know it, another few months have disappeared.

The uncomfortable truth is that **your dog isn't waiting with you.**

While you're deciding whether or when to start, your dog isn't waiting and is continuing to learn.

They're rehearsing often undesirable behaviours.

They're developing bad habits.

They're building unhealthy reinforcement histories.

They're discovering which behaviours get them what they want.

And here's the part that can be uncomfortable to hear:

**Unwanted behaviour doesn't simply remain where it is while you wait.**

The more often a behaviour is rehearsed, the more ingrained it becomes.

The more successful it is, the more valuable it becomes to the dog.

And the longer it forms part of everyday life, the harder it becomes for an owner to imagine life any other way.

A puppy that occasionally pulls can become an adolescent that routinely drags its owner down the road.

A young dog that occasionally jumps up can become a much stronger adult that routinely launches itself at its owners, visitors and guests, possibly causing injury.

A puppy that ignores its recall because something more interesting is happening can become a dog that has learned that coming back is entirely optional.

A dog that repeatedly scavenges from the ground can become a companion whose habit of grabbing rubbish isn't merely inconvenient — it can become genuinely dangerous and costly.

And once those behaviours have become established, you're no longer simply teaching something new.

**You're having to change something the dog has already spent months or even years learning.**

That's why I think delaying training and behavioural support is sometimes far more consequential than people realise.

And this is particularly significant with young and adolescent dogs.

Two months may sound like nothing to us.

But for a six-month-old dog, two months represents around **13% of their entire life so far.**

Put that into human terms and it's roughly comparable to asking a 20-year-old to put something important off for around **2½ years.**

Waiting six months?

For that same six-month-old dog, waiting another six months would mean postponing action for **100% of the life they've lived so far.**

Imagine telling a young human adult:

*"Don't worry about developing those skills, habits and behaviours yet. Come back to me in another six years."*

It suddenly sounds rather different.

And I'm not suggesting that every puppy needs formal intervention from day one.

I'm saying something much simpler:

**Doing nothing is not the same as putting development on hold.**

Your dog is still learning while you postpone.

The question is simply **what they're learning while you're waiting.**

And this isn't only about training exercises.

Sometimes what an owner needs is education, understanding and practical guidance about a developing behavioural problem.

Sometimes it's appropriate to start with a group environment.

Sometimes more individualised support is needed.

But the worst option is by far doing nothing while hoping the problem will somehow resolve itself.

It won't!

Because behaviours that are repeatedly rehearsed don't disappear because we've decided we'll deal with them later.

And there is another uncomfortable consequence.

The longer an unwanted behaviour continues, the more likely it is that **the owner starts simply managing and adapting their own life around the dog rather than changing the behaviour.**

They never or stop letting the dog off lead.

They avoid certain routes and environments.

They stop inviting people around.

They keep their dog well away from other dogs.

They stop trusting their recall.

They become nervous and anxious about walks.

They begin saying:

*"That's just what he's like."*

Or:

*"We've learned to live with it."*

And gradually, what started as a relatively small training issue can become a restriction on the freedom and enjoyment of both dog and owner.

So perhaps the question shouldn't always be:

**"When is the right time to start?"**

Perhaps it should be:

# # # **"What is my dog going to learn between now and then?"**

Because every day you're investing in something.

The only question is whether **you're choosing the investment — or your dog is.**

**Don't confuse waiting with doing nothing.

And don't confuse doing nothing with your dog learning nothing.**

Respect Dog Training & Instruction.
07774 266461