Sezan Öz - Öz Dogs

19/08/2026

😅 What kind of crazy am I?

The kind that believes we have a responsibility to make the kind of choices that ensure rescue dogs can have happy, fulfilled lives in their future homes.

Good lives.

Great lives.

Not just a small chance of one.

Not just a human’s perception of one.

Not just an existence.

Dogs don’t actually need us to quit our jobs and go travelling with them. (Though most wouldn’t argue about it!).

But they do need us to be honest about what a happy life looks like for them, not what feels comfortable for us, not avoiding hard truths.

And they need us to be honest in answering the hardest question of all - are we giving them that? Are we able to?

That’s why I will never judge someone for making a choice that puts their dog’s wellbeing ahead of their own emotions.

It’s up to us to protect our dogs and make choices that give them happy, fulfilled lives - not just an existence.

17/08/2026

Hands up if this has happened to you 👋

Not every anxious rescue dog will become reactive once they settle in, but it’s a potential people should be aware of.

It’s something we should talk about WITHOUT guilt or blame.

And if your anxious dog starts to show reactivity or aggression weeks after being adopted, it may not be your fault - and if you have been told it is, i’m here to say that’s not fair.

It’s completely normal for fearful dogs to want to defend themselves, and some are more likely to show this behaviour than others.

Use your dog’s settling in period as a time to observe them, get to know them and build your relationship with trust at its core.

If they are telling you they have a problem with something, help them out by adapting to them, not overloading them, not avoiding absolutely everything.

Don’t rush, but it’s absolutely not a simple case of ‘just carry on and give it time’.

Be prepared that you might see a stage where avoidance turns to reactivity, before you can help your dog feel better and make better choices.

This can actually be a sign that your dog is settling and starting to feel safer, it’s not always a sign that you have ‘messed up’.

Have you experienced this with a rescue dog?

(P.s. internet told me to take talking videos with my dogs ‘relaxing around me’ …. how did I do??)

13/08/2026

I’ll be hosting a little socials takeover from OUR SUE!!!

Sue is an incredible behaviourist, teacher and friend.

Sue is especially great with the sausages (yes i have also rehomed her a rescue sausage) and for helping adapt to and work with dogs that are more of what we might call ‘independent thinkers’.

Sue comes on loan to us from for which we are ever so grateful, and makes sure we are always ahead of the curve with emerging research at Oz Dogs.

If you have a special request to see Sue you can let me know when you get in touch and I can book you in.

Sue will be sharing some more posts all about Edna’s story - from the scared little rescue I warned her about, to the happy little adventure buddy she is today!

Stay tuned to find out more Sue & Edna’s story on her 2 year adoption anniversary!

04/08/2026

If someone asked you to write down the chapters of your rescue dog’s life as if they were a story, what would they say? And what part would they give you?

It’s a strange question to sit with. But I think it’s a useful one, and I find myself reflecting on it often.

Especially when working in rescue means we are often faced with making choices for dogs. Dogs that have not had happy chapters, or are not currently experiencing happy chapters; but might have the potential to one day.

Keiko’s book would have a short beginning where he thought things were pretty good, a chapter on the terrible ordeal of being “rescued,” a few chapters on how awful we were to keep him penned in and how he didn’t need anyone, then a turnaround piece where he realised we were in fact on his side and we had the best adventures together.

It would close with the pain he experienced, his disgust at slowing down, and how he let us know it was time to help him write his ending and have a peaceful goodbye.

There most of the way was this small, annoying, protective girl who provided unconditional safety and love.

I think when we bring dogs into our lives for whatever reason we have a responsibility to do what we can to give them a happy story looking forwards.

Sometimes this means taking a step back from our perceptions of what should make them happy, and paying attention to what really does. Then being realistic about how we can provide it.

What would your dog have to say if they could write a book? (would you want to know??)

25/07/2026

WDYM I should teach my border collie to stalk ..MORE?!

So, last week I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely farm bred collie girl who struggles giving any focus on walks - she’s constantly scanning horizons ready to STALK any movement; and can react badly to dogs making walks super stressful.

For this little girl we have put together a bigger plan including structured activity & rest time as well as helping her feel more comfortable - as she has pain issues which are under investigation and treatment, significantly impacting her behaviour.

Step 1 of her practical training plan is to harness her love of stalking to create new games where she can stalk something that her owner has control over.

Stalking games will replace her usual favourite of tug / fetch (recently made off limits) and will start to get this behaviour that is currently ‘leaking’ out into her environment under cue - helping provide and outlet while improving her focus and the ability to redirect her.

Stalking a treat in a cupped hand is one game the very first try of which is demoed here - we are also teaching a couple of toy stalking and a down-stay-stalk game 👀

To avoid a high or arched neck (likely painful for her) we are keeping her spine in a more neutral position by keeping the treat hand low.

Rather than fighting her instincts we will be building a stronger connection with her owner by working WITH her nature, rather than against it.

On our next session, we will start to build this into a reactivity reduction behaviour plan out and about.

What do you think … am I mad for teaching a stalking collie to stalk even more?? 🐑

23/07/2026

👋 Fed up of waving at the backside of your dog as they disappear for a fun game of catch me if you can with their mates?

We’ve all been there and it’s horrible when your dog decides .. actually i’d rather not thanks!

But your dog is ignoring you for a good reason . . .

And that reason might be (hear me out) that you’re a little …. disappointing 😱

Why would they come back if a whistle = that dried up little treat in your pocket and the fun stops?

Recall is a skill that needs topping up, money needs to go back into the bank when you make a withdrawal. Much more in than out.

And coming away from something moving is much harder than coming away from something still.

The great news is, if your dog loves chasing toys you have the perfect training opportunity right at your fingertips to explain the job well at home.

The trick is breaking it down, rewarding success, and managing them so they don’t rehearse the mistakes.

Want to have fun with your dog building a super fast recall with games that you will both love?

👉I work in person around Bristol as well as online, just follow the link in my bio..

OR follow along for completely free little hints & tips like this one ⬇️

- Try using a higher value toy to reward your dog from being called away from a low value toy.

- You can start with stationary toys, and build up to moving targets.

⚽️ Save this & try it at home or with the rescue dogs at your shelter, let me know how you get on 🐾

16/07/2026

As a dog behaviourist, someone that assesses rescue dogs ready for rehoming in the UK and helps care for 'seized' dogs, keeping up with the law is something I consider pretty vital.

If you work in rescue this is a FREE webinar 20th August 7pm, that should be really helpful (also if your someone that works with or owns a 'reactive' dog).

Presented by Doglaw specialist solicitor Trevor Cooper, this webinar is aimed at informing owners of reactive dogs.