EduPup

11/08/2026

Some of you may know, horses are my other love, alongside dogs.

This is interesting and highlights how just a change in language can alter how we perceive our animals.

When I'm working with an animal, one of my favourite sayings is "they're not giving you a hard time, they're *having* a hard time".

If you're having training struggles, try to ask yourself "what is my dog actually trying to communicate?"

Behaviour is communication, not a personal attack. When we label a dog as "stubborn," "spiteful," or "dominant," we put the blame on them and close the door to real understanding. But when we swap those labels for curiosity, everything changes.

🐴 “Naughty.” “Stubborn.” “Rude.” They might seem like harmless words, but could they actually change how we treat horses?

At the ISES 2026 Conference, Susie Catherall Ostler presented “Words matter: The prevalence and impact of negative emotive language in the equine industry.”

In a survey of 355 participants, every participant had heard negative emotive language used to describe horse behaviour, and 97% admitted using it themselves.

But the most striking finding was what happened when researchers changed only the language used to describe a horse’s behaviour. Participants shown descriptions using negative emotive language were significantly more likely to suggest sedation and, in some scenarios, positive punishment, despite seeing the exact same video of the horse.

People who reported using this type of language more frequently were also less likely to suggest giving the horse time, considering their emotional state or physical discomfort, or using desensitisation.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: the words we use can shape the decisions we make.

Instead of labelling a horse as naughty, stubborn or rude, asking why they are behaving that way could lead us towards more horse centred responses.

31/07/2026

Indie is currently recovering from TPLO surgery, which means strict crate rest, zero zoomies, and minimal lead walks—essentially a total buzzkill for a high-energy dog.

​While on a tiny toilet break down the lane, a cat suddenly appeared. Prime chase material for a dog like her, especially after being on crate rest for the past 4 weeks!But instead of reacting, Indie looked right back at me. Absolute perfection! 🏆

​The catch? I had zero treats on me. Verbal praise is nice, but Indie’s true loves are food and movement (and movement is currently illegal). Thinking fast, I pinched a wild blackberry right off the bush to reward her. 🫐✨

​Quick thinking + natural foraging = one very happy, well-behaved patient.

​How do you improvise when you forget the treat pouch? Let me know below! 👇

27/07/2026

We're back!

It’s been a little quiet around here lately, so I thought it was high time for a proper reintroduction!

Meet the team: That’s me, Aimée, and my chief assistant / official treat tester, Indie! 🐶✨

Life got a bit busy in the background, but we are back and so excited to start sharing again. So, welcome!

As a positive reinforcement trainer, my passion is helping you build a happy, confident relationship with your dog using force-free, kind, and effective methods.

We’d love to catch up with you! Drop a comment below with a picture of your pup and tell us a little bit about them, or what you’re currently working on together! 📊👇