Rachel Peake A.Dip CBM, MISAP, ICB.

04/10/2026

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When trainers defend shock collars, they’re making moral claims — not scientific ones. A philosopher explains why that distinction matters for animal welfare.

03/10/2026

02/10/2026

Fireworks will start in around six weeks time in the UK - don’t wait to get help.

We know that many species of animals and their human companions, struggle immensely with fireworks season. It’s often not just one predictable evening of loud noises, but can go on for sometimes weeks at a time.

Whether you care for a horse, a cat, a dog, or another companion animal - ABTC practitioners are here to help.

All our registered practitioners are independently assessed to meet the highest of industry standards.

But it’s best to seek help sooner rather than later.

Because with more time to spend supporting your animal, there’s a far greater chance of making successful progress before the bangs start.

Head to our directory now and find a registered practitioner near you.

You’ll find the link to our directory in the comments.

02/10/2026

01/10/2026

So...after 2 years and 3 months further study, I have received a level 6 diploma in dog behaviour and training...no pain no gain! 💪💪💪🐾🐾🐾

22/09/2026

Behaviour doesn’t happen in isolation. To truly understand animals, we need to look beyond cues and reinforcers, and consider the whole picture.

18/09/2026

The competence of a dog trainer profoundly influences a dog's behaviour and, by extension, public safety. Embracing positive reinforcement and humane training methods is essential in cultivating well-adjusted, non-aggressive dogs. It is imperative for dog guardians to seek qualified, knowledgeable trainers who adhere to ethical practices, thereby safeguarding the well-being of their canine companions and the community at large.
Learn more about ethical, science-based approaches at The Dogenius Institute today.
thedogenius.com

06/09/2026

Adopting a foreign rescue dog feels like the right thing to do—but is it always? A deeper look at the ethics, welfare, and unintended consequences.

06/09/2026

Lumps and bumps are common in pets, especially as they age. Most are harmless — but some can cause discomfort or become more serious over time.

If you have noticed a lump on your pet, book a £25 Lump Check and one of our experienced vets can gently assess the lump quickly, helping you understand what it might be and put your mind at ease.

📞 Call the practice to book or find more information on the Offers page on our website.

Offer ends 31 October 2026. T&Cs apply.

03/08/2026

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Every time a dog shows aggression towards a person, the conversation almost always lands in the same place; “what’s wrong with that dog?”
But the reality is far less simple and, if we’re honest, far less comfortable.

A recent study looking at the views of professionals working directly with these cases found that aggression isn’t driven by one thing, or even a handful of obvious ones. There were 18 different factors identified and most of them had very little to do with the things people like to blame, like breed or age.

What stood out instead was everything around the dog. The way they’re trained. Whether their needs are actually being met. The environment they’re living in. And, perhaps most importantly, how well the people around them understand what they’re trying to communicate.
In fact, almost all professionals in the study pointed to a lack of understanding of dog behaviour as a key risk factor and thats the bit that should make us stop and think. It shifts the focus away from the dog being “the problem”, and towards something much more uncomfortable, the human side of the relationship.

If a dog is living in a world where their signals are missed, their needs aren’t quite met, and their environment feels unpredictable or overwhelming then their behaviour is going to reflect that.

So maybe the better question isn’t “what’s wrong with the dog?” It’s “what’s this dog living through?”

Reference: Howell et al. (2026). Factors influencing the expression of human-directed dog aggression: A qualitative study of professional opinion. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.