Pivotal Change

02/17/2025

Happy Family Day!

Today is about family—the ones we’re born into, the ones we choose, and the dogs who make our homes complete.

If you live with more than one dog or are thinking about adding another to your home, the latest episode of the Dog Parentology Podcast is for you. It covers:
• How dogs build relationships within a household
• The hidden dynamics that affect harmony and tension
• Practical ways to balance multiple dogs without stress

Whether you have one dog, two, or a full pack, this episode provides useful insights to help create a calm and well-adjusted home for both dogs and humans.

Listen now: https://youtu.be/OcAM_4arplA?si=K5Pk6TgFgJW1y4Yo
Or use the QR code to see the channel and all our episodes.

If you have a multi-dog household, let us know how you manage the relationships between them, and again, Happy Family Day!

02/13/2025

I was live today - check it out!

02/13/2025

Sparky Smith is a professional Canine Psychologist, using Canine Neurobiological System Science to create profound and lasting impacts on dogs with deep-seated behaviour problems. She hosts the Dog Parentology Podcast, providing original and practical advice to professionals and dog parents for dogs with complex and persistent behaviour problems. Sparky's mission is to keep dogs in homes.
Join her mission by subscribing and becoming a patron.
https://patreon.com/DogParentologyPodcast
Dog Parentology Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/
Join page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/779315574357922

02/09/2025

I support all dog parents learning First Aid for dogs!

Are you prepared to be your pet's hero? For many Canadians, getting timely veterinary care can be a daunting task, especially in remote areas. This is why knowing emergency first aid for pets is not just beneficial—it's essential. Imagine being able to save your beloved companion in a critical situation!

By taking an emergency first aid course, you will gain vital skills that could make a life-saving difference for your pet. Learn how to assess emergencies, perform life-saving techniques, and provide immediate care until professional help arrives.

In just 8 hours, you can arm yourself with the knowledge and confidence to act decisively when it matters most. Your pet relies on you—don’t wait until it’s too late!

To find out more and to see our upcoming course schedule, visit www.caninehealthcanada.com. We offer courses across Canada and parts of the U.S., with new sessions added weekly. Take the first step toward becoming a proactive pet owner today!

02/07/2025

Last night, I was thinking about fear and control—not just in dogs, but in human systems. I can experience fear and control like a train barrelling out of tunnel if I let it. What about you?

It's an easy time to get caught up in it. Like me you may be reflecting on how when societies feel threatened, they close in. They tighten the reins, reduce freedoms, and act reactively rather than strategically. Sounds familiar, right?

In a world where scientific progress is challenged, where AI is both feared and exploited, and where institutions feel fragile, we see the same cycle playing out. Let’s face it - when fear takes over, all of us default to short-term solutions, not long-term thinking.

This is exactly why I had Roman Gottfried on my podcast for the episode: Reimagining a Dog Psychology Centre: The Future of Complex Behavioural Recovery, because the same thing happens in other animals too.

For example, dogs who have been traumatised by unpredictable environments—violence, neglect, abandonment—often become hyper-vigilant.

- They don’t trust new information.
- They defend what little security they have.
- They bite before they can be bitten.

Roman and I spoke about dogs, yes—but the truth is, we were talking about systems. About resilience. About how behaviour—whether in dogs, people, or nations—isn’t just about the individual but about the structures that shape it.

• Why does a country escalate conflict?
• Why does a person reject new knowledge?
• Why does a traumatised dog lash out, even when love is offered?

Because when we feel out of control, we cling to what we know, even when it no longer serves us.

The antidote isn’t control—it’s understanding.

Science is under threat today—not just in animal behaviour, but in climate research, medicine, and social policy. And yet, the same way a traumatised dog can learn to trust again, societies can too.

Not through dominance.
Not through suppression.
But through science, collaboration, and systemic change.

In my work, I see the power of patience, knowledge, and systems thinking every single day. We don’t fix behavioural crises by force—we fix them by stepping back, seeing the full picture, and creating long-term solutions instead of reacting to short-term fear.

And that’s exactly what we must do with science, policy, and global cooperation.

We are at a crossroads. We can choose to double down on outdated beliefs, or we can open up new pathways of thinking, new collaborations, and new solutions.

In the words of Gretchen Goldman, “Despair is not an option.”
Listen to our newest episode and let’s talk about science, resilience, and how we move forward—together.

https://youtu.be/-a6zykOGiU4?si=1K8q3OZ3MR6FKJH1

02/06/2025

Are We Failing Dogs with Complex Behavioural Issues?

What happens when dog trainers, veterinarians, and behaviourists aren’t working together? When a dog’s behaviour is misunderstood, and the only options given to dog parents are medication, rehoming, or euthanasia?

Too many dogs are falling through the cracks because the support system around them isn’t working.

In the latest episode of Dog Parentology, I sit down with

✅Roman Gottfried✅

to discuss:

Why traditional dog training often fails for traumatized dogs and what actually works.
-How a systems-based approach can lead to lasting recovery.
-The disconnect between trainers, vets, and behaviourists—and what needs to change.
-The role of intuition in dog parenting—when to trust yourself and when to seek professional guidance.
-What success really looks like for a traumatized dog—and how long it actually takes.

And we don’t shy away from one of the hardest topics in dog behaviour—behavioural euthanasia. When is it the right decision, and when is it simply a failure of the system?

Here's a teaser of the introduction - but this episode in full drops tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST - And it is for dog parents who want better answers and for trainers, veterinarians, and behaviourists who want to be part of the solution.

Let’s talk about it!
Have you ever been told that medication, rehoming, or euthanasia were your only options? What happened next? Drop a comment—I want to hear your experiences.

Plan to listen to the entire episode here:https://youtu.be/-a6zykOGiU4 - Subscribed to be notified when it premieres

Become a Patron for exclusive access to this episode’s Listening Guide! https://www.patreon.com/c/DogParentologyPodcast

01/23/2025

Ever wondered what it takes to become a canine psychologist? In the latest episode of Dog Parentology, I’m breaking down the five essential steps to mastering one of the most impactful careers in canine care.

We’re diving into:
✅ The skills you need to uncover root causes of behaviour.
✅ How a canine psychologist differs from CAABs and dog behaviourists.
✅ The critical role of systems thinking in addressing complex behavioural challenges.

PLUS, I’m sharing a FREE resource: the Emerging Dog Psychologist Comparative Matrix—perfect for anyone curious about this career or looking for the right support for their dog.

Don’t miss out! Its dropping tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST.

Let’s redefine how we care for dogs—one thoughtful step at a time.

01/15/2025

01/14/2025

Big Life Changes? 6 Tips, 3 Dog-Friendly Benefits, and a Free Toolkit to Keep Harmony in Your Expanding Family

Life’s big changes—welcoming a new baby, adopting a child, or even caring for an aging parent—can shake up your household, especially if you have a reactive dog. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between your family’s happiness and your dog’s well-being.

In my latest blog, I’ve shared step-by-step strategies to:
✔️ Create harmony in your home.
✔️ Reduce your dog’s stress during family transitions.
✔️ Keep the whole family (human and canine) thriving together.

This free information is brought to you by the Dog Parentology Podcast—offering world-class knowledge to dog parents everywhere. Our mission? To keep dogs in their homes.

Subscribe today on our YouTube channel (link in comments) or consider becoming a patron to join the mission.

Let’s keep dogs in their homes where they belong.
You’ll find practical tips and insights designed to make these life changes manageable, no matter how hectic things get.

Click to read and let me know—what’s the biggest change your family is facing right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Read the full blog here: https://www.dogparentology.com/post/preparing-your-reactive-dog-for-family-changes-navigating-the-challenges-of-new-additions

Because you, your family, and your dog deserve a home full of love and understanding. 💕

Life is full of transitions—bringing home a new baby, welcoming an older family member, or adopting a child. For families with reactive dogs, these changes come with unique challenges and opportunities. Reactive dogs, who respond intensely to certain stimuli, may struggle to adapt, but with proper...

01/13/2025

Only 10 minutes away from revealing our very last episode of Season One of the Dog Parentology Podcast. In our final episode we provide 7 Steps To Help Reactive Dogs When Caring For Others - Expecting Mothers, Caregivers and Adopters.

Life changes can be exciting but challenging—especially when they involve adding new family members to your home, like a baby, a child, or a grandparent. For...

01/09/2025

Expecting? Elderly Parent Moving In? Kids Moving Back? Change happens, and it can reshape everything we know. In Episode 8 of Dog Parentology, we’ll uncover 7 actionable steps to ensure your family—both human and canine—stays united through life’s transitions. It will be available to watch on Monday, the 13th at 6 pm. Less than 10 seconds to subscribe and be reminded of every episode (https://lnkd.in/eEW2X3xB)
Tune in to discover how to create harmony and maintain balance, no matter what changes come your way. Don't miss it!

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01/06/2025

New Logo: Illuminating Dog Parents' Hearts Everywhere

We’re thrilled to share our new look with you! This logo is more than just a fresh design—it’s a reflection of the philosophy at the heart of Dog Parentology.

The sunburst is a tribute to our original idea and mission: shedding light on the complexity of dog parenting. It symbolises growth, clarity, and the illumination of the interconnected systems that shape your dog’s behaviour.

Every element in this logo tells a story. The silhouettes and icons represent the multifaceted influences on a dog’s life—family dynamics, regulations, environment, and even genetics. These interconnected factors form the foundation of our systems-thinking approach, helping you understand and master the complexity of raising a dog, especially when facing behavioural challenges.

And our commitment to you? It’s right there in our new tagline: ** Master the Complexity of Dog Parenting—For Free **.

Whether you’re a dedicated dog parent or a professional in the field, this logo is a beacon for our shared journey to foster better relationships, better behaviours, and better lives for our dogs.

What do you think of the new design? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Join us and subscribe now on Youtube to keep dogs in homes and the knowledge flowing.

https://www.youtube.com/

12/31/2024

“I COULDN’T QUITE PUT MY FINGER ON IT BACK THEN… and when I did I became even more insatiably curious..."

At 9 years old, I watched our family dogs squabble over toys, food, and even attention. I thought the solution was about discipline—just setting the rules and keeping them in line. But no matter what we tried, the tension never truly went away.

It wasn’t until years later, leading professional teams, that I saw the bigger picture: stress isn’t isolated. It moves through a group, whether it’s people or dogs. One member’s reaction sets off another, and before you know it, the entire system is caught in a cycle of conflict.

Now, as a canine psychologist, I see how these patterns play out in multi-dog families. Dogs, like people, are influenced by their environment, emotional states, and the responses of those around them—including us. Traditional methods that focus on “fixing” individual behaviours miss the mark because they don’t address the bigger picture.

🐾 That’s where Systems Thinking comes in. It’s not about control—it’s about understanding the “why” behind the behaviour and addressing the underlying causes.

Whether you’re a dog parent or a professional, this approach can transform how you navigate multi-dog dynamics.

👉 In my latest article, I share practical insights and strategies to reduce tension, improve harmony, and preserve the human-animal bond.

💡 For anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why can’t they just get along?”—this might give you the answers you’ve been looking for.

If you live with more than one dog, you already know how complex things can get. Dogs, like humans, are shaped by their personalities, past experiences, and even their health. But unlike us, they can’t explain their feelings. When tension builds, whether over food, space, or attention, it often sp...