Pivotal Change

12/31/2024

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...

12/16/2024

Excellent reminder!

This. Each dog is an individual and should be treated like one. It is our job to set dogs up for success.

12/10/2024

I’m Going to Be Straight: I Need Help From You and I just going to ask because sometimes you just can't do it alone.

If you’ve ever benefited from my work—through our practice, courses, advice, or consultations—I’m am humbly asking for your help.

I’m working on behalf of dogs who could be re-surrendered or euthanised in 2025 - would you join me, lend me a hand, or simply be indulgent.

The ask? It’s free, it’s easy, and it only takes a few seconds:

👉 Please subscribe to the Dog Parentology Podcast:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/

I currently have 40 incredible subscribers and need 960 more to fund this show and Keep Dogs in Homes.

Why Subscribe?

This podcast gives dog parents the tools to tackle complex behaviour issues—the very issues that lead to rehoming or behavioural euthanasia.

My latest episode focuses on Multi-Dog Families in Crisis. If you know me, you know I pour my heart and soul into each episode to deliver tangible results. 💛

What This Episode Covers:
1. Why do my dogs fight, and how worried should I be?
2. What options are there besides rehoming or euthanising my dogs?
3. What are the signs of stress or conflict between my dogs?
4. How can I prevent or manage resource guarding?
5. How can I effectively divide my attention between multiple dogs?
6. How can I calmly communicate with multiple dogs?

Does that sound about right to add value to multi-dog families? I think so ... and then it occured to me ... wait, a guide would be good too! So I made one to help you map your own multi-dog family dynamics - if you have more than one dog.

So in thanks of subscribing I have a free toolkit and free instructions - here are the 2 quick steps to make a difference:

1️⃣ Download the FREE Detective Toolkit (dogparentology.com)
2️⃣ Watch & SUBSCRIBE – Episode 7 on multi-dog families drops Wednesday at 6 PM EST! (https://www.youtube.com/)

Sorry for the long-winded message - I can become quite passionate about the beings I love. You know who I am talking about ...

12/07/2024

Are your dogs fighting, and you’re afraid you’ll have to choose who stays and who goes?

The truth is:

Most families get it wrong about where the problem lies. It’s not about a “bad dog”—it’s about a broken system.

Removing one dog doesn’t fix the system—it only disrupts it.

Behavioural issues like resource guarding are *contagious*—they spread if the system isn’t addressed.

You don’t have to make a heartbreaking decision.

🐾 New Episode Alert: Wednesday at 6 PM! 🐾

In this episode, learn 6 essential steps using Systems Thinking to:

✅ Uncover the real reasons behind your dogs’ conflicts.
✅ Fix the system, not the dog.
✅ Keep your family together and stop the cycle of rehoming and behavioural euthanasia.

FREE: Download our follow-along guide designed for this episode! It will help you apply the steps as you listen. Available now on our website: www.dogparentology.com

Fights aren’t random events—they’re signals from the system calling for change. There is a way to restore peace and harmony.

📅 Set your reminder for Wednesday at 6 PM or better yet subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/

Episode 7: https://youtu.be/OcAM_4arplA

Don’t miss Episode 7 of Dog Parentology!

Are your dogs fighting, and you're afraid it could lead to a heartbreaking decision like behavioural euthanasia? In multi-dog families, tension, aggression, ...

11/27/2024

After a nasty wrestling match with a virus I am pleased to say, “I won”!

But it’s put me behind on the Dog Parentology Podcast, Ep. 7 - I am half way recording the episode about multi-dog families and the secret systems that unlock gaining back harmony!

It is one of the longer episodes packed with insights and I hope to have some downloadable guides too.

Friends, this is not an ordinary training video. I will not be showing the same traditional exercises that provide skills-based learning for dogs.

In Ep. 7 we will be foraging to find you new ways of thinking and ‘seeing’ patterns. I’ve made it for colleagues and dog parents wanting to find *different* answers admist the noise of advice on what to do, and for those with enough experience to know ‘skills’ regularly fail to make sustainable inroads on tough behaviour problems.

So I ask for 2-weeks of grace (production is a lengthy process) and with hard work be prepared to be ‘wowed’ or should that be ‘bow-wowed’.

11/01/2024

Hi Colleagues, Friends, and Dog Parents: Got 12 seconds?

Because it only takes "Milliseconds" for your world to shatter when your dog bites, I am asking for 12 seconds of your time to , show you why there's hope you never knew existed.

I invite you to share this this highlight reel of our game-changing episode 6, "When a Dog Bites ...", you will see the power of our full 30 minute episode dropping at 6 pm. tonight on Youtube. Please let everyone who has loved a dog who bites to reach for that lifeline and find the hope presented in theDog Parentology Podcast. I think you will be truly amazed on the story of Saturn. How he went from the streets of Morroco, to a condo in downtown Toronto, to facing euthanasia to becoming a success story that's revolutionizing how we understand dog bites.

This isn't just about managing - it's about transformation.

A dog's story doesn't end with a bite. It begins with understanding.

🎧 These next 12 seconds could save a dog's life.

What does a Level 5 bite really mean? Journey from military-style home management and protective gear to sharing couches and teaching tricks again. Learn why...

10/30/2024

Happy Halloween!

Here at PivotalChange - we're all about being respectful and kind to our dogs and this means respecting your dog, and giving your dog choices. So, even if you bought the cutest costume for your dog, be thoughtful. If asked, would your dog say "Yes "to wearing it. Likely not. There are many reasons - here are three:

1. They get over-heated, like you in a winter coat in the summertime - not fun.
2. They lose their natural ability to signal, like if you mouth was taped and your hands were tied - not fun.
3. They feel something unnatural on themselves, something like walking through a spiderweb but not being able to take it away - not fun. And that is just the physical side.

Consider that dogs are very attuned to expressions and vocalisation of humans. Suddenly everyone is in their face, watching them, laughing at them. How confusing is that and need I remind you of the moment when someone taped a "kick me" sign on your back in highschool... yeah its like that... not fun.

I am a HUGE Halloween fan, but we opt to stick with our dog's preference to have nothing on her body allowing for 'our enjoyment' not to be at her expense.

10/23/2024

It's time to share my latest ideas. Straight from our Dog Parentology Podcast, Ep. 4: "The New Science for Developing Impulse Control" , I present “ Beyond Fight, Flight, or Freeze – The Science of Impulse Control and the Missing ‘State of Flux’ in Canine Behaviour.” to researchers, dog parents, professionals and veterinarians for discussion.

Highlights:
1. Chronic impulsivity is a dynamic process of imbalanced neurological and environmental factors. Current norms repeatedly apply short-term fixes with no hope of lifetime control.
2. Observational 'flux' signal as an 'adaptive' behaviour response in impulsivity recovery.
3.The often-overlooked Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) reveals TRUE intervention points, focusing on long-term behavior change rather than reactive fixes, clarifying not just what works and why, but prevents issues like jumping from even arising.
4. The Human-Led Canine Paralanguage Method (HLCPM) that provides a space for "dog buttons" to become meaningful, beyond a viral entertainment moments and to gain long-term impulse control.

Whether you’re a researcher, behavior professional, or devoted dog parent, this paper offers a revolutionary approach to understanding and addressing canine impulse control.

📄 Read the full article on here: https://vist.ly/3mjki8t

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s discuss how this research can reshape our approach to canine behavior science.

We challenges traditional dog behaviour models, revealing the ‘state of flux’ as an indicator of deeper neural recovery of impulse control.

10/23/2024

From Theo Stewart Ccb - an excellent reminder as we think about the colder weather approaching. It is scientifically proven we are more generous during this stage, and often seek to bring over treats (Halloween) or gifts (Christmas) for our four-legged family members. Rawhides should not be given to any dog. A good reminder. Thanks Theo!

10/21/2024

What?! I nearly forgot to say "Happy National Reptile Day"

10/10/2024

The Dog Parentology Podcast next episode:

The NEW SCIENCE for Developing IMPULSE CONTROL

is being dropped tomorrow!!

In the meantime you can download this free dog parent resource that accompanies the podcast - a 7 page guide to revolutionize how your develop impulse control in your dog - go to www.dogparentology.com to gain access to this and even more fantastic resources.

Here is everywhere you can stream our next episode - and yes the link to Apple Podcast is now fully functional :)

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-dog-parentology-podcast/id1767638360
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uMo5LjB3a56Vel8A6KDUo
Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/dogparentologypodcast
ListenNotes
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-dog-parentology-podcast-sparky-smith-ZT25v9lf0-d/
Rss Feed
https://dashboard.rss.com/podcasts/dog-parentology-podcast/
Deezer
https://deezer.com/show/1001260931
iheart radio
https://iheart.com/podcast/214321671/
Amazon Podcasts
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/71af9a0c-1ced-4dd0-b549-f0da6b8a397c/the-dog-parentology-podcast
Podcast Index
https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7012391
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/

10/05/2024

This Monday we are dropping more value-added content for our patrons of the Dog Parentology Podcast who are receiving this free mini-course on Impulse Control.

For those still on the fence about supporting our mission to keep dogs in home, by providing knowledge to dog parents of reactive dogs, it is also available for one-time purchase. Check it out:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/mini-lesson-on-113437240?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

09/25/2024

Is your dog’s behavior a sign of deeper stress or trauma?

In Episode 3 of the Dog Parentology Podcast, we uncover the hidden brain systems that drive anxiety, aggression, and fear—behaviors that often overwhelm dog parents and professionals alike. These are more than just surface-level issues; they’re signals of deeper neurobiological imbalances, and the solution lies in science-backed, practical knowledge that supports recovery, not just symptom management.

For vets, this episode shows how understanding a dog’s trauma and neurobiology can complement your medical treatments.
For dog parents, our mission is to keep dogs in homes by helping you support your dog’s recovery without feeling overwhelmed.
For dog professionals, we introduce a systems-thinking approach to behavior that considers the dog’s environment, relationships, and brain health.

Our mission: To keep dogs in homes by offering barrier-free, science-based knowledge that you can apply today.

🎙️ Tune in and SUBSCRIBE to Episode 3 of the Dog Parentology Podcast wherever you listen:
Apple: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/the-dog-parentology-podcast/e549e026-a718-411e-9056-2b208715f65f/episodes
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uMo5LjB3a56Vel8A6KDUo
Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-dog-parentology-podcast-sparky-smith-ZT25v9lf0-d/
RSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/dog-parentology-podcast
Deezer: https://deezer.com/show/1001260931
iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/214321671/
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/71af9a0c-1ced-4dd0-b549-f0da6b8a397c/the-dog-parentology-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7012391

Find out how we can work together to keep dogs where they belong: safe, stable, and at home.

09/25/2024

Ever wonder if we’re missing the real reason behind millions of dogs being surrendered?

In Episode 3 of the Dog Parentology Podcast, we dive into something few dog parents consider — a hidden system in your dog’s brain that could be the key to keeping them calm and cooperative.

The NeuroBalance Wheel might sound complex, but it’s designed to tackle those stubborn behaviors that leave us feeling frustrated — and often lead to dogs being given up. Could your dog’s stress and emotional overload be the secret culprit? And more importantly, what if they already had the tools to recover?

This episode breaks it all down — and I’m sharing what we’ve uncovered in the latest blog. 💡

Listen and SUBSCRIBE as we keep growing across Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and more. Together, we could save millions of dogs from being surrendered.

📖 Ready to unlock the science? Watch, read, and subscribe:

• Apple: https://apple.co/3P2GzVa
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3rg07Ix
• Listen Notes: https://bit.ly/3t5jA4T
• RSS: https://bit.ly/3Rl7w3G
• Deezer: https://bit.ly/3LAgClS
• iHeart: https://ihr.fm/48ftzJp
• Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3ruqphg
• Podcast Index: https://bit.ly/3ZFWbhU
• Listen Notes (profile): https://bit.ly/3EzLOaM

09/06/2024

Hi Fellow Dog Parents:

Our newest episode just dropped.

In this latest episode, we explore one of the most common challenges dog caregivers face: reactive behaviour. Whether it’s triggered by unexpected sounds, people, or changes in routine, reactive dogs require thoughtful, evidence-based approaches for long-term solutions.

📢 Episode 2: Reactive Systems – Triggers and Long-Term Solutions focuses on:

🔹 Understanding the underlying systems that drive your dog’s reactive responses.
🔹 Practical tools like the Bio-Coloured Framework and Sensory-Based Positive Experiences (Spee-Bee) to help your dog move from stress to calm.
🔹 Real-life strategies you can implement today to reduce reactivity and create a more balanced environment.

This episode offers actionable insights for dog parents and professionals looking to support dogs dealing with stress and anxiety. Whether you’re a dog parent or work in canine behaviour, this episode will provide you with valuable knowledge and tools to help dogs thrive.

🔗 Listen now and equip yourself with practical strategies for long-term behavioural success:

the second episode of Dog Parentology, Sparky introduces listeners to the groundbreaking innovations in Systems Thinking and Canine ...

09/06/2024

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Dog Parentology Podcast - Episode 2 is LIVE! 🐾

Hello Community: Episode 2 is up!

Does your dog react to the slightest sound, movement, or unfamiliar face? 😬 Episode 2: Reactive Systems – Triggers and Long-Term Solutions is here to help!

In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind your dog’s reactive behaviour and give you powerful, science-backed solutions to transform those reactions into calm responses. Whether it’s barking at the door or stressing over small changes, this episode is packed with strategies you can use RIGHT NOW. 💡

🌟 What You’ll Learn:
🔸 How to spot your dog’s triggers before they spiral
🔸 The game-changing Bio-Coloured Framework to understand your dog’s emotional state
🔸 Practical tools like SPE&BE (Spee-Bee) to help your dog regain control

🎧 Ready to stop reactivity in its tracks? Click to listen to Episode 2 and start creating lasting change for you and your dog!

the second episode of Dog Parentology, Sparky introduces listeners to the groundbreaking innovations in Systems Thinking and Canine ...

08/24/2024

Hi fellow dog walkers! As a Canine Psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how even the best-behaved dogs can face challenges, especially during walks. Whether it’s unexpected reactivity, anxiety, or a dog who just can’t seem to settle, these issues can make our job tougher—and more stressful for the dogs we care for.

I’ve recently launched the Dog Parentology Podcast—a completely free resource focused on sharing the latest compassionate, science-backed methods for helping dogs with complex behaviors. My mission is to make sure that dog parents and professionals like us have access to the best advice without the barriers of cost.

If you ever encounter a dog that struggles on walks, or know someone who could use a little extra support, feel free to check it out or pass it along. I’m just hoping to share what I’ve learned to make life a bit easier for both dogs and their humans.

You can find the podcast, our pilot episode and upcoming episodes on Youtube, Spotify and Soundcloud.