Happy Dog Javea

09/07/2025

Damaging & so outdated yet some people and trainers think it exists !! 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

WHY WE SHOULD DO AWAY WITH DOMINANCE THEORY

Dominance/Alpha theory is one of the biggest myths, and probably the most damaging, in the dog training industry. It continues to be perpetuated, despite being thoroughly debunked several decades ago.

Unfortunately, the meaning of “dominance” in dog training has been blurred and misunderstood. Dominance theory is commonly thought to be based on the belief that a dog behaves in the same way that a wolf would; this belief stems from early, flawed studies carried out on captive grey wolves, to demonstrate how they live and behave within their family unit.

Dominance is not a personality trait, it is a fluid state dependent upon the value of a particular resource at a given moment. Beware of anyone calling themselves a professional, yet refers to "dominant dogs". Run like the clappers!

For further reading on this topic, take a look at my blog:

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/why-we-should-do-away-with-dominance-theory

©️ Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

Image text reads:
Dominance/Alpha Theory

*Dominance does exist, but not in the way that many think…
*Outdated beliefs and methods based on dominance theory have led to numerous
*Myths being perpetuated within the dog training world, many of which are
*Incredibly damaging, both physically and psychologically.
*No, your dog is not trying to dominate you or your family and take over the world!
*Alpha theory has been thoroughly debunked and discredited; it does not even apply to wolves!
*Not acknowledging the flaws in dominance/alpha theory can lead to aversive handling and training methods, as well as welfare being seriously impacted.
*Coaching with kind, up-to-date, ethical methods is the most effective way to train; science says so!
*Educated, qualified professionals do not use language such as “alpha”, “pack leader”, “boss”, “commands”, “dominant dog”, etc.

The first letter of each sentence is capitalised and highlighted to spell “DOMINANCE” going down the left hand side of the text.

08/07/2025

Great post and brilliant graphic 🐶🐕😊

Your dog does not need to love every dog.
They don't even have to like them.
Or interact at all.....or maybe they will?
There is no right way to be social...it is as wide and varied for dogs as it is for us.
Quieter dog.
More outgoing.
Very selective.
Not really into other dogs?....or best mates with just a few?
Maybe they are truly happier without another dog around.
Perhaps they really do love every dog they see.

One thing is for sure.....when we judge someone because their dog "isn't the same" as theirs, that's damaging.

Lets start to normalise the wide range of sociability in dogs.

We have that in common.

24/06/2025

Why do I choose force free training for dogs??
Well why wouldn’t I…….🤷‍♀️

Training a dog using pain, discomfort or fear is just not my way!!
Using methods that I believe in, know and understand is my only way!

I don’t care if other ways can seem “quicker” …..it’s just not “right”

Force free, fear free is my choice and always will be!!

23/06/2025

Great post ……socialisation and play are very different things 🐶🐕🥰

Socialisation is a term that many struggle to define.
It's often confused with play, but play is a completely separate and important skill.
In a world that pushes constant interaction ….where dogs are expected to greet and play with every other dog they see, we can unintentionally create a dog who views every other dog as a source of excitement.
This isn’t socialisation… and it never was.

A better way to think about socialisation is acclimation, helping your dog adjust to everything the world offers, not just other dogs.

Weather
Surfaces
Animals
Crowds of people, all ethnicities, ages, and movement styles
Noises
Scents

That’s just a taste of what true socialisation really is.

Acceptance is another way to view it.
Accepting, not reacting.
Building positive associations.

That is true socialisation.

23/06/2025

Having a dog not pull on lead is obviously a much nicer experience than one that pulls.

But it’s not the dog being “naughty” or “stubborn” …..it’s way more than that.

It could be excitement, fear, stress, natural pace, injury, illness and so much more.

This is why it’s important to teach your dog in a kind and understanding manner.

It’s very, very rarely that one session fixes it ……it takes time and patience.

The only way of quick fixing is by using methods and equipment that I’m not happy to use, your dog wouldn’t be happy and neither would you!

Once you get improvements it’s quite often life changing, for both of you and this is why I love teaching it ☺️

If you would like a dog you can walk on lead comfortably then get in touch today.

You can call/whatsapp
+34 696525511
Email :
[email protected]
Or PM on here

I look forward to hearing from you and helping change your dogs life 🐶🐕🥰

16/06/2025

Kika experiencing different textures ( rocks, dried seaweed, sea water ) and the sounds of the amazing 🌊 this morning 🌞Practicing on and off-leash sit stays and recall with some distractions …setting her up to succeed 😊
All part of her learning the life skills she needs as she heads into her adolescence (and then adulthood ) as a sociable , well- rounded dog living in our human world 🐕‍🦺 🥰

12/06/2025

Congratulations to Dama, Diego and Nougat on completing your puppy ( going into adolescence 😉) life skills courses . 📜 🎓
The pups and their humans have been P’AWESOME
🐶🐶🐶 🤩

10/06/2025

Great post ……let them dig 🐶🐕🥰

DIGGITY DOGS DILEMMA

These pictures are of my Schnauzers, blissfully digging huge holes in the garden, hunting for crickets.

Digging is not a naughty or bad behaviour, but a very normal, natural, instinctive way of expressing a genetic, emotional or physical need.

Terrier type breeds in particular were specifically bred for their digging ability to hunt for and flush out vermin or other pests.

Dogs don’t understand the human concept of maintaining a beautifully manicured lawn with plants or why we may get so angry when they destroy and dig it all up.

Digging can be really challenging to prevent. There are also so many different reasons that dogs dig – genetics, prey drive, boredom, frustration, stress or anxiety, hiding valuable resources, creating a comfy place to rest, seeking heat or cold, barrier frustration or even trying to escape.

There is never a guarantee that preventing a natural behaviour will be successful, but some simple management, ensuring dogs have sufficient physical and mental stimulation and providing alternative outlets for this behaviour should create an improvement.

If all else fails, ask yourself if it’s really worth getting so stressed about, or if it’s better for both us and our dogs to give up the manicured garden in favour of the more natural dog look?