Mendmydog Dog Behaviourist

29/06/2025

"They just adore each other" 😍

Do they? 🤔
Sometimes we really want to see signals that just aren't there.

We may focus on one area....like a wagging tail, because it "confirms" what we hope is true.
The reality though is scared, conflicted or anxious dogs can and often do wag their tails.

Unsure what's occurring?
In moments like these....the majority "rules".

A dog "backing away" ?
That can be a pretty clear signal for us to pay attention to.
It can even be combined with a little "happy dance".
That pattering and quick plods....those fast moving feet?

It can look playful but can mean your dog is unsure or even uncomfortable with what is happening.

Scroll back a few posts.
Look at ways to support those nervy greeters.
There are lots of ideas for that on this page.

Forcing interactions is never a way to fast track anything positive.

27/06/2025

🐾✨ Exciting news from our recent session with Cooper and his amazing owner! They’ve made incredible strides together. Cooper, a once highly stressed dog, has shown remarkable progress. Look at that smiley face ❤️He used to be very reactive, especially around men with backpacks, strangers, and various outdoor stimuli.

It’s clear that Cooper had limited socialization in his early life, and we suspect past experiences may have contributed to his flinching when hands are raised. But thanks to the dedication of his wonderful owner, Cooper is learning to manage his stress better.

Though he still pulls on the lead and can bark or lunge at certain triggers, the incidents are much reduced and less intense. The transformation is evident! After trying two other trainers, we’re thrilled to see Cooper beginning to relax in his surroundings at last.

Kudos to Team Cooper for all the hard work and progress! Keep it up! 🌟🐶

-sitiveVibes

24/06/2025

Everyone who is thinking of getting dogs should read this because you need to understand this reality:

***I am a 21st century dog.***
-I'm a Malinois.
Overskilled among dogs, I excel in all disciplines and I'm always ready to work: I NEED to work.
But nowadays I get asked to chill on the couch all day everyday.

-I am an Akita Inu.
My ancestors were selected for fighting bears.
Today I get asked to be tolerant and I get scolded for my reactivity when another approaches me.

-I am a Beagle.
When I chase my prey, I raise my voice so the hunters could follow.
Today they put an electric collar on me to shut up, and you make me come back to you - no running - with a snap of your fingers.

-I am a Yorkshire Terrier.
I was a terrifying rat hunter in English mines.
Today they think I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

-I'm a Labrador Retriever.
My vision of happiness is a dive into a pond to bring back the duck he shot to my master.
Today you forget I'm a walking, running, swimming dog; as a result I'm fat, made to stay indoors, and to babysit.

-I am a Jack Russell.
I can take on a fox, a mean badger, and a rat bigger than me in his den.
Today I get scolded for my character and high energy, and forced to turn into a quiet living room dog.

-I am a Siberian Husky.
Experienced the great, wide open spaces of Northern Europe, where I could drag sleds for long distances at impressive speeds.
Today I only have the walls of the house or small garden as a horizon, and the holes I dig in the ground just to release energy and frustration, trying to stay sane.

-I am a border collie
I was made to work hours a day in partnershipwith my master, and I am an unmistakable artist of working with the herd.
Today they are mad at me because, for lack of sheep, I try to check bikes, cars, children in the house and everything in motion.

I am ...
I am a 21st century dog.
I'm pretty, I'm alert, I'm obedient, I stay in a bag...but I'm also an individual who, from centuries of training, needs to express my instincts, and I am *not* suited for the sedentary life you'd want me to lead.
Spending eight hours a day alone in the house or in the garden - with no work and no one to play or run with, seeing you for a short time in the evening when you get home, and only getting a small toilet walk will make me deeply unhappy.
I'll express it by barking all day, turning your yard into a minefield, doing my needs indoors, being unmanageable the rare times I'll find myself outside, and sometimes spending my days sunk, sad, lonely, and depressed, on my pillow.
You may think that I should be happy to be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work, but actually I’ll be exhausted and frustrated, because this is absolutely NOT what I'm meant to do, or what I need to be doing.
If you love me, if you've always dreamed of me, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athletic look make you want me, but you can't give me a real dog's life, a life that's really worth living according to my breed, and if you can't offer me the job that my genes are asking, DO NOT buy or adopt me!
If you like the way I look but aren't willing to accept my temperament, gifts, and traits derived from long genetic selection, and you think you can change them with only your good will, then DO NOT BUY OR ADOPT ME.
I’m a dog from the 21st century, yes, but deep inside me, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who guided and protected a herd still lives within.
So think **very** carefully before you choose your dog. And think about getting two, rather than one, so I won't be so very lonely waiting for you all day. Eight or ten hours is just a workday to you, but it's an eternity for me to be alone.
Like David Attenborough Fans for more:

23/06/2025

🐾 Meet Ziggy, the amazing Ukrainian rescue dog! 🇺🇦✨ Ziggy has been with us for four years and is such a sweetheart. Recently, she’s been a bit reactive around dogs and new guests, so today we focused on creating a plan to help her feel more comfortable. After a little territorial greeting, she showed me just how well she can adapt! 🐶❤️

Let’s continue to support our furry friends on their journey to confidence.

21/06/2025

I am back dog sitting the beautiful Bonnie and Boomer this week a year later. Both dogs are a little anxious with strangers but greeted me like their best friend which was so nice. Bonnie is just finishing her season and Boomer is Dog reactive although much improved after some work. It has been so hot we’ve been doing a lot of garden games frozen Kongs and resting mainly to keep the dogs cool but also entertained. They are such a joy to be with and it is a pleasure looking after them even though I need help with walking them in the early morning with hubby as they are very strong and my ankle is not yet fully healed. I don’t do many Dog Sit‘s these days because Fizz misses me too much and her pawdad is telling me that she’s already quite anxious but I’m hoping to pop back as often as I can to see her.

12/06/2025

Lovely week in the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District celebrating three significant family birthdays and we all enjoyed a fabulous Wolf experience. My mini wolf, Fizz very much enjoyed practising her livestock guardian duties on the patio. 🐺✨ **Debunking the Wolf Dominance Theory** ✨

For years, the “wolf dominance theory,” popularised by biologist David Mech, suggested that wolves operate within strict hierarchies, led by an alpha male. However, recent research has challenged this notion.

Mech’s studies revealed that wolf packs are often family units where cooperation and social bonds take precedence over dominance. Instead of a constant struggle for power, wolves exhibit nurturing behaviours, care for their young, and work together for survival.

This shift in understanding emphasises the importance of social structures and relationships in the animal kingdom, reminding us that cooperation often trumps competition. Trying to ‘dominate’ your dog is now an outdated method of dog training. Let’s celebrate the true spirit of wolves! 🐾❤️ .

05/06/2025

02/06/2025

Thrilled to Share Some Exciting News! 🎉🐾😍

After months of dedicated study (and some enforced rest thanks to a broken ankle!), I’m proud to have officially graduated and become part of Meesh Master’s nationally renowned Professional Dog Trainers Team.

Meesh has been a true trailblazer in the world of Romanian rescue dogs—raising awareness and providing essential education for both adopters and trainers. Her mission to ensure these dogs receive the understanding and support they deserve has deeply inspired me over the years.

My passion for helping Romanian rescues began six years ago when I adopted my own girl, Fizz. Navigating her unique, fear-based behaviours opened my eyes to the specialist support these dogs truly need. This course has been a perfect complement to my existing qualifications and a meaningful step forward in my ongoing commitment to this wonderful community.

I’ve followed Meesh’s work for years and feel genuinely honoured to now be part of her incredible team. Getting things right early on with these dogs can be life-changing—for them and for their families—and I’m excited to continue helping more adopters do just that.

02/06/2025

Very interesting study on evolutionary differences from ancient breed dogs in comparison to modern companion breeds and how their brains develop differently in terms of trainability and fear...those of us who work with ancient breeds will know this well.