Being Canine, Dog Behaviour and Training

11/07/2025

There is extremely limited research exploring the links between pesticides and pet poisonings.

11/07/2025

A re share of one of the Without Worry Canine Education blogs. There are a few on the website to check out.

We often hear people stating that using a single correction, with expert timing, will not have any adverse lasting effects on a dog, but it is worth it, in the long run, to deal with worrying or troublesome behaviours. This is how abuse is justified by using 'tough love.''Tough love' is a phrase tha...

10/07/2025

“I know Kung Fu.”

In The Matrix, Neo downloads martial arts skills in seconds and declares his mastery.

In the real world, learning doesn’t work that way.

Attending a course, watching an online video, or reading a book doesn’t automatically make someone an expert, nor does it equip them to teach others effectively.

The true value of learning lies in what comes afterwards:

Applying new knowledge thoughtfully and consistently

Developing practical skills through experience and reflection

Understanding the principles behind techniques, not just the techniques themselves

Adapting information to suit individual contexts and needs

While it may be tempting to replicate what we see in training videos or adopt popular concepts, genuine expertise is built through the deeper work of integrating, questioning, and refining our knowledge.

Learning is the beginning. Mastery comes from the effort we invest beyond it.

10/07/2025

Hot Weather Warning for Dog Owners!

Dogs can overheat very quickly as temperatures rise. Some might seek out shade if they’re feeling too warm but others can become so engrossed in play, socialising, or simply have no choice if they’re on the lead.

While you might be enjoying the sunshine, your dog could be at serious risk of heat stroke. Don’t risk it:

Walk early or late when it’s cooler
Always provide fresh water and shade
Never leave dogs in cars, even for a few minutes

Keep your dog safe and cool so you can both enjoy the summer!

08/07/2025

Why do we often accept what experts say without question and why that can be risky

When someone is regarded as an expert, their words often go unchallenged. This trust in expertise can create a “halo effect,” where people assume the information is accurate simply because of who’s delivering it, rather than what is actually said.
There is a real danger that when someone speaks with enough confidence, or even arrogance, people will simply accept what they say without question.
Cialdini, R. B. (2007). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Revised Edition).

Confidence can be mistaken for truth, causing us to overlook the need for critical thinking and verification. This is why it’s so important to stay curious and evaluate the information we hear, regardless of how assured the speaker sounds.

This is partly because humans naturally rely on cues like credibility, confidence, and likeability to decide what to believe. When we’re tired, distracted, or unfamiliar with a topic, we often take mental shortcuts and accept the confident speaker’s message without critical evaluation.

True expertise embraces questioning and continuous learning, so let’s remain curious and always verify the information we receive, no matter the source.

06/07/2025

So nice to get feedback after our sessions.
'We had a great time.
Rupert got a lot out of today using all his senses not just sniffing and I as always learned so much.
Also appreciate the homework Rupert and I can work on together moving forwards .
Thank you,
Fantastic session xx'

06/07/2025

Engage the Senses session with Bella

05/07/2025

I've seen an upsurge in trainers or behaviourists claiming to use positive methods and while that seems great on face value, the reality can be entirely different.

It’s not just about how trainers/behaviourists teach dogs what to do , it’s about what they do when the dog gets it wrong.

All dogs will make 'mistakes' (we will use that term here to keep it simple but how we define 'wrong' or 'right' merits another post) as they learn. They might ignore a cue, become distracted, or react in ways we’d prefer they didn’t. The real test of any training method lies in how those 'mistakes' are handled.

Do trainers/behaviourists use punishment, such as physical corrections, raised voices, or tools that cause discomfort, to stop unwanted behaviours?

Or do they focus on helping the dog succeed by managing the environment, teaching alternative behaviours, and understanding the emotional state of the dog.

The way a trainer responds to 'mistakes' has significant consequences: A dog may comply out of fear of consequences — but that’s very different from learning because they understand and feel safe.

When choosing a trainer/behaviourist or evaluating your own approach, always ask yourself:

“When things don't go as I expect, how will this be handled?”

That question reveals far more about a training philosophy than any label or marketing term ever will.



Photo: It is a case of fully understanding the consequences of those corrections and negative approaches. Thankfully, many dogs like little Bruce have enjoyed learning through positive methods and approaches without fear or intimidation.

04/07/2025

Have you come across the term Parrhesia?
It's derived from ancient Greek, and signifies "free, frank, and fearless speech." It embodies the act of speaking truth candidly, especially when such honesty involves personal risk or challenges authority.

This concept was pivotal in Athenian democracy and later explored by philosophers like Michel Foucault, who viewed parrhesia as a moral duty to speak truth for the common good, even when facing potential repercussions .

In the realm of dog welfare, parrhesia translates to the courage to voice concerns about practices that may harm our canine companions. Whether it's addressing issues like unethical breeding, inadequate rescue conditions, or neglect, embracing parrhesia means advocating for dogs' rights and well-being, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular.

By speaking out, we uphold the principle that animals deserve compassionate and ethical treatment.

Let’s commit to being voices for the voiceless, ensuring that dogs (and other animals) receive the care and respect they deserve.

03/07/2025

Little Esme always likes to be close.

03/07/2025

When things get tough in the world of dog behaviour, it’s worth remembering why we chose this path in the first place.

There’s still a long way to go in changing minds and opinions about the ‘best’ ways to care for and train dogs. After all these years, it’s frustrating that this is still the case but the work continues.

I still see the ‘at all costs’ mentality where it doesn’t matter which method is used, as long as it seems to ‘work’. Often, this mindset is held strongest by those who lack the background knowledge or understanding.

This approach can be damaging to individual dogs and catastrophic when those people have access to multiple dogs or work with dogs professionally.

As someone recently said to me, “it’s like arguing with a brick wall', no amount of educated, knowledgeable arguments can win.

For those of us who care more about truly understanding dogs than simply showing off our handling skills or exerting control, it can be tough. But we have to keep going and not lose heart when we come across those brick walls.

Changing minds isn’t easy but every step forward matters for the dogs we care about.

While we might sometimes feel defeated or hopeless, remember: we are not responsible for the actions of others, only for how we choose to respond.

“You have power over your mind not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
— Marcus Aurelius