Clan Dog

26/06/2025

LEAD PULLING & REACTIVITY
Which should you address first?

Enzo can be reactive at times, and before we can address this, we need to work on his loose lead walking. When a dog is pulling, they are not in a relaxed state of mind & we learn nothing when we are highly strung.

4 year old Spanish Mastiff X rescue, Enzo is a powerful guy and has had little schooling , so when he pulls on his lead, he takes whoever is attached with him!
This was our 1st 1-2-1 session, teaching Rob & Bea how to engage with, Enzo and keep everything cool.

Well done to all involved in our 1-2-1 session.
Now, it’s all about practicing your new knowledge and techniques.

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

24/06/2025

“Who’s Going To Deal With This..... You Or Me?”

I received a question about, “Hypervigilant Guardian Response”, so here’s my take on it.

No apologies, but here I am again, banging on about the essential skill of CALM LEADERSHIP which handlers (owners) need to make their dog feel safe and secure.

The term “Hypervigilant Guardian Response” is not a formally recognised scientific or clinical term, but the concept it describes can be real and is used to explain a behavioural pattern where a dog can display some or all of these behaviours.

1.Over-alert or excessively watchful of its environment (hypervigilance),

2.Overprotective or controlling of people, spaces, or other animals (guardian response),

3.Reactive to perceived threats (even when they aren’t real),

4.Unable to relax, settle, or engage in normal social behaviour due to being on constant “alert”.

This behaviour is real and observable, and is often rooted in:

Anxiety or fear, especially if the dog feels unsafe or uncertain.

Lack of clear leadership or guidance from the handler.

Over attachment to a person (can be seen in dogs with separation anxiety).

Improper socialisation or negative early experiences.

Sometimes, trauma, genetic predisposition, or working-line traits that aren’t channelled properly.

As examples:

1.A dog constantly scanning the environment on walks, looking for threats.

2.Barking or lunging at people/dogs/vehicles, even when unprovoked.

3.Standing between their handler and others, attempting to “guard” them.

4.Becoming agitated when someone enters the home or approaches the owner.

5.Ignoring handler’s cues because they're too focused on “managing” their surroundings.

Is it a diagnosable condition? No — it’s not a clinical label like “Separation Anxiety” or “Generalised Anxiety Disorder” (which are recognised in veterinary behavioural science but more of a phrase to describe a certain behavioural pattern.

In my experience of training many thousands of dogs and their owners over the years, Hypervigilance is due to underlying anxiety, potentially leading to reactive or guarding behaviours.

And many dogs which display misplaced protective/territorial behaviour feel insecure or confusion about their role/responsibility.

Calm Leadership is the Cornerstone of human/dog relationships.

Does this help explain anyone’s dog behaviour?

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

20/06/2025

Today I was at the Pick Ups 4 Peace stall, and while it was brilliant to see so many people (and dogs!) enjoying the event, I was genuinely concerned by how many dogs were walking long distances on tarmac and gravel in full sun.

☀️ Did you know? At just 25°C (77°F) air temperature, the ground can reach a scorching 52°C (125°F).
At 33°C (91°F) like we had today at the Royal Highland Show 😎, tarmac and gravel can climb well over 60°C (140°F). That’s hot enough to burn paws in seconds.

Here’s why that’s a big deal:

🐾 Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They cool down mainly by panting and through small sweat glands in their paws. In extreme heat, this simply isn’t enough.

🔥 Hot ground burns paws. If you can’t hold the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

💓 Overheating can be deadly. Dogs can quickly suffer from heatstroke—especially breeds with flat faces, older dogs, and puppies. The signs can be subtle until it’s too late.

💧 Events like these are tough on dogs. Long days, heat, overstimulation, limited shade, queues for water…it’s a lot. Even the most well-loved dog can silently struggle.

Obviously, I love seeing dogs included in family days out—but on days like today, sometimes the kindest thing we can do is leave them at home in the cool with a frozen lickimat or a puzzle toy.

Let’s keep raising awareness, gently and compassionately. Our dogs rely on us to protect them from the things they don’t understand—like hot pavements and heatstroke.

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT ( MPDTI)

14/06/2025

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are physically strong dogs and young, Nori is no exception!

Her excessive lead pulling needed to be addressed for the safety of all, together with her lack of engagement whilst out on walks, as she has a tendency to run off across the park to play with other dogs, or just generally do her own thing.

This session was all about teaching both dog and handler how to engage and communicate with each other in a mutually beneficial way.

Have a great weekend folks!
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

13/06/2025

Be aware of the ‘small negative changes’ in your dog’s training and behaviour.
They don’t STAY small….
Here’s what happens.

When I carry out private training sessions, many clients tell me that when they got their dog, they done lots of training…… but things have ‘slipped back’ and unwanted behaviours are creeping in.

You don’t have to TEACH your dog unwanted behaviours — simply tolerating them is enough.
Once you allow it, nature takes over.

It usually begins with a minor behaviour — a brief, seemingly harmless test of limits. A refusal to recall, a mild snarl at another dog etc.
Since it appears trivial, many owners overlook it. But when that small behaviour is repeatedly ignored or excused, something unexpected happens…

What once seemed insignificant gradually intensifies. The behaviour becomes more frequent, more forceful, and far more difficult to manage. "It seems to be getting worse" is usually the expression clients use.

This is often the stage where owners turn to professionals for help, describing the issue as if it suddenly appeared.
However, that’s rarely the reality. Problem behaviours almost always start subtly (hence the feeling that they came “out of nowhere”) and steadily grow worse if left unaddressed.

Here’s an essential piece of advice: what you tolerate, you reinforce. The reason many people let early misdemeanours slide is because they seem ‘too minor’ to matter.
But over time, those small slips snowball into bigger issues that can’t be ignored.

To avoid this, recognise that minor misbehaviours are your cue / signal / red flag to act. Those brief, fleeting moments are your chance to stop trouble before it starts.
By stepping in early, you not only prevent bad habits from forming but also strengthen the bond and boundaries between you and your dog.

And with a bit of consistency and awareness, you might never need a professional’s help — because you never let the little things grow into big problems.

I hope this helps a few folks.
Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

12/06/2025

Teaching Dogs to Relax:
Why Loose Lead Walking is Essential

Meet Kurtz, a 2-year-old German Shepherd who lost sight in one eye after being attacked as a puppy.
His early trauma has left him reactive towards some dogs, and like many owners in this situation, his family had tried all sorts of tools—harnesses, haltis, slip leads—hoping to improve his walking and behavior.
But real change doesn’t start with equipment; it starts with mindset.

Before we can help a dog overcome fear, we must teach them to relax. And that begins on the lead.

Dogs operate in fight, flight, or freeze mode when faced with stress.
A tight lead creates tension, removing their ability to move freely and respond naturally to their environment.
When they feel trapped, their only remaining options are to fight or shut down—neither of which leads to true confidence.

I introduced Kurtz and his family to a new way of walking—one that builds trust, reduces stress, and sets the foundation for better behaviour.
When we teach loose lead walking, we’re not just fixing pulling; we’re helping our dogs feel safer and more in control.

If you’re struggling with reactivity or lead pulling, remember: the way you hold the lead affects the way your dog feels.
Give them the chance to relax, and you’ll open the door to real progress.

I hope this helps a few readers. 🐕😊👍
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
Clan Dog

07/06/2025

Letter from a Dog:
Please, Help Me Understand You 🐾

By Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

Dear Human,

I try, I really do. I try to understand what you want from me —
When you call my name in a sharp voice,
When you sigh in frustration,
When you walk away shaking your head.

I can feel the disappointment, but I don’t know what I did wrong.
And it makes me feel like I’m failing you.

But here’s the truth: I’m not stubborn. I’m not bad, I’m just confused.

We don’t speak the same language.
You use words, I use my body.
You live in a world of logic, I live in a world of instincts.
And too often, we miss each other in the middle.

You want me to listen — but you've never learned how to "speak dog.”
So you try harder, shout louder, or give up on me.
And I just stand there, tail low, hoping we can figure this out… together.

So many of us — dogs and humans — live in silent frustration.
You feel let down. I feel lost.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are people out there who can help — people who understand both of us.
People like Allan Ritchie, who has spent over 40 years training dogs like me — military dogs, police dogs, and family dogs who sleep on the sofa (like me).

He knows how to show you what I need.
Not with gadgets or gimmicks, but with clear, kind communication.
And right now, he’s offering to share that knowledge for FREE — with 7 days of online training at no cost to you!.

I can’t sign up. I can’t click links or read guides.
But you can.

So please,… if you love me — help me.
Help me by helping yourself.
Learn how I think. Understand why I act the way I do.
Because once you learn to speak dog, I promise — I will listen.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just willing.
And no offence, but between the two of us…
You’re the one who really needs the training. 😅

With all the hope in my heart, go to Clan Dog and start your 7 Day FREE Trial. Start to learn about me.

It's FREE and you might even enjoy it.....
Your dog. 🐕😀

01/06/2025

What Other People Think?

Ok, folks…. Many, many of you here and many hundreds of others I have helped over the years have reported to me that they have become anxious, angry or upset by members of the public who make negative remarks about their dog’s behaviour, appearance or the fact that they are wearing a muzzle.

All of the above are ‘emotions’ and it is important to remember that our dogs are highly tuned EXPERTS at reading us.
Dogs live ‘in the moment’ and very much feel our changing energies, so
I have taken time to put this together for anyone who may benefit.

Understanding Stress, Muzzles, and the Power of Your Response

For many people, (especially those living with anxious or reactive dogs), everyday walks can feel like walking through a minefield of judgment.
You might be doing everything right — calmly managing your dog, using the right equipment (including a muzzle, if necessary), and working hard on behaviour — only to hear an offhand comment from a passer-by:

“That dog must be dangerous.”
“Poor thing, can’t even sniff properly.”
“Why would you put a muzzle on a dog?”
“You shouldn’t have that thing out in public” ( I’ve heard them all!)

These remarks, though often rooted in ignorance rather than malice, can feel like a punch to the gut — especially when you’re already doing your best to keep your dog safe, calm, and under control.

As a military Veteran and a Police Fi****ms officer, I’ve had the benefit of intense training in keeping my head in the right place when there’s s**t happening all around you.

But here’s something important to remember:
Stress doesn’t come from events — it comes from our response to those events.

This is true for both dogs and humans.

Your Dog Feels What You Feel

Dogs are highly attuned to human energy, body language, and emotion. If you’re tense, your dog senses it. If your breathing changes, your dog notices. And when you feel anxious about how others perceive your dog, your dog is likely to feel anxious too — not because of the muzzle or the environment, but because you’re not okay.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness — and from awareness comes choice.

External Events vs. Internal Responses

You can’t control what strangers say. You can’t control whether people understand muzzles.
But you can control how you respond.

Ask yourself:
• What does my dog need from me in this moment?
• Am I focused on keeping my dog safe and supported, or am I caught up in what others might think?
• Can I reframe this situation as a win — my dog is out, experiencing the world, and being kept safe with thoughtful training and management?

Stress arises when we internalise events and make them personal. But a comment from a stranger isn’t about you, and it’s certainly not about your dog’s worth. More likely they have had a bad day, or are negative people in their own lives.

Muzzles Are a Responsible Choice

Let’s be clear: a dog wearing a muzzle isn’t a “bad dog.” A muzzle is simply a tool — a safety measure that allows dogs to participate in life while keeping everyone safe. It can be an act of love, caution, and responsibility. You wouldn’t judge a seatbelt or a child’s bike helmet, so why judge a muzzle?

Reframing the narrative around muzzles helps reduce stigma and stress for everyone.

How to Shift Your Response
1. Breathe before you react. A few deep breaths can help ground you and stop anxiety from sn*******ng.
2. Remind yourself of your “why.” You’re doing what’s right for your dog. That’s what matters.
3. Create a mantra. Something simple like, “I am calm. My dog is safe. We are okay. (And this stranger means nothing to me).
4. Practice non-engagement. You don’t need to defend yourself to strangers. Silence or a polite smile is enough.
5. Celebrate progress. Every walk you take, every trigger managed, every positive experience — it all counts.

You Are Your Dog’s Safe Place

When you show up for your dog with calm, steady leadership, you create a secure base from which they can explore the world. That’s the energy they need from you — not perfection, not fear, not shame. Just calm, clear, confident presence.

Let others think what they will. You and your dog are on a journey, and the people who matter will understand.
So don’t burn energy on those who don’t understand….. or matter!

Let me know if this helps?
Best wishes
Allan 🐕😊

26/05/2025

Meet ‘Reactive’ Dougal 🐾

A 38kg powerhouse of a Labradoodle who, until today, had a reputation for making walks a stressful and painful experience for his owners, Roger and Lindsey.
His reactivity towards other dogs—complete with lunging, ferocious barking, and sheer strength—had resulted in both of them being pulled over and injured more than once.

Like many owners of reactive dogs, Roger and Lindsey had understandably started to avoid parks and places where other dogs might be. Their world had become smaller, and their walks had become a source of dread rather than joy.

But today, we flipped that script. 💪
We went to the very park they’d feared for months, and we got to work.

Through engagement exercises, effective handling techniques, longline work, and shifting Dougal’s focus away from other dogs and onto better alternatives, we began to change the story.

We carefully moved into Dougal’s threshold—exactly the point where he’d usually completely lose his cool—and instead, he remained calm, engaged, and totally focused on me.

The real turning point? Teaching Roger and Lindsey how to behave, communicate, and respond in a way that makes sense to Dougal.
Once THEY changed their approach, HE changed his.

To their absolute amazement, Dougal responded calmly and correctly for them, too. 🐶✨

Remember, a dog cannot change their behaviour unless we change our own behaviour and habits first.

If you need to know what and how YOU need to change, please get in touch.
It’s what I’ve been teaching people for nearly 40 years.

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

24/05/2025

The Formative Months Matter 🐾

Today I met a lovely German Shepherd and her experienced owner—someone who’s raised six Shepherds before, all of them confident, balanced, and well-behaved. But this time, things are different.

Her new pup, now 5 months old, came to her only one month ago. Unlike her previous dogs raised from 8 weeks, this youngster had no early training, handling, or exposure—just free-running with other dogs in an exercise yard.
And now, that lack of early life experience is showing in her behaviour.

🧠 A dog’s brain is wired for learning in the early weeks—roughly between 3 and 16 weeks of age. This is the critical window for socialisation, confidence building, and exposure to the world around them. What they don’t experience in this time can shape them just as much as what they do.

This isn’t about blame—it’s about understanding. If you’re taking on an older puppy or rescue, be prepared to patiently fill in the gaps from those early months. And if you’re bringing a pup home at 8 weeks—use that time wisely. It’s never just about “training”—it’s about building the dog’s emotional foundation for life. 🐕😊

As Clan Dog members, I will be supporting the family on their training journey to catch up with the schooling that has been missed in the early days.

22/05/2025