The Canine Behaviour and Training Society

27/01/2025

Identifying Discomfort in Dogs with Gemma Harvey
Webinar (recorded) - Monday 3rd March 7pm _ Live Q&A.

In this talk Gemma will cover, what discomfort (pain) actually is and the categories of behaviours surrounding pain related behaviours, as well as identifying physical areas of concern. She will also present the case study of Oscar the “reactive” spaniel and his journey with a Dynamic Dog Practitioner, his diagnosis and life changing support.

Click here to purchase https://sowl.co/p/bpxHqA
(TCBTS members see discount code on forum)

About Gemma.....

Gemma has lived a life with dogs of various breeds growing up in a house full of show dogs, but initially studied at Hartpury College for a career with horses, going on to work at show jumping and event yards along with hydrotherapy centres.


In the early 2000’s she started growing an interest in how pain affects movement & behaviour after one of her own horses developed gastric ulcers, this then became an obsession when returning to her love of dogs and attending dog classes could see dogs from an early age already experiencing difficulties.

Wanting to expand on her observational skills she trained as a Practitioner in various alternative hands-on therapies, before deepening her knowledge of canine anatomy, physiology & movement alongside Canine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.


Gemma now combines her passion for canine behaviour and movement to help dog guardians get to the bottom of their dogs problematic behaviours using science based analysis techniques to shine a light on potential issues, she is often called in by other canine professionals to work with their clients for additional support and advice.

Quite often what Gemma observes can be a direct cause or adding to a behavioural issue which could go on to be resolved or managed & supported to lessen the outward behaviour.

More recently Gemma now teaches other canine professionals to do what she does so that more help and support can be given to guardians and their dogs as possible through her Dynamic Dog Practitioner Programme. This is the very first training of its kind that teaches Dog Professionals the skills to spotting physical discomfort in dogs, and how to put it in terms the Vet can make a more informed diagnosis.

08/01/2025

What are we assessing and why? - Meaningful assessment of the risk of human directed dog bites with Helen Howell

Wed 29th Jan 2025 7pm - recorded webinar
Click here to purchase https://sowl.co/p/bt7Nob

In this session Helen will discuss how we have traditionally assessed the risk of aggression in dogs across contexts and what research tells us about the validity of dog assessments.
She will then explain what research at the University of Lincoln has revealed about risk factors for human directed aggression and provide some practical guidance for professionals carrying out assessments of dog behaviour to help them do so in a meaningful and ethical way.

Following attendance at this session participants should -
- Have an understanding of methods used for assessing dogs in a number of contexts
- Have a brief understanding of factors that may increase the likelihood of human directed aggression in dogs
- Be aware of practical solutions for professionals who are carrying out dog behaviour assessments to ensure they do so in a meaningful and ethical way.

Click here to purchase https://sowl.co/p/bt7Nob

08/01/2025

A huge congratulations to Abbie Thomson.
Abbie has worked hard gaining the academic and practical skills to succeed in this thorough assessment process.
Abbie can now call herself an ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and is a Full Member of TCBTS. We are so pleased for her success and so pleased to have her on board.

If you are in Scotland and in need of a CAB you can find Abbie via https://abbiesdogacademy.com/

Well done!!!!!

18/12/2024

16/12/2024

Great post here on keeping dogs safe over Christmas, and at other times too.

Thanks Dog Communication

27/11/2024

𝗭𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗕𝗧𝗖
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is thrilled to announce that , PhD, renowned animal behaviour expert and award-winning author, has joined the organisation as a Patron. This marks an inspiring collaboration in advancing ethical, science-led practices in animal behaviour and training.

Zazie Todd is widely respected for her contributions to the field of animal behaviour and training. She is the author of the bestselling books Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy, and the recently released Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. Zazie is also the creator of the popular blog Companion Animal Psychology psychology and a regular columnist at Psychology Today – helping to make complex behavioural science accessible and impactful for a global audience.

Read the full statement at
https://abtc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zazie-Todd-becomes-Patron-of-ABTC-26.11.24.pdf

Welcome aboard Zazie!

12/11/2024

Only a couple of days left to book on this webinar.

Expert Evidence
Thurs 14th Nov 2024 7pm
Click here to book - https://sowl.co/xPSWT
With forensic behaviourist, researcher and leading UK expert witness in canine behaviour (and a former Police Detective) - Helen Howell BSc (Hons), ACDBC.
Helen has worked all over the world, and is one of the UK’s leading expert witnesses, assessing dogs and providing expert evidence in respect of both breed type and behaviour for dangerous dog and personal injury cases across the country, including cases involving life changing injury and fatality. Helen is also a guest lecturer at a number of universities, delivers training to police officers and has presented opinions to Parliament.
Expert Evidence
In this session Helen will discuss the role of an expert witness in criminal and civil legal cases. For anyone who is interested in becoming an expert witness this is an introduction to the role and will provide an insight into the legal and ethical obligations of an assessor of dog behaviour. Helen will share her experiences and discuss what an expert assessment should consider and some of the practicalities of carrying one out.
It is anticipated that learning outcomes will be
An understanding of the role of an expert witness
A basic knowledge of the legal requirements of an expert witness and expert reports
An awareness of the ethical issues in the assessment of dogs for legal cases
An understanding of the practical assessment process
Helen will provide suggestions on how to best gain experience in this field.
We will look forward to hearing Helen speak again next year, with a focus on assessing aggression.

02/11/2024

A massive well done to Tracy for your hard work and dedication. 🐶😁

02/11/2024

Welcome Sian!
We hope you find our webinars, discussion sessions and community helpful to your studies 😊

23/10/2024

AUTUMN & DOGS: THE FASCINATING WORLD OF PHOTOPERIODS

Autumn can be a lovely time, and with it comes a noticeable change in the environment. The air cools, leaves slowly turn shades of orange and gold, and daylight hours begin to shorten. While we might embrace the cosy jumpers and pumpkin-spiced treats, dogs experience a host of physiological and behavioural changes during this transition, many of which are considered ‘biologically conserved’ in evolutionary terms.

Just as in spring, the neuroendocrine system of animals adjusts in response to the changing season, particularly in relation to sunlight exposure, also referred to as a photoperiod. During autumn, the shorter days begin to trigger an increase in melatonin production, which affects various biological rhythms in many species, including dogs. This increased melatonin not only influences sleep cycles but also prepares animals for the winter months ahead, often inducing behaviours aimed at conserving energy.

The dogs’ shedding patterns might intensify, as shedding of summer coats is essential for the growth of thicker winter fur that offers protection against the upcoming cold. Alongside changes in physical appearance, dogs’ behaviours also shift as autumn arrives. The drop in temperature can be invigorating for many dogs (especially longer-coated or thick-coated breeds), leading to bursts of energy and increased activity levels. Some dogs may appear more alert or eager to engage in outdoor play, taking advantage of the milder temperatures before winter sets in. Conversely, dogs with health conditions such as arthritis and allergies might experience flare-ups.

Interestingly, autumn also brings a change in the activity of some prey animals. The reduced movement of rodents and other small mammals may lessen the intensity of hunting or prey drive that some dogs displayed in spring. However, depending on the region, autumn might bring migration patterns or increased activity in certain prey species, which could reignite that drive in more prey-oriented breeds. Early in the autumn, squirrel activity is heightened as they prepare to collect nuts in anticipation of mating season and winter, taking more risks. This can be a heady experience for many dogs, who might show over-excitement in areas where they remember spotting them. In the UK, red deer undergo rutting season between September and November, which again can influence how a dog might behave, depending on the location.

For dogs, autumn is also a season rich with new smells. Decomposing leaves, damp soil, fungal spores, and the heightened activity of foraging animals preparing to store fat reserves can create an olfactory feast. Similar to the distractions of spring, dogs may become deeply immersed in exploring these new scents, which could manifest in longer sniffing sessions during walks or more pronounced foraging behaviours. For dogs that are especially scent-driven, this can be a stimulating time, and dog guardians might notice their pets spending extra time investigating their environment. However, this also brings an increased risk of gut upset and ticks for many dogs. With more rainfall, many areas can become hazardous with waterlogging and mud, and if dogs have previously run around in familiar places, they might not be aware of the changing ground conditions. A good way to prepare for this is to begin some simple proprioception exercises, which can be easily set up at home, as this will improve their body confidence and spatial awareness, thus reducing the risk of slips.

One significant behavioural change often observed in autumn is the alteration of sleep patterns. Just as humans tend to sleep longer as the days shorten, dogs, too, may experience an increase in restfulness during the autumn months. The increase in melatonin production, coupled with fewer daylight hours, can lead to dogs seeking out naps more frequently. This change in energy levels can also reflect an evolutionary instinct to conserve energy for the coming winter.

Dog guardians may also notice that their pets become more food-driven during the autumn months. This is a common behaviour rooted in an instinct to build up energy reserves before the scarcity of winter. While modern dogs may not need to prepare for food shortages in the same way their wild ancestors did, the drive to eat more in autumn remains. We should be mindful of this change in appetite and respond accordingly. If weight is not an issue, a minor increase in food intake could be beneficial, especially for dogs who have a history of starvation or who resource guard. More recently, there have been some studies of the relationship between photoperiods and leptin, a crucial hormone that inhibits hunger and regulates energy balance so that the body doesn’t trigger a hunger response when it doesn’t need energy. As leptin follows a diurnal pattern, it is likely to have a relationship with photoperiods. It is always interesting to observe voluntary feeding patterns in various dog breeds, as some seem to prefer eating during the day while others prefer to eat at or after dusk.

In some dogs that show compulsive behaviours like light or shadow chasing, the lessening of light hours and consistently dull skies might prove beneficial. However, it’s important to note that the behaviour is likely to show spontaneous recovery on days that are suddenly light-filled. Additionally, indoor environments may have more artificial lights on due to the loss of daylight, which could also be significant.

Rescue dogs from differing climates and time zones might show varied responses to autumn. Some may struggle to adjust to weather differences, and exposure to darkness might trigger more fear responses.

We also now have more research supporting a link between the gut microbiome and photoperiods. A truly fascinating area of scientific exploration. A recent study in Siberian hamsters showed that there were gut responses to the photoperiod that influenced aggression. ( link in comments) The study revealed differentially affected bacterial diversity and the relative abundance of bacteria in the male and female gut, suggesting that the gut microbiome may play a role in sex-specific seasonal changes. With further research, targeted therapies look promising for many species.

As with spring, autumn’s changes can sometimes lead to frustration for both dogs and their humans . Recognising and understanding the evolutionary biology behind these seasonal shifts can help better navigate dogs’ behaviours. Engaging in targeted enrichment and proprioception, offering opportunities for scent work, and adjusting daily routines to accommodate changing energy levels and increased appetite can all help make the transition into autumn a supportive and enriching experience.

Boo Blackhurst, CDBC

18/10/2024

Expert Evidence
Thurs 14th Nov 2024 7pm
Click here to book - https://sowl.co/xPSWT
With forensic behaviourist, researcher and leading UK expert witness in canine behaviour (and a former Police Detective) - Helen Howell BSc (Hons), ACDBC.
Helen has worked all over the world, and is one of the UK’s leading expert witnesses, assessing dogs and providing expert evidence in respect of both breed type and behaviour for dangerous dog and personal injury cases across the country, including cases involving life changing injury and fatality. Helen is also a guest lecturer at a number of universities, delivers training to police officers and has presented opinions to Parliament.
Expert Evidence
In this session Helen will discuss the role of an expert witness in criminal and civil legal cases. For anyone who is interested in becoming an expert witness this is an introduction to the role and will provide an insight into the legal and ethical obligations of an assessor of dog behaviour. Helen will share her experiences and discuss what an expert assessment should consider and some of the practicalities of carrying one out.
It is anticipated that learning outcomes will be
An understanding of the role of an expert witness
A basic knowledge of the legal requirements of an expert witness and expert reports
An awareness of the ethical issues in the assessment of dogs for legal cases
An understanding of the practical assessment process
Helen will provide suggestions on how to best gain experience in this field.
We will look forward to hearing Helen speak again next year, with a focus on assessing aggression.

10/10/2024

Rugs are so important for all dogs, regardless of age or whether they have a physical issue.

🙄 You know when you have a dog with a chronic issue and you are worried about them getting an acute injury on top of that?

I have a great tip to prevent this from happening

The easiest way to prevent accidents in the home is for ALL slippery floors (even if you don't think they are that slippery) to have non slip rugs on them. They should be wide enough for your dog to be able to turn around and all paws remain on the rug. Even if your dog looks like they are fine on them, the chances are they are not, they may be tentative in how they move, which leads to them feeling unsafe and holding themselves in a tense manner.

Try it and see the difference it makes! My clients who have put this tip into action have noticed the big difference this one simple change. 🙌

Want to learn more about how I can help you? Send me a WhatsApp and I'll get back to you ASAP. 💕

01/10/2024

Another great body language video I thought I would share - Thank you Juste Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5IXa52yXOs

Oli uses snippets of videos made for various different other projects and pint-points signs of stress in dogs whilst experiencing every-day life.

01/10/2024

I came across this video today. A brilliant resource for parents of young kids and dogs. Thank you Aylssa Rose - Legends Dog Training

This video looks at how to teach kids to understand dog body language and training. Video Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:33 - Teach your kids to understand dog bod...

01/10/2024

Expert Evidence
Thurs 14th Nov 2024 7pm
Click here to book - https://sowl.co/xPSWT

With forensic behaviourist, researcher and leading UK expert witness in canine behaviour (and a former Police Detective) - Helen Howell BSc (Hons), ACDBC.

Helen has worked all over the world, and is one of the UK’s leading expert witnesses, assessing dogs and providing expert evidence in respect of both breed type and behaviour for dangerous dog and personal injury cases across the country, including cases involving life changing injury and fatality. Helen is also a guest lecturer at a number of universities, delivers training to police officers and has presented opinions to Parliament.

Expert Evidence

In this session Helen will discuss the role of an expert witness in criminal and civil legal cases. For anyone who is interested in becoming an expert witness this is an introduction to the role and will provide an insight into the legal and ethical obligations of an assessor of dog behaviour. Helen will share her experiences and discuss what an expert assessment should consider and some of the practicalities of carrying one out.

It is anticipated that learning outcomes will be

An understanding of the role of an expert witness
A basic knowledge of the legal requirements of an expert witness and expert reports
An awareness of the ethical issues in the assessment of dogs for legal cases
An understanding of the practical assessment process

Helen will provide suggestions on how to best gain experience in this field.

We will look forward to hearing Helen speak again next year, with a focus on assessing aggression.

24/09/2024

Separation Anxiety: What We Know, What We Get Wrong, and How We Can Do Better

Join Julie Naismith, BSc., CTC for a discussion that she hopes may reshape your view of separation anxiety.

Wednesday 25th September 2024 7pm

To book - https://sowl.co/btcyDb

In a world of constant “breakthroughs” in canine separation anxiety treatment, are we too quick to discard what works?

In a field obsessed with novelty, we dare to ask: What if were overlooking the obvious? Prepare to question your assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths about our approach to helping
dogs and guardians with separation issues.

We'll explore:

What We Know
● Evolutionary perspectives on separation issues in dogs
● Operationalizing the SA label: What are we really describing?
● The vital role of the guardians in recovery for these dogs

What We Get Wrong
● The potential for over- or under-diagnosis of SA and its implications
● The limitations of our understanding: Can we truly know what's happening with these dogs?
● Distinguishing fact from conjecture in SA research and treatment
● Why we risk underestimating the complexity of separation-related emotions

How We Can Do Better
● Questioning our methods: Is it time we ditched methods that are too challenging?
● The overlooked factor: Is loneliness being drowned out by fear and frustration?
● Why leading with the welfare of the dog will always drive the right approach.

Join Julie for a discussion that she hopes may reshape your view of separation anxiety.

To book please visit - https://sowl.co/btcyDb