Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

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Wild at Heart Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

Emily Priestley, CTC, is a graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers providing service worldwide.

Emily Priestley, CTC, CDBC has been working with and handling dogs professionally for over a decade. Emily's long career with the BC SPCA has allowed her to have a proven track record, having personally handled over 2,000 dogs. With experience with a magnitude of breeds and all problem behaviours, Emily has worked with dogs who are in desperate need of intervention and behaviour modification. As a

graduate of the world renowned Academy for Dog Trainers and accredited by the BC SPCA's AnimalKind program, Emily is committed to using current, scientific and kind techniques, and continuing education to ensure that you’re in the hands of the most advanced methods out there. Emily is certified as an SA Pro to help humanely and effectively guide you and your dog to recovery from separation anxiety. Emily is committed to providing a nonjudgmental, kind, and supportive atmosphere for both dogs and their guardians and will always be transparent about methods and techniques, allowing you to feel comfortable handing over the leash.

08/10/2025

CAR CHASING MYTH BUSTING!

I’ve had a lot of people forwarding me a post claiming that car chasing is always fear-based, suggesting that dogs are trying to make the car go away because they are afraid of it rather than showing predatory behaviour aka chasing something because it’s fun.

Anytime your dog is chasing something, we can’t look at that single action and know what they are feeling, and we certainly can't paint an entire species with one brush. Whether they are chasing cars, bikes, runners, birds, or sheep, we have to look deeper. We have to look at the underlying reason the behaviour is happening.

The behaviour is what the dog is DOING.
The emotion is WHY they are doing it.

When fear or aggression is involved, the dog is trying to make the target retreat: “I’m going to chase you and scare you so you go away.”

When predation is involved, they are trying to get close. Very close: “I’m going to chase you to eat you.”

So, in the context of car chasing, let’s zoom out.

In Urban Sheepdog, I talk about “releasers.” ( you can read more about all of this dog nerd stuff here: https://amzn.to/3Kx3yK0

Releasers are triggers that cause ingrained, automatic behaviours to switch on. For example, if one dog howls, deep in your dog’s DNA, their own howl software is activated, and your dog joins in. In humans, we yawn if another human does. The yawn is the releaser, and the following behaviour is the ingrained, automatic behaviour.

Dogs all have some bits and pieces of the predation sequence deep inside them. This sequence is: orient → eye → stalk → chase → grab-bite → kill-bite → dissect → consume.

Their ancestors had this full sequence. Most dogs don’t have the full, intact process from start to finish anymore. For some, it’s fading because we feed them every day. They aren’t under the same selection pressure to hunt and survive, allowing survival instincts to change. Other dogs have had the sequence changed on purpose through selective breeding because we’ve bred for and against specific parts of it. For example, herding breeds have had certain parts exaggerated: stalk and eye in Border Collies, or the "point" in a German Pointer.

The sequence always has a "releaser". It might be a cat streaking across your yard. It might be a ball flying through the air, acting enough like prey to kick-start your dog’s chase. It could even be a squeaky toy that you think your dog loves like a sweet teddy bear when, really, they love the squeak because it is designed to resemble dying prey!

Sometimes, things that aren’t at all like prey still ignite the behaviour.

Cars are a perfect example. They move quickly, appear suddenly, and change direction. Sometimes there are several moving together. Sometimes they are still and then burst into motion. They don’t look like prey to us, but to your dog, they can seem prey-ish. Or, in herders, cattle-ish.

Your dog might say "close enough!"

Could a dog chase a car out of fear? Absolutely. Noise sensitivity, lack of early socialization, or traumatic experiences can all create defensive responses to fast-moving vehicles.

Chasing something is also inherently rewarding. This means the dog doesn’t even have to catch something to be reinforced. The very act of doing it feels good. So, if your dog does it once, they are very likely to do it again and again. It’s also my theory that some lines of Border Collies are especially prone to car chasing... but that’s another thought for another time!

At the end of the day, as guardians, we need to be very cautious any time a dog is interested in chasing cars. It’s a losing game, and the risks aren’t worth taking any chances.

So no, car chasing is not always fear. Sure, sometimes it is.
But very often, it is predation, the oldest instinct dogs have.

07/10/2025

Last chance to register for Thursday's live event!

Are you struggling to understand your dog's protective behaviour? Do they seem territorial of your home?

People often describe their dogs as “territorial” or “protective.” But what does that really mean? Is it a special drive, or is it fear, arousal, and reinforcement showing up at doors, fences, and yards?

In this webinar, we’ll look at what the science actually says about so-called territorial and protective behaviour. You’ll learn:

-Why these labels are best understood as context, not motivation
-How fear, reinforcement, and environment shape door and yard aggression
-What the most recent research tells us about stranger-directed aggression
-Practical strategies to manage and modify these behaviours humanely

This session is designed for trainers, behaviour consultants, and anyone working with dogs who bark, lunge, or bite at the door, in the yard, or when family is present. Pet guardians are welcome to attend!

Date/Time: October 9th, 2025 at 10 AM Pacific

Recording: A recording is always sent out afterwards to all registered participants.

Scaled Pricing System (in Canadian dollars):

We are trying a scaled system to make this webinar more accessible. This pricing works on the honour system, please choose the option that best fits your situation:

Fee-waived:
https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/territorialprotectivefeewaived

Mid-price $14.99 CAD (approx. $11 USD):
https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/territorialprotectivemidprice

Full price $24.99 CAD (approx. $18 USD): https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/territorialprotectivefullprice

Note: USD amounts are approximate. Final cost will depend on current exchange rates set by your payment provider

07/10/2025

Does your dog chase cars? Tell me below! Share this post to keep the conversation going!

05/10/2025

Do you worry that your Border Collie might have compulsive disorder?

Unfortunately, our breed is high on the list of those affected. Research suggests this complex issue has a genetic basis, passed down through breeds and even specific lines. Parent dogs who show mild versions of a behaviour can produce puppies who are so severely affected that they struggle to function. Certain breeds also tend to develop certain types: Dobermans are known for flank or side-suckling, German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs often spin, chasing their tails for hours. Border Collies are most commonly affected by spinning, barking, light or shadow chasing, fly snapping, and similar repetitive actions. It’s so common in our breed that we’re starting to see normal behaviour described as compulsive, even when it isn’t.

What’s also challenging is that Border Collies are naturally very patterned in how they move. They are highly operant, meaning they quickly learn what works and repeat it because it gets a result. Brie always flanks around me on a little outrun when she comes from the bed to the kitchen for dinner, and Griff always drops his toy in the exact same spot, waiting for me to notice and throw it again. These patterns are learned and reinforced, not compulsive—they’re how the breed interacts with the world.

So how do we tell the difference?

Dogs repeat themselves a lot. They circle before lying down, bark rhythmically, or pace when it’s nearly mealtime. No matter how many times you throw the ball, they bring it back. They might drop it in the same spot and circle before lying down to wait for you to throw it again. They might even spin during play, chasing their tail. These actions often look the same every time—they follow a pattern. So, does that mean your dog has compulsive disorder? These days, any dog who repeats a behaviour, especially during excitement or play, seems to get labelled “obsessive.” But not every repetitive action means there’s a problem. All compulsive behaviours are patterned, but not all patterned behaviours are compulsive.

A patterned behaviour is one that repeats in a consistent way. It follows a sequence with little variation, often tied to a trigger. The pattern might be obvious, like a dog circling three times before lying down, or subtle, like a dog always barking twice before running to the door. Patterned behaviours can stem from normal actions—walking, grooming, scratching—just expressed in a structured or predictable way. They aren’t automatically harmful. In animal behaviour science, some patterned behaviours are called stereotypies: repetitive acts with little variation and no clear purpose. But in dogs, many patterns are simply part of normal life.

A compulsive behaviour is different. It’s still patterned, but it’s become pathological. The behaviour is repetitive, rigid, and difficult to interrupt. It continues even when it no longer makes sense and can interfere with eating, sleeping, or social interaction. Some dogs even injure themselves—biting their tails until they bleed, or licking down to the bone. Compulsions often develop when genetics combine with stress, conflict, or discomfort. They can also resemble medical issues such as pain, neurological conditions, or skin disease, which is why proper assessment is essential. In most cases, dogs with compulsive disorder are experiencing some combination of pain, anxiety, or internal conflict.

So again: every compulsive behaviour is patterned, but not every patterned behaviour is compulsive. The repetition and regularity are what make a compulsion, but many patterns remain normal and harmless. A dog spinning in excitement when you come home is patterned, but it’s brief and context-driven. A dog pacing before dinner is patterned, but once fed, it stops. A dog barking in a steady rhythm when the doorbell rings is patterned, but it doesn’t interfere with life. These are not compulsions. Dogs that bring the ball again and again aren’t obsessive—they’re having fun, and they’re bred not to know when to quit.

The distinction becomes clearer with examples. Tail chasing during play is a pattern, but if a dog spins for hours daily and injures itself, that’s compulsive. Snapping at an annoying fly or wasp isn’t compulsive, but searching for them when none are there might be. Licking paws after a muddy walk is patterned, but licking the same spot until it bleeds is compulsive. On the other side, a sheepdog wanting to herd all day isn’t diagnosed with compulsive disorder, and the Border Collie barking for a thousand ball throws isn’t either.

Recognizing the difference matters. If we mislabel normal patterned behaviour as compulsive, we risk adding unnecessary stress and worry. If we miss a true compulsion, the dog may suffer and the behaviour can worsen. A true diagnosis of compulsive disorder always comes from a veterinarian. Because there’s no test for it, a vet must rule out every other possible cause first. While most dogs will always show some traces of their disorder if it’s genetic, there are many ways to help. We can reduce stress, add enrichment and exercise, give them appropriate outlets for their natural behaviours, and, when needed, use medication to support their recovery.

If you suspect your dog may have a problem, don’t panic. Book an appointment with a behaviour-savvy veterinarian. Record what you’re seeing and share it with them. The sooner we understand whether what we’re seeing is patterned or truly compulsive, the sooner we can help our dogs feel better and live thier best lives.

For more on border collies and how they think, order my book, Urban Sheepdog!

You can find it on Amazon worldwide here: https://amzn.to/3Kx3yK0

01/10/2025

Meet the new Urban Sheepdog—the book every herding breed person will see themselves in.

This isn’t just a training guide. It’s an inside look at the minds of Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Shepherds, Aussies, and the people who love them. It explains why they do what they do, why life with them can feel so intense, and why it’s worth every bit of effort.

The new second edition is three times longer than the original and completely reimagined, blending science, my story, and lived experience into a book that finally does these dogs justice.

If you’ve ever thought, no one gets what it’s like to live with a dog like mine,—this book will prove you wrong. It's part love story, part user mannual.

Order your copy of Urban Sheepdog today and fall back in love with your dog.

The second edition of Urban Sheepdog is available now: https://amzn.to/3Kx3yK0

“There are pernicious myths and fads in the dog behaviour world, and drivey sheepdog breeds get more than their fair share. This book is such a refreshing antidote. Packed with useful information and beautifully written.” -Jean Donaldson, author of The Culture Clash

“I am a big fan of her attempt to help people understand that the behaviour of their border collies or cattle dogs is not a mystery or a sign of dysfunction–rather a manifestation of what the dogs were bred for.” -Patricia McConnell, author of The Other End of the Leash

“The best, most up to date book I’ve read about border collies so far: Urban Sheepdog.” - The Collie Consultant

“Anyone who has a herding dog in their life needs to read this book. The insights into what makes these dogs tick are invaluable. 15/10” - Maria McNeil from

“This book is truly a work of love, as evidenced by Emily’s writing about these fantastic dogs. It provides insight into the behaviours these breeds were designed for and how that interacts with modern living in pet homes. It’s a guidebook for your herding breed dogs!” - Kirstie Card from

“Must read before getting a herding breed!” - Kindle Customer

30/09/2025

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Urban Sheepdog has been completely rewritten and expanded. What started as a slim guide is now three times the length, with entirely new chapters, updated science, and packed with new content.

This isn’t just a slight change; it's essentially a brand new book. I’ve gone back through every page, reshaped it from the ground up, and added the depth I always wanted it to have. If you live with a Border Collie, Cattle Dog, Aussie, or any other herder, this new edition digs deeper into what makes them tick—and what makes them tough to live with.

The second edition of Urban Sheepdog is available now.

https://amzn.to/3Kx3yK0

09/09/2025

People often describe their dogs as “territorial” or “protective.” But what does that really mean? Is it a special drive, or is it fear, arousal, and reinforcement showing up at doors, fences, and yards?

In this webinar, we’ll look at what the science actually says about so-called territorial and protective behaviour. You’ll learn:

-Why these labels are best understood as context, not motivation
-How fear, reinforcement, and environment shape door and yard aggression
-What the most recent research tells us about stranger-directed aggression
-Practical strategies to manage and modify these behaviours humanely

This session is designed for trainers, behaviour consultants, and anyone working with dogs who bark, lunge, or bite at the door, in the yard, or when family is present. Pet guardians are welcome to attend!

Date/Time: October 9th, 2025 at 10 AM Pacific

Recording: A recording is always sent out afterwards to all registered participants.

Scaled Pricing System (in Canadian dollars):

We are trying a scaled system to make this webinar more accessible. This pricing works on the honour system, please choose the option that best fits your situation:

Fee-waived: https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/territorialprotectivefeewaived

Mid-price $14.99 CAD (approx. $11 USD): https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/territorialprotectivemidprice

Full price $24.99 CAD (approx. $18 USD): https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/territorialprotectivefullprice

Note: USD amounts are approximate. Final cost will depend on current exchange rates set by your payment provider.

24/08/2025

In dog training, we often hear terms like "overaroused" and "hyperaroused."

The problem is that these words can end up pathologizing behaviour that is actually normal. When a dog is excited, playing, running around, not listening to their handler because they want to play with their friends, barking, or doing any other thing that is typical dog behaviour, even if it looks “over the top” to us, calling it hyperarousal can make people think there’s an issue when there isn’t.

Hyperarousal is a very real physical and mental state where the fight-or-flight system gets stuck in overdrive, even without a true threat. It means being on edge, always alert, with your body and mind running too fast and too loud. In humans, it shows up in conditions like PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia. It’s a serious state, not just a casual way to describe a dog who is “too excited.”

Of course, some dogs do experience this as part of bigger health or behavioural diagnoses. And more dogs are being diagnosed with anxiety and other conditions. But at the same time, many happy, excited dogs are now being described as hyperaroused.

Normal dogs jump. They bark. They do zoomies. They might be mouthy. They might not want to stop playing fetch. They may tune out when they’re with their dog friends, and in those moments they might look wild and over the top. They can frustrate us, make us feel like all our training has disappeared, wear us out, maybe even make us cry.

But that still isn’t hyperarousal. It’s just normal behaviour. What it really reflects is what we as humans tolerate, or don’t.

Dog behaviour rarely lines up neatly with what we think is “acceptable.” Normal dogs eat poo. They hump for fun. They sniff and lick each other’s bums. They eat vomit, or guard it if they don’t. They pull underwear out of the laundry basket in front of guests, they counter surf and eat entire steaks. And they do these things because it works for them. On one hand, people love to imagine they’re living with wolves and leading packs. On the other, they dislike a lot of dog behaviour, especially when it’s inconvenient or when they’re not the centre of the dog’s world.

So, when dogs run like maniacs and want the ball thrown for the 50th time, instead of accepting them for who they are, we sometimes reach for labels. When we use terms like hyperarousal, we risk turning normal behaviour into something that looks pathological. And normal dog behaviour, even if it doesn’t suit us, isn’t automatically a problem.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t teach dogs not to jump on grandma, or that we can’t be grossed out when they eat the neighbour’s cat’s p**p. But framing normal behaviour as a disorder can be misleading.

This is where clarity matters. Trainers can raise concerns about real issues such as compulsive disorders, anxieties, and the like. We can notice when behaviours may point to something more serious. But we cannot diagnose. If we do see signs of genuine hyperarousal, the right next step is always referral to a veterinarian.

If a trainer tells a client their dog has anxiety because the dog “seems stressed,” or says a dog has compulsive disorder because they want to play fetch, or declares a dog is hyperaroused simply because they’re very excited, that crosses into territory outside the scope of training. A good comparison would be a teacher suggesting a medical diagnosis for a child, or a dental hygienist recommending a root canal. Those are roles best left to the professionals trained for them.

When we look at intense breeds, we should also expect intensity. Malinois are laser-focused. Border collies don’t want to quit. ACDs are gritty and determined. Using terms like hyperarousal without being clear on the difference between natural intensity and an acute stress response blurs the line between normal and clinical.

Yes, happy and excited, working and intense dogs can be aroused. But when we add qualifiers like "over" or "hyper," it suggests the dog’s behaviour is above what is normal in that moment. That risks pathologizing what may just be energy or excitement. If you suspect true hyperarousal, that’s a medical concern and should be referred to a vet. But if the term comes up simply because a dog is excited, playful, or intense, it may reflect our perspective more than the dog’s reality.

By being thoughtful with language, we can better support both dogs and clients, keep clinical terms where they belong, and still address behaviours that need management or training without suggesting there’s something “wrong” with the dog.

16/08/2025

Losing a pet is deeply personal. Whether it is your own companion or an animal you cared for in a professional role, the grief can be complex.

Coming soon, I will offer one-on-one certified support for anyone experiencing this kind of loss. Pet owners preparing for or grieving a loss. Veterinary professionals. Shelter and rescue workers. Animal control officers. Cruelty investigators. First-line animal responders.

This is a space to talk openly, without judgment. You can share memories, process difficult losses and complex cases, and acknowledge the emotional toll of caring for animals.

In my own life I have experienced the grief and guilt of losing animals I loved, including my shepherd Zelda. I also know the relief that comes with support. That experience is why I want to offer it to others.

My work is informed by years alongside veterinary teams, in sheltering and rescue, and with first-line responders. I have seen the realities of animal care and the way tough decisions stay with us. I also bring years of work with clients whose pets had difficult behaviour challenges.

What I offer:

- Private sessions online via Zoom
- Support at any stage of grief, including anticipatory grief
- Space to talk about the impact of animal care work
- Practical guidance for daily life after loss
- A place to honour the animals who shaped you
- Support for caregivers managing pets with medical issues or difficult behaviour

Grief does not have a timeline, and it does not look the same for everyone. And caregiving brings its own form of grief, stress, and isolation. Whether you are carrying the loss of your own pet, the weight of your work, or the daily challenges of caring for a struggling animal, you deserve support.

Follow me at on Instagram for more and updates!

10/08/2025

Turn Your Backyard Into a Herding Field!

Herding dogs are born to work, but most never get near sheep or cattle. That doesn’t mean they can’t experience the thrill of the job!

Hundreds of dogs have been through Wild at Heart’s Urban Herding class — and now we’re bringing it to you in a webinar format to save you time and money.

You’ll get the same fun class and Facebook group access, but in a fraction of the time.

In this live, 1.5-hour virtual webinar, you’ll learn how to teach your dog traditional herding directional cues using a ball, frisbee, or flirt pole instead of livestock. This “urban herding” (or “dry herding”) approach provides an engaging, mentally challenging activity that taps into your dog’s instincts.

While some dogs — including my own dog Griffin — have used this as a foundational start to herding livestock, this class is designed for dogs who won’t go on to work sheep, but as a fun way to give them an outlet into their ancestral work.

I’ll guide you step-by-step through introducing the game, teaching the cues, and building reliable responses. It’s fun, interactive, and enriching — perfect for herding breeds or mixes who love to work for a toy reward. You’ll leave with clear training plans so you can start like a pro.

You’ll also get access to a private Facebook group where you can post videos, follow other students’ progress, and get feedback as you train your dog!

This webinar is 1.5 hours, includes a Q&A and gives you access to the recording, the Facebook class and plans to teach your dog from the ground up!

Join me on August 28th (or register for the recording) at 10:00 am Pacific time!

The class is $39 Canadian which works out to about $28 USD! Cost depends on current exchange at checkout.

Sign up now! https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/herd

10/08/2025

Trainers!

Do you want to work from home while successfully helping clients?

Do you want to open up opportunities to work with people outside of your service area?

My entire business is virtual. After a decade of working with the province’s toughest behaviour cases and long commutes, I moved to online work and never looked back.

For many trainers, working virtually might feel clunky at first. If you're not sure where to start but want to add more virtual options, this class is for you!

BONUS- This time around, I'll be adding a week to show you my formula for self publishing books and running webinars for additional income!

I’ll walk you through my virtual process throughout four classes, from the initial call to completion.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at my work with clients, documents for record-keeping, and information on how I unpack my cases, support clients, and structure my sessions.

Virtual sessions are fast becoming best practice for fear and aggression cases, but you can apply these skills to all clients across all behaviour types!

I can’t wait to show you the ropes and give you more opportunities!

Classes are 1-1.5 hours long, interactive and always recorded.

We’ll have a private Facebook group where we can hang out between classes, and I can answer questions.

PREVIOUS STUDENTS: As always, you're welcome to join these classes at no cost!

https://wildatheartdogtraining.as.me/virtualtrainers

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