Rose's Puppy School

25/06/2025

The last class of a puppy school course is always bitter-sweet as we celebrate their growth, but I say goodbye. These four beauties and Rosie and Venom who couldn't make the last class are going to bring their humans so much joy and love, and the odd challenge! # .pup

17/06/2025

14/06/2025

DOGS DO NOT NEED A 'PACK LEADER!'

This is me with a wolf in 2009. The photo was taken at Wolf Park in Indiana when I attended a dog behavior seminar presented by the late Dr. Ray Coppinger. I have also attended educational programs and volunteered at the International Wolf Center (IWC) in Ely, Minnesota.

The IWC was founded by wildlife biologist and wolf researcher, Dr. L. David Mech. I completed a graduate level course in wolf ethology at St. Thomas University in Minnesota with a practicum at the IWC, so have had experience with wolves as well as formal and information education about their behavior.

For the past 15 years, since being on Facebook, I have been trying to educate people about the difference between wolf and dog behavior. Finally, it seems the outdated idea that dogs are 'pack animals' that need an 'alpha' and a 'pack leader' is fading.

But, not entirely! Recently, I have heard several people refer to that old myth as if it were truth. So disappointing. We live in the Information Age, and yet there seems to be a problem with getting people updated.

I get weary of revisiting this, but here goes. Dogs are not 'pack animals.' They are scavengers, foragers, and opportunists. Although dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, dogs are ethologically different from their wolf cousins.

Only wolves can be described as true 'pack animals.' There is more that goes into the definition of 'pack' than simply hanging out in a group. For example, adult male wolves regurgitate for pups that are part of their pack, and the whole pack of wolves works as a team - in hunting and survival in general.

So, while it's true that wolves are pack animals, they do not have an 'alpha,' except in captive, unrelated groups of wolves. Non-captive wolves are comprised of a family unit with the parent wolves being what we call the breeding or mating pair. They are not 'alphas.'

In captive packs of wolves, which are usually comprised of unrelated wolves, a hierarchy needs to be worked out, so an alpha female and an alpha male will emerge.

The idea of dogs being pack animals originated with studies on captive wolves in a Swiss Zoo. Rudolph Schenkel studied wolves in a zoo in the 1930s and 1940s - almost 100 years ago, in an attempt to define the social behavior of wolves.

In 1947, he published a paper, “Expressions Studies on Wolves," in which he drew parallels between dogs and wolves, in discussions about how wolves vie for dominance within the pack.

The problem is, he was observing CAPTIVE wolves, an entirely different scenario than a non-captive pack.

I have seen this behavior firsthand, how captive wolves work out a pack structure, and how that structure can change any time there is a change in the pack membership or the health status of any one member.

The problem with parroting this old meme, that dogs are 'pack animals' who need a 'pack leader,' and to train a dog you need to be the 'alpha,' is that it is all based on bad science. The best we had at the time, but we know better now.

In the name of being the 'alpha' or 'pack leader,' horrendous methods and tools have been used to train and modify behavior in dogs. For example, the infamous, 'alpha roll.' People still do this! If I had a nickel for every dog with aggression someone has told me they alpha rolled to gain dominance, I could retire today!

When wolves and dogs roll on their back they are displaying deference to the animal in front of them or standing over them. The animal is not being actively rolled! We can get ourselves into a lot of trouble when we try to act like canines! Dogs are smarter than that, and all we do when trying to act like the 'alpha' is frighten and confuse the animal. Worse case scenario, the dog becomes more aggressive.

Let me be clear, I do not deny the existence of dominance in the animal world. Dominance exists. It can appropriately be used to describe the relationship between any two animals. The animal that maintains ownership of preferred resources is said to be dominant over the one who does not.

For example, my late dog Ginger, was definitely dominant over my larger dog, Opal.

It is improper to describe any dog as dominant because dominance is only correctly used to describe a relationship, not a personality. A dog who is dominant over another may not be dominant in another dog-dog relationship.

Dog training is based on science, and science is important because it requires that we continually re-evaluate our beliefs to see if what we think we know and understand, is still valid. Science asks questions, and as dog owners and trainers, we should do the same.

Please let go of the outdated idea that dogs are pack animals that need to be dominated. Training based in behavior science gets far better results without harming your dog or your relationship with your dog.

Cindy Ludwig, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield Missouri Dog Trainer

12/06/2025

🐾 A Historic Win for Dog Welfare in the Netherlands! 🇳🇱🐶

"Short-nosed pedigree dogs can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

On June 4, 2025, the Amsterdam District Court ruled that the Dutch kennel club, Raad van Beheer, must stop issuing pedigrees for 25 flat-faced dog breeds unless there is proof of legal, welfare-compliant breeding.

These breeds — including French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and more — are often bred with excessively short snouts, causing lifelong health issues like:
🔹 Breathing difficulties
🔹 Eye and dental diseases
🔹 Skin fold infections
🔹 Hernias and birthing complications

📣 “That pedigree wrongly gives buyers the idea that they are buying a healthy dog,” said Dr. Kelly Kessen from Dier&Recht, the animal rights organization that filed the complaint.

From now on:
✔ Pedigrees can only be issued if both parent dogs meet minimum muzzle-length standards, confirmed by a vet.
❌ If they don't, no pedigree will be granted.
💶 A fine of €2,500 per unlawful pedigree will be enforced.

This landmark ruling sets a new legal and ethical precedent and we hope it will inspire similar action across Europe to protect the health and welfare of dogs over harmful appearance-based breeding.

📄 Full verdict (PDF):https://www.dierenrecht.nl/sites/default/files/2025-06/vonnis.pdf
📢 Press release: https://www.dierenrecht.nl/persberichten/rechtbank-verbiedt-misleidende-stamboomhandel

🛑 It's time to put health before looks — no dog should suffer for fashion.

07/06/2025

There is a famous study based on domestication that was carried out in fox fur farms ( I know, it's both a tough and fascinating read)

Selective breeding for the tamest foxes was one area of this study. However, along with this research were findings of how the domestication process impacted some of the foxes fur colour, appearance and even breeding cycles.

However there was one area reported that really tugged on my heart strings. A fox that had spent more time with a human, would integrate back in with foxes with ease, BUT if there was any conflict the fox would instantly seeks the protection and safety from the human, darting to them and hiding behind them.

From memory ( my memory lol) this was noted within a fox born in the 6th generation of selective breeding, JUST 6 !!!

I think we need to REALLY take that in, these foxes, that in just a few generations had become open to human interaction, already seen a human as a point of safety.

Now think about our dogs, who through various evolutionary and domestication processes ( from what we can piece together so far) are far more ingrained to want and need their humans.

Imagine being with someone you have no choice over living with, who offers anything but a safe relationship.

BUT HOLD ON.....Not all safety seeking behaviour is healthy!!

Not all dogs that seek safety are doing so because they feel the person is safe. Some dogs living with someone who maybe offers mixed messages, nice one minute a smack the next, maybe the human expects full compliance with minimal considerations for the dogs needs, uses methods and tools that bullies or intimidates the dog into behaving or complying etc.

These dogs can appear loyal, loving, needy even, this is usually called an INSECURE attachment.

I've seen many a people boast about how their dog is so attached, follows them everywhere when sadly that particular dog is just desperate to appease the person, living life constantly walking on eggshells ( insecure attachments can happen for various reasons I should add)

TRUST is one of the most important things to have in any relationship, genuine trust, not the illusion of it.

One where when a dog says Im not OK, I need you, we step up and show them we are there and that WE DESERVE that privilege of being a trusted person.

( Picture taken by my lovely friend Jayne at her farm)

03/06/2025

💯! We have several markets and dog friendly eateries around here and we love taking our dogs with us. They are happy, friendly, well-socialised dogs, but I don't take them into the busy areas as it's no fun for them. We rather hang on the outskirts and take turns getting food etc. Always pay attention, learn your dog's body language and distress signals and advocate for them, before worrying about ther humans.

*** Unpopular Opinion ***

Your dog may not enjoy everything you do. There I said it and I know there are going to be people that don't like it.

Recently Corey and I have attended two crowded, noisy events.

The first was a local food festival not geared towards dogs but dogs were welcome.

The second was the million paws walk which is a dog centric event.

We left the first one an hour in. We saw nine dogs at that event. One appeared relaxed and comfortable. One seemed indifferent. The other seven all exhibited signs of stress. That upset me. I was even more upset that the guardians of these dogs were oblivious to the avoidance and stress exhibited by their dogs.

Corey and I talked about this. We wondered did they not see it. Did they just not care. One very large dog repeatedly moved behind his handler who just kept moving him deeper into the thick of the action. He was really scared and backward in his body position. He was lip licking, his forehead was furrowed and still people tried to touch him. His guardian rather than advocate for him and move him further out and ask for people not to touch him instead chose to try to get him to engage with the people.

This escalated in the time we were there. Such a gentle boy. He didn't threaten or bite. This time. He was learning that day about how much trust he could afford his person though.

This festival had a presentation stage, a live band, roving musicians and a DJ on a single block. It was busy. Lots of people. Congestion at the stalls.

I couldn't unsee it. I wish I could. That level of stress on a reluctant dog is how bites happen on people and other dogs. Not giving dogs space when they need it can lead to explosions. At the very least your dog learns you are not a good decision maker. You aren't going to keep us safe so maybe I need to escalate to keep myself safe.

At the dog walk we saw someone with a tiny dog who was trying to get away from the other dogs walk her in amongst them. They thought it was very funny. Imagine the person you need to trust letting you down like that!

We saw lots of happy dogs too. Ours included. But had they exhibited signs of discomfort we were ready to move away and leave if necessary.

I love having the dogs with me but I accept that I have one who would hate these events.

I don't really enjoy crowds but I would imagine my perspective would be easier than what a dog faces. I chose this picture to illustrate that our dogs are down around our legs. Think about what they can see, smell and hear. They are not as visible, more likely to be stepped on and to boot they have better hearing than us. Now add in that people will want to touch them - pat number 31 after a couple of hours may not be as desirable for even a social but tired dog.

If you want to take dogs to events you need to work towards this. You also need to understand you may need to alter your plans dependent on their responses to the environment.

23/04/2025

UPDATE: Saturday class full. We still have space on a Thursday!

Ola! Our next 8-week Agility Foundations Course is starting in May! Thursday classes starts 8 May, Sat classes start 10 May. Bookings are open. Please contact us for further details.

08/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1QaUaaHm2o/

Terminology Tuesday ~ Cue VS Command

Did you know that the way you speak to your dog can impact the way your children treat animals and people?

There’s a big difference between giving a cue and barking a command—and our dogs AND kids feel it!

Cues invite cooperation with calm, respectful communication. It’s like asking our dogs a question!

The word “command” is often associated with “I am telling (commanding) you to do this and if you do not listen, I will make you.

Our children are always watching and learning how to speak to animals (and people) based on the way we interact daily!

Let’s model kindness, not demands!

04/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ACdgBkAXG/

This week there was a post from a well-known dog influencer claiming that "dogs don't need enrichment" and that we should focus on their "real needs" instead.

I'm not sure if this statement was made simply to create controversy and get a rise out of people, or if it reflects a genuine belief. Either way, it fundamentally misrepresents what enrichment is and why committed dog owners invest time and effort into it.

Let's get something clear: Enrichment IS meeting our dogs' real needs. It's not some frivolous extra - it's acknowledging the reality of who our dogs actually are.

At the end of the day, our dogs are animals living in captivity. Yes, they're domesticated, but we still ask them to live in ways that are profoundly unnatural to them.

Think about it:

❌ It's not normal for dogs to stay inside houses 22+ hours a day
❌ It's not normal for dogs to walk slowly on leash without pulling, sniffing, or interacting with their environment
❌ It's not normal for dogs to ignore other animals they see
❌ It's not normal for dogs to not forage, counter-surf, or dig up your garden

Our dogs actually make very big efforts to fit into our human world with all its arbitrary and weird rules. The least we can do in return is fulfill their natural needs as much as possible.

That's what enrichment really is: providing opportunities for species-specific behaviors like sniffing, chewing, licking, digging, shredding, and foraging.

In all my years working with clients, I've NEVER encountered a dog owner who spent "too much time" on enrichment. In fact, I've found the opposite - the more intentional enrichment a dog receives, the happier they are, the easier training becomes, and the better the relationship gets.

Why?
Because enrichment acknowledges dogs for who they are. We humans don't have innate needs to sniff, dig, shred things, or forage - but our dogs absolutely do.

When we don't provide appropriate outlets for normal canine needs, our dogs find their own solutions - which we often label as "bad" behavior.
The dog who shreds your couch cushions, digs up your flowerbeds, chews your baseboards, raids your garbage, destroys toys within minutes, or counter-surfs is actually just acting according to their natural needs. Enrichment helps bridge that gap by providing appropriate alternatives.

With my own dogs, I ensure they have several types of enrichment every day - chewing opportunities, licking activities, daily sniffing adventures, appropriate digging spots, and chances for shredding and de-stuffing.

To be clear, enrichment doesn't replace exercise, training, or social interaction. It's ONE important piece of a fulfilled dog's life.

The next time someone suggests that enrichment is unnecessary or superfluous, remember: It's not about mindlessly throwing toys at our dogs or creating Instagram-worthy snuffle mats.
It's about honoring their true nature within the constraints of our human world.

It's not a way to DISCOUNT what they need. It's a way to ACKNOWLEDGE who they truly are.

(BY the way: I am writing this as my own dogs are all eating their breakfast in the form of frozen slow feeders 😄)

Happy Enrichment!

17/03/2025

Cute little Brandy cooling off in puppy school. #

02/02/2025

4 little puppies learning to love their beds, encouraging calm and rest, with the bonus of a happy management tool for the humans to use.

25/01/2025

Do you want your puppy to experience novelty to increase their confidence and socialisation skills while learning basic cues and developing their relationship with you? Rose's Puppy School can help!
A new course will start this Wednesday 29 January at 5.15 pm. DM for further information.
Pups need to have had at least their first vaccination and be under 4 months at the start of the course.