In the realm of dog training, the quest to shape desired behaviours often leads us down different paths. One approach gaining traction is positive-only reinforcement, which focuses on rewarding desired behaviours to encourage their repetition. While this method holds...
Our Blog
Unveiling the Cobra Effect: How Good Intentions Can Backfire
In the realm of problem-solving, sometimes the best intentions can lead to unexpected and detrimental outcomes. This phenomenon is succinctly captured by the term "The Cobra Effect." Originating from an intriguing anecdote from colonial India, it serves as a...
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Shaping in Dog Training
Shaping, the process of moulding desired behaviours through positive reinforcement (pay) of incremental steps, is a cornerstone of modern dog training. Its effectiveness in teaching complex behaviours and fostering communication between dogs and their owners is...
Creating a Safe Haven for Your Dog: Essential Dog Safety Tips
One of God's creatures I have found a lot of joy and challenge in, and learnt a lot of life lessons is the dog. I've always been committed to providing a safe and yet challenging haven for any dog in my care; a working puppy I am raising, a foster dog I am rehabbing,...
Embracing Existential Food: Nurturing your dogs with Choice and Health
Hey there, fellow dog enthusiasts! Today, I'm diving into a fascinating concept that's revolutionising the way we look at your dog's nutrition, not what you feed but rather "existential food." This term refers to the fundamental sustenance required by dogs to survive...
The Enthusiastic Drive for Puppies: Beyond Cuddles and Photos
Have you ever been to a puppy party (you should have been at ours, it was great), cuddled with those adorable furballs, or scrolled through countless heart-melting puppy photos, feeling an overwhelming surge of enthusiasm to bring one home? It's a common occurrence—a...
Hey, it’s ‘No Skin off My Nose’ or should I put some ‘Skin in the Game’, that is the question?
WARNING - This is a longer post, but I hope it lets you know; as a professional, we are not alone in our frustrations with clients! As a devoted dog trainer, my world revolves around more than teaching tricks or obedience—I'm the bridge between both ends of the leash....
Unrealistic Social Expectations: The Burden of Picking Up What’s Dropped
In a world governed by intricate social norms and unspoken rules, there's an unrealistic expectation placed on individuals to effortlessly pick up what every person they encounter has dropped - whether it's a stranger or someone in a public setting. Consider this:...
Embracing Adversity: Don’t Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste
An exchange of messages that happened in late July 2023, carried stark criticisms and unkind remarks, underscoring apparent shortcomings in my approach and character. What began as a challenging interaction, rife with tension and conflicting perspectives, unexpectedly...