The DogNostics Blog - Ramblings about All Things Pet!
With Niki Tudge and Louise Stapleton-Frappell
Emotions Are Fundamentally About Prediction and Not Reactions!
When we think about emotion, it’s easy to frame it as a reaction to what’s happening right now. But from both learning-theory and neuroscience perspectives, emotion is fundamentally about prediction. Dogs are constantly learning what to expect from their...
Self-Care for the Human End of the Leash
Living with a pet who struggles with fear, reactivity, or anxiety is demanding in ways that are often invisible to others. You are not just a companion. You are a risk manager, a bodyguard, an advocate, and a teacher - sometimes all at the same moment. That level of...
Nothing Shocking About Being Kind to Animals!
When critics argue against the use of electronic shock collars, proponents often claim the tools are perfectly benign if used “correctly,” yet there is actually nothing surprising about the severe risks they pose. In fact, a collective look across the internet at the...
Top Five Reasons On How A Mentor Can Help You Elevate Your Operational Practice
Top Five Reasons On How A Mentor Can Help You Elevate Your Operational Practice: Why Pet Professionals Seek Case-Focused Mentorship For the advanced pet professional, mentorship isn’t just about general career advice—it is an essential operational resource. When...
Why Human Resources Would Fire Most “Balanced” Dog Trainers
For over twenty years, I worked as a corporate trainer and director of Leadership Development. My entire career was built around a singular, defining question: How do we know when someone has actually learned a skill? In the corporate world, the answer is undisputed....
Beyond Obedience: The Evolution of Canine Agency and Wellbeing
For years, those of us who practice progressive dog training have prided ourselves on the evolution we have seen play out across our industry. We celebrated moving from "commands" to "cues," replacing corrections with differential reinforcement of alternative...
The Art of Choice (Consent). Control is a Basic Need. Lack of Control is Scary.
Control is a Basic Need. Lack of Control is Scary. For a long time, training focused on making pets comply. The unspoken message was, you’ll do this because I said so. Modern science offers a far more effective approach: when animals are given a sense of control, they...
Is Your Pet Just Fine, or Are They Thriving?
In the world of animal care, there is a crucial difference between welfare and well-being. Welfare refers to what you provide - the inputs. These are the conditions you put in place to meet your pet’s basic needs. For example: Is the bowl clean? Is there access to...
Does Your Dog Love Their Harness?
Most dog guardians have experienced it. You pick up the harness and call your dog over. Instead of rushing toward you with enthusiasm, they pause. Perhaps they turn their head away. Maybe they suddenly become interested in sniffing the floor. Some dogs duck away when...
Why Every Dog Should Learn to Love a Muzzle
Imagine your dog needs emergency veterinary treatment following an accident. They are frightened, uncomfortable, and surrounded by unfamiliar people. The veterinary team needs to examine them, but your dog has never worn a muzzle before. Suddenly, a simple piece of...
Join the Email List
Stay up to date on our latest news & events
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact