muttsandmischief

Real Examples, Real Fear, Real Support — Helping Your Dog Through Fireworks Every autumn in the UK, the air fills with more than just bonfires and sparklers — it also brings fear, flight, and, too often, tragedy. Our pets, livestock, wildlife, and even people can all suffer when fireworks light up the sky. As a canine behaviourist specialising in sound sensitivities, I see the fallout every year: the trembling dog pressed against a wall, the horse that bolts through fencing, the calf that...

Understanding what positive reinforcement really means — and why it matters. This week, I had the pleasure of joining the Pet Professional Guild Advocacy Team  discussion panel, where we explored Kind Alternatives to the Use of Shock and Aversives . You can find the recording linked below for your viewing pleasure. One of the key topics that came up was how often we see people within the industry describe themselves as positive reinforcement trainers . But what does that really mean — and how...

Even today, some dog guardians worry that giving their dogs treats is a form of bribery. In reality, rewarding your dog isn’t a shortcut—it’s like depositing love into their emotional bank account. When you reward your dog with treats, you’re not just paying them for behaviour; you’re reinforcing learning by showing that certain behaviours lead to positive outcomes. For example, if you’re redirecting unwanted barking, tossing a treat and cueing a “find it” game doesn’t reward the barking...