Dog behaviour blog
Understand your dog.
Build a better life together.
Practical, evidence-based guidance from Jim Gillies CAB, CDBC on behaviour, wellbeing and everyday life with your dog.
Dog Behaviour Blog | Expert Help for Behaviour Issues
Bringing a new puppy home is filled with joy and challenges, one of which includes managing nighttime crying. Understanding why your puppy cries and r...
Deciding whether to surrender a dog because of aggressive behaviour can be emotionally difficult and clinically complex. This article explains when re...
Redirected aggression is a complex behaviour issue that can leave dog owners baffled and concerned. It occurs when a dog, in a state of high arousal o...
Fear aggression in dogs is a defensive response that occurs when a dog feels threatened, unsafe, or unable to cope. It may present as growling, snarli...
Separation anxiety in dogs can range from mild distress to full panic when left alone. This guide explains the common causes, clinical signs, and trea...
Errorless learning is a method of teaching dogs that focuses on minimising the chances of a dog making errors during the learning process. In...
Rage syndrome in dogs is a controversial label sometimes used to describe sudden episodes of intense aggression that appear poorly provoked or diffic...
Help your dog cope with fireworks with advice from Jim Gillies on recognising distress, preparing a safe retreat and planning around unavoidable noise...
Is your dog eating poop? This common but frustrating behaviour, known as coprophagia, can be stopped with the right approach. In this article, we focu...
Why do dogs eat poop? It’s a question many dog owners find both puzzling and frustrating. This behavior, known as coprophagia, can have a variety of...
Understanding why your dog barks is the first step to addressing this common canine behavior effectively. Barking is a natural form of communication f...
In the world of dog enthusiasts, missing a deadline can have more than just administrative repercussions; it's a missed opportunity for advocacy. The ...
Discover the pivotal moment in Scotland's approach to dog legislation with the announcement of the XL Bully Ban. Our article delves into the reasons b...
Our comprehensive guide details the critical steps for securing an exemption certificate under the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act for XL Bully owners. This...
In a notable development regarding the XL bully ban, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has obtained a judicial review...
The petition "Delay the ban on rehoming and owning XL Bully dogs for 18 months" seeks to extend the amnesty for XL Bully dogs. It aims to provide more...
In light of the UK's recent amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, owners of XL Bullies face new legal requirements. From 31 December 2023, these ...
Puzzle feeders for dogs are more than just a trendy gadget for pet owners. They are a fundamental tool in enriching your dog's life, both mentally...
Muzzle training is an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of responsible dog ownership. Contrary to common misconceptions, muzzles are not exclusiv...
Lead training is an integral component of dog training and welfare, promoting safety and enhancing the bond between dogs and their owners. A well-trai...
Understanding dog reactivity can help you support your dog more effectively. This guide explains why reactive behaviour happens, how to recognise earl...
In a bustling city like Glasgow, sharing your home with a four-legged companion comes with its unique set of challenges and joys. The loyal companions...
Resource guarding in dogs involves behaviour used to retain control of valuable items, space, or sometimes people. This article explains why it happen...
Explore the captivating world of the American XL Bully, a breed that combines majestic strength with a gentle heart. Dive deep into its history, chara...
Amidst rising debates in the UK, the possible 'XL Bully Ban' has garnered significant attention. As the nation grapples with decisions about the breed...
Dog trainers and dog behaviourists play an essential role in helping dogs become well-behaved and well-adjusted members of society. While both profess...
Dogs are social creatures, and they need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Enrichment activities provide an excellent way to ...
Tackle your puppy's chewing and mouthing issues with our in-depth guide, covering the root causes, essential prevention strategies, and effective trai...
Discover the impact of epigenetics on animal health and behaviour, as we delve into the complex relationship between genetics and environmental factor...
Trigger stacking in dogs happens when multiple stressors build up over a short period and reduce the dog’s ability to cope. A dog may manage each tr...
An ethological approach to dog behaviour helps explain behaviour in context. Rather than looking only at what the dog does, it also considers genetics...
When it comes to training dogs, the terms "impulse control" and "stimulus control" are often used interchangeably. However, recent research has shown ...
A Functional Behavioural Assessment (FBA) is a structured clinical process used to identify the function of a problem behaviour and the factors mainta...
The alpha or dominance theory suggests dogs are trying to be in charge and must be shown who is boss. Modern animal behaviour research does not suppor...
Metacognition is the ability to examine one's own thought and learning processes. It requires being conscious of, in charge of, and able to regulate o...
Behavioural issues in dogs can cause distress and discomfort for both the dog and its owner. Fortunately, dog behaviourists play a crucial role in add...
Aggression in dogs is a common but serious behaviour problem that can arise for many different reasons. Fear, frustration, pain-related irritability, ...
Fixed Model Action Patterns (FMAPs) are a type of innate behaviour that are hardwired into a dog's genetics. These behaviours are triggered by specifi...
Training and socialization are essential components of a happy and well-behaved dog. By providing positive reinforcement techniques and exposing dogs ...
The relationship between a dog and its owner is one of the most important factors in a dog's life. This bond can be formed through a variety of activi...
Aggression in dogs is rarely caused by genetics or learning alone. Breed traits, heritable temperament, early socialisation, health, pain, environment...
Building a strong bond between a dog and its owner is crucial for a happy and healthy relationship. This can be achieved through positive training and...
In this article by Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant Jim Gillies CDBC, he highlights the impact of TV shows on dog owners' interpretation of their do...