Do we really have more reactive dogs now? At the park or online, it can feel like reactive dogs are everywhere. Barking, lunging, growling, freezing. Are there actually more “problem dogs” than 20–30 years ago, or did our world and our expectations change? Science cannot give a simple yes or no. Long, comparable datasets are rare. But several big shifts explain why reactivity feels more visible and harder to live with in 2025: changes in environment, breeding, how dogs live w

You’re a good dog owner. You care, you read, and you try to do what’s best for your dog. The problem isn’t your effort, it’s the information. Dog training  is full of urban legends , folk tales , and outdated science  that sounded right decades ago but no longer holds up. Even advice from TV trainers  or social media  can lead you away from what truly helps your dog feel safe and learn calmly. Not every piece of advice online or generated by AI tools is true or based on curr

Five Minutes to Change Life on Both Ends of the Leash by Krisztina Harasztosi, CDBC — The Gibsons Dogrunner 1. What if we stopped scolding and started connecting? Years ago, researchers studying parents at risk for child abuse tried something surprisingly simple. Instead of talking about discipline or control, they asked these parents to spend just five quiet minutes a day playing with their children  with no instructions, no teaching, and no criticism. That exercise became p

What Is Overarousal in Dogs? High arousal refers to intense excitement, whether the trigger is positive (fetch, play, sports) or negative...

When we talk about consent , most of us think about humans. Consent means having the freedom to say yes or no to what happens to our...

Understanding the Value of Behaviour Consults for Dogs with Emotional or Behavioural Challenges Before jumping into a training class,...

Introduction This 2025 study titled Understanding the Behaviour of Adopted Northern Canadian Community Dogs explores how dogs from remote...

Introduction Have you ever noticed your dog chasing after a squirrel, barking at the mail carrier, or digging furiously in the yard,...

For years, dog owners have been told that they need to be the alpha  or pack leader  to establish control over their dogs. The idea that...

When it comes to our homes, hardwood and tile floors might look chic and easy to clean, but for our dogs, they can be slippery traps....

Dog wellness is much more than avoiding illness or injury. Like humans, dogs thrive when their physical, emotional, and social needs are...

Why Practice Forest Bathing with Your Dog? For Humans: • Reduces stress and anxiety• Improves mood and focus• Lowers blood pressure•...

As a certified behavior consultant (CDBC) and certified dog trainer (ADT-IAABC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior...

Is your dog barking at things? Alerting you to everything? Chasing wildlife or other pets? Training a positive interrupter is your...

If you use positive methods, it's almost inevitable that you'll incorporate mindfulness into your dog training. Now, I'm not saying you...

Ever heard the term "cookie pusher" thrown around when talking about positive trainers? Let’s break it down with a bit of wit and wisdom....

Hello, dog parents! If your household is experiencing a bit of tension between your dogs, you're not alone. Let's explore practical,...

When you walk into a pet store, the sheer variety of products can be overwhelming. It's easy to assume that if something is on the shelf,...

Welcome to Ethical Canine Coaching: Where Positive Training Leads the Way Welcome to our world of ethical canine coaching! If you’re...

Have you ever heard about walking meditation? I find it feels more natural than just sitting somewhere with my eyes closed. When you do...