Dogs are family

Dogs today are often seen as part of our family, and it’s recognised they have the ‘mental age’ of a toddler. A two-year-old child may not understand how to share toys or food, or have a real concept of acceptable behaviour, even if they can make sense of what you say to them. Yet we recognise that shouting at them or responding with physical punishment is not the best way to help them to grow with confidence into a well-rounded adult. If a toddler struggles, imagine how hard it must be for a dog. If you need your dog to be submissive and obsequious, scared to move without permission, go ahead and punish them. But first, look within and ask yourself, why do I need my dog to be like that? You may not like what you see.

Jill Woodman is a canine behaviourist who specialises in working with sighthounds, particularly ex-racing greyhounds and is the author and tutor for our Supporting ex-racing greyhounds CPD course.