The Canine Behaviourist Blog

The Psychology Behind Dramatic Dog Training If you’ve spent any time on social media or watching dog training content, you’ve probably noticed something: the most extreme trainers often have the biggest followings. The trainers who use harsh corrections, dramatic confrontations, and bold, “no-nonsense” attitudes tend to go viral far more often than trainers who take a slow, science-based approach. Why? Why do trainers who rely on aversive methods—sometimes even forceful or confrontational techniques—draw in such massive audiences, while ethical, positive reinforcement trainers often struggle to gain traction? Let’s dive into the psychology behind why people are drawn to these dramatic trainers and how entertainment value often overshadows what’s best for dogs. 1. The Appeal of Fast Results One of the biggest reasons extreme trainers gain a following is the illusion of instant success. On social media and TV, you see a lunging, barking, unruly dog one moment—and then, after a firm corre...

🧠 Geeky Canine Behavior Facts – Backed by Science! 🐕🔬 Dogs aren’t just lovable companions—they’re behaviorally complex animals with minds shaped by evolution and neuroscience. Let’s dive into some fascinating, research-backed canine facts! 🔬 Dogs Read Human Emotions Like Pros Studies using fMRI scans show that dogs process human emotions in a similar way to us. They can differentiate between positive and negative tones and even match facial expressions to emotions. Their bond with us is neurological, not just instinctual! (Albuquerque et al., 2016) 🧠❤️ 🐕 Tail Wags Are More Than Just Happy Signals Research suggests that asymmetrical tail wagging is linked to brain lateralization. Wags to the right are associated with positive emotions (left hemisphere activation), while wags to the left suggest anxiety or caution (right hemisphere activation). Dogs even react differently when they see another dog wagging more to one side! (Quaranta et al., 2007) 🚦🐶 👃 A Nose That Sees the World ...

  The Science Behind Dog Training: Why Aversive Methods Might Not Be the Best Choice If you’ve ever dived into the world of dog training, you’ve probably come across a heated debate: should we use aversive methods like shock collars and prong collars, or should we stick to positive reinforcement? Everyone seems to have an opinion, but what does the science actually say? This isn’t about pointing fingers at trainers who use different methods—after all, everyone wants what’s best for their dog. Instead, let’s take a look at what research tells us about stress, learning, and how our training choices can impact a dog’s well-being. What Happens in a Dog’s Body During Training? One of the most talked-about topics in dog training studies is cortisol, the hormone released when an animal (or human) experiences stress. Cortisol itself isn’t bad—in fact, it’s essential for survival. But when levels stay high for extended periods, it can have some negative effects on learning, behavior, and ov...