Even Lassie Was Trained!
Even Lassie Was Trained! This piece follows directly on from a previous blog I wrote in response to an RSPCA report on injured deer.…
You See a Dog Chasing Sheep — Would You Report It?
I have read repeatedly, about a recent incident where a South Devon livestock farmer was reported to the RSPCA when a member of the public…
Jamie To Speak At International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) Events
I’m pleased to confirm that I will be speaking at two events this year for the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), alongside an additional…
Are mixed breed dogs like the Cockerpoo and labradoodle REALLY more badly behaved that pedigree dogs?
Are mixed breed dogs like the Cockerpoo and labradoodle REALLY more badly behaved that pedigree dogs? You might have seen the headlines over the last…
The Underlying Emotional Cause – Where Bad Behaviours Feel Good
Several years ago I wrote a short piece on social media about the way dog owners are often encouraged — particularly by trainers, and very…
When Animal Welfare Stops Being Comfortable — The Realities Nobody Likes Talking About
Earlier today I was out working with a dog that has a long and very real history of disappearing after deer, a real deer chaser.…
The Advent Calendar Paradox
There is an assumption embedded in much modern thinking about motivation that if you provide something consistently, predictably, and with sufficient value, behaviour will naturally…
What “Close Control” Really Means
There is a phrase that crops up again and again in legislation, countryside guidance and police advice, and yet most dog owners have never been…
Dogs, Livestock, and the Law: Is a 70-Year-Old Exemption Still Fit for Purpose?
Most people in the UK are unaware that one of the most significant pieces of legislation governing dogs around livestock—the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act…
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act – What’s Changing, and Why Dog Owners and Farmers Should Pay Close Attention
Over the last few weeks, there’s been a great deal of noise about the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 undergoing long-awaited updates. The amendment…
Are Electric Collars Banned in England?
The Short Answer No. Handheld electronic training collars are not banned in England or Scotland. They remain fully legal across the entire UK except Wales.…
Is the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill in England Learning the Right Lessons from Scotland?
Is the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill in England Learning the Right Lessons from Scotland? As the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill continues…
Lambing Season and Responsible Dog Walking: Essential Advice for Every Owner
As lambing season begins, the countryside fills with the sight, scent, and sound of vulnerable newborn animals. These young lambs are inquisitive, unsteady, and highly…
The Limitations of High-Value Rewards in Preventing Livestock Chasing
Many dog owners rely on high-value rewards, such as treats, to reinforce good behaviour and ensure recall. While this method can be effective in controlled…
Can Farmers Legally Shoot Dogs Chasing Sheep?
In the UK, the issue of dogs chasing sheep is not only a matter of animal welfare but also a significant legal concern. Farmers are…
The Importance of Training Dogs Not to Chase Sheep
Allowing a dog to chase sheep is not only dangerous but also illegal. Such behaviour can lead to severe consequences, including injury or death of…