Having worked in this industry for many many years now I can confidently say that when it comes to general goals that people have got consistently wrong with their dogs over the years is that they prioritise obedient behaviour over healthy emotional regulation.

Obedience is one of those words that I automatically cringe at anyway. The thought of anyone being obedient to me makes me automatically think that this is an unhealthy one side relationship that I would need to reconsider how I communicate with that individual.

But the big thing that I think people don't recognise is that so many unwanted behaviours our dogs display comes down to emotional dysregulation. If they get stressed, frustrated, anxious, fearful, angry or any other emotion then their behaviour is a reflection of this. If we aim for healthy emotional regualtion in our day to day lives and training plans with our dogs then not only will we see fewer unwanted behaviours in the first place but we will also have happier dogs and healthier relationships because our understanding and empathy towards our dogs will only increase as we look at things through their lens.

This is at the core of my work with dogs and their caregivers, so take a listen to learn more why it's so important in more detail.

You can find out more at;

• mutleypro.com
• bondibehaviourist.com
• caninecaregivers.com.au

We've even set up a new Facebook group so that you can reach out to Ian and sometimes even the guests. So come on over and say hello: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unhingedandunleashed/

I hope you enjoy the episode and the many more than will follow it.