You didn’t see it coming. You weren’t supposed to. We share our lives with a captive animal. That’s the reality. An animal with natural behavioural patterns we don’t fully control and don’t always fully understand. That doesn’t make them dangerous. But it does mean we need to take responsibility for the environments we place them in and the behaviours we allow them to practise. Because we don’t always know what experience might awaken something natural. And once a pattern begins, it becomes something the dog will seek. This is where risk develops. Not from intent but from experience. Chasing wildlife, focusing on movement, rehearsing parts of the sequence all strengthen the behaviour over time. So the focus isn’t just on stopping behaviour in the moment. It’s about awareness. Avoid repeated chasing. Pay attention to early focus and interest. Be thoughtful about exposure to fast movement, smaller animals, and unpredictable environments. Not to create fear. But to build awareness earlier. Because the goal isn’t to remove behaviour. It’s to manage it responsibly.

Would you know the difference between Affective aggression and Non Affective aggression?

I hear often, I just wish people could see the silly goofy side of my dog. You do not need them to, that will not change how important and special your dog truly is. You knowing is enough.

The training industry is unregulated. This means anyone can charge hundreds, even thousands, of dollars without holding recognised qualifications. Would you know what to look for when seeking support for your dog?

Some of the most challenging dogs I have met, are in the most wonderful loving homes. They are not giving us a hard time, they are having a hard time. With all the love in the world, we cannot change genetics. Be kinder to yourself. To those who are needing support: do not offer suggestions or opinions. Offer a safe space and listen.