Pauline | Alba Dogs

Are Treats Helping Your Dog… or Quietly Making Things Worse? Treats are one of the most powerful tools we have in dog training - but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Used well, they can build confidence, support emotional regulation, and create lasting positive change. Used without thought, they can contribute to overwhelm, frustration… and even impact your dog’s behaviour in ways you might not expect. So how do you get it right? Why Treats Matter More Than You Think Treats aren’t...

When we live and work alongside dogs, it can be easy to fall into the idea that calm is always the goal. But life isn’t calm all the time … and it shouldn’t be for our dogs either. Dogs, just like us, need to experience a full range of emotions. Joy, excitement, curiosity, frustration, uncertainty, restfulness. These are all part of being a sentient being navigating the world. Trying to keep a dog in a constant state of calm can actually take away opportunities for learning, expression, and...

As the days grow longer and the weather improves, the world around us changes - sometimes in ways our dogs notice more than we do. Paths that were quiet in winter now have more people, more dogs, bikes, and families out enjoying the sunshine. The sights, smells, and sounds create a very different landscape for dogs who are used to calm, predictable environments. For sensitive dogs, this shift can feel overwhelming. The nervous system that was once comfortable in quiet can suddenly be on...