Blog

  • 10 myths about hip dysplasia

    10 myths about hip dysplasia

    Hip dysplasia remains one of the most frequently discussed yet misunderstood topics in canine health. Despite decades of research and screening programmes, misconceptions persist about what hip scores actually mean, how genetics and environment interact, and what constitutes healthy hips. These misunderstandings matter because they influence breeding decisions, how puppies are raised, and which dogs Read more

  • Doing right by the dog

    Doing right by the dog

    Breeding is one of the few areas where people make far-reaching decisions on behalf of a future life that cannot consent. “Ethical breeding” and “responsible breeding” are familiar phrases, but they can hide very different standards in practice. I find it more useful to treat breeding as a set of decisions with long tails, where Read more

  • The Fetch Continuum: understanding risks and making it safer

    The Fetch Continuum: understanding risks and making it safer

    Fetch is one of the most heated topics in dog training: some guardians see it as an easy way to exercise a dog, while others (rightly) argue that it causes injuries and fuels unhealthy obsession. The discussion is often polarized but in reality the question of fetch is far more nuanced Read more

  • Dogs as family: navigating the parent-child and adult-adult dynamic

    When I’m with my dogs, I’m never alone – I’m with my friends. However, it’s not a fully equal friendship: they live in my human world, and I control the vast majority of it. In this way, whether I like it or not, there is always a parental relationship with dogs due to that power Read more

  • The power of movement: why varied exercise matters for dog joint health

    The power of movement: why varied exercise matters for dog joint health

    Maintaining your dog’s joint health involves more than regular exercise. Varied, dynamic movement is crucial for lubricating, strengthening, and keeping their joints flexible. This prevents localized wear, boosts synovial fluid circulation, and improves flexibility. To achieve this, mix up walking surfaces, do low-impact exercises, provide off-leash time, and incorporate stretching and massage. Read more

  • The role of conformation in spaniel health and strength

    The role of conformation in spaniel health and strength

    Many assume that if a dog can perform its job well, it must be fit and healthy but working ability alone is not enough. The key to a long, injury-free life lies in a dog’s structural conformation. Proper structure supports the body, prevents injury, and ensures that the dog can perform at its best over Read more