Good Dogs and the Performance of Safety

Just Because They Can, Doesn't Mean They Should

“Have you ever felt like your dog should be able to cope with a group class because everyone else seems to?” In this episode of The Feral Behaviourist, I’m joined by Becky Walker of BPawsitive Grantham to discuss why group classes are not the right fit for every dog—and why that’s perfectly okay. Together we explore the many reasons a dog may struggle in a class environment, from sensory sensitivities and emotional challenges to health concerns, previous experiences, and individual learning preferences. We also discuss alternative ways to learn, build skills, and strengthen the relationship between dogs and their guardians without pressure or judgment. Because training isn’t about fitting dogs into a box—it’s about understanding the dog in front of us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe [https://muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Trust Isn't an Insult

Your dog can love you… and still not feel safe in every situation. This week’s podcast explores why trust isn’t an insult, what building trust really looks like, and why listening to communication matters more than obedience ever will. 🩵🐾 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe [https://muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Good Dogs and the Performance of Safety

We’re often taught that a “good dog” is one who is quiet, still, and compliant. But what if that quietness isn’t calmness…but coping? In this episode of The Feral Behaviourist, we explore the difference between: * Safety vs suppression * Calmness vs inhibition * Behaviour vs emotional state And why some of the “goodest” dogs are the ones we need to look at more closely. This episode introduces the concept of the performance of safety, and how shifting our perspective can transform how we support our dogs. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe [https://muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

You’re Allowed to Feel This: The Emotional Side of Dog Guardianship

This one’s a bit… feral. Not in the loud, chaotic way—but in the honest, emotional, slightly unfiltered way. We’re talking about the side of dog guardianship that doesn’t always get said: The frustration.The guilt.The grief.The exhaustion of holding everything together for a dog who needs more. I didn’t polish this one too much. I just spoke. And afterwards… I actually felt pretty drained. Which I think says a lot about how much this part of the journey holds. So if this episode feels a bit heavier… That’s okay. Take it slowly.Pause it if you need to.Come back to it. You’re allowed to feel this too 🩵 🎧 Listen now📖 Blog coming tomorrow morning This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe [https://muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Regulation First, Training Second: Rethinking How We Help Dogs

In this episode, I explore why we can’t cue a dog into calmness, and why regulation must come before repetition, obedience, or skill-building. We look at:• What regulation actually means• Why arousal is often misunderstood• How “stubbornness” is frequently stress• Why training only sticks when the nervous system feels safe When we shift from control to co-regulation, everything changes. Training becomes clearer.Progress becomes steadier.And dogs feel understood, not managed. If this resonates, you’ll love the deeper nervous system work inside my memberships and resources. Regulation first. Always. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe [https://muttsandmischief.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]