Blog | Lothian Dog Training

Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs?

Vinnie What to Know Before Getting One... I watched Heart of the Beast, the film starring Brad Pitt, and most of the time I was thinking, “How the hell did they train the dog to do that?” I turned to my friend sitting next to me, who also has a Shepherd, and said, “This is so unrealistic. Since when has a German Shepherd staring at something ever made a situation better?” If you live with a Shepherd, you might know exactly what I mean… Films can make owning a German Shepherd

1 day ago6 min read

Yes, I want another dog. No, I'm not getting one.

Lana and Walnut Just because you want it, is it the right thing to do? Things to consider before adding the second dog. I’ve been thinking about this quite a lot recently. There are currently a few absolutely amazing litters of puppies available. And one of the breeders is someone I’ve been following for a long time. I’ve said numerous times that I’d love one of their puppies in the future. Well… That future is here. A few friends have asked me if I’m getting one. One of them

Sep 114 min read

Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs?

Lothian Dog Training

1 day ago6 min read

Yes, I want another dog. No, I'm not getting one.

Lothian Dog Training

Sep 114 min read

Is It A Behaviour Issue Or A Symptom Of Chronic Pain In Dogs?

Why pain should be ruled out before behaviour labels, training plans, or anti-anxiety medication Is your dog reactive, restless, or constantly “busy”? Maybe they bark at noises, struggle to settle, or act differently than usual. It's not always a matter of lack of training. More often than not, these changes start in the body, not the brain. Muscle pain, joint pain, gut discomfort.... When a dog is in discomfort, their behaviour changes. And until that discomfort is addressed

Lothian Dog Training

Jan 164 min read

“But I Did Everything Right”: When Traditional Resource Guarding Prevention Tips Backfire

Today I spoke with someone who was heartbroken. “We did everything to prevent this,” they said. “We were told to stop him mid-meal so he’d get used to it. To take his food away and give it back. We always made sure we could take toys out of his mouth.” Now, two years in, their dog is guarding food—and has bitten multiple family members. They genuinely believed they were preventing a problem. In reality, they were unintentionally rehearsing one. We’re All Resource Guarders Let

Lothian Dog Training

May 14, 20254 min read

Over-Social Dogs: When Every Dog Is a Best Friend (or a Problem)

Does your dog drag you towards every dog like they’re long-lost best friends? Some dogs are natural social butterflies, always eager to greet other dogs and people. While it's great to have a friendly, confident dog, being overly social can cause its own set of behavior challenges—especially when they’re allowed to interact with every dog they meet. The Downside of ‘Play with Everyone’ Many owners of sociable puppies or newly adopted dogs assume that lots of play is the best

Lothian Dog Training

Feb 16, 20253 min read

Can Sensitive Or Reactive Dog Make Friends?

Absolutely—Here’s How! If you have a sensitive, fearful, or reactive dog, the idea of them making “friends” might seem out of reach. But let’s reframe the goal. It’s not about creating best pals who play and wrestle—that kind of high-arousal interaction often leads to mistakes in communication or conflict. Instead, the aim is to help your dog feel safe, coexist peacefully with other dogs, and maybe even enjoy shared activities. For dogs like this, it’s all about predictabilit

Lothian Dog Training

Jan 24, 20253 min read

Mantrailing: A Mirror Reflecting Your Dog's Insecurities

German Shepherd Bear mantrailing Over the past five years as a mantrailing instructor, I’ve witnessed something remarkable time and time again: mantrailing has a way of exposing a dog’s inner world, reflecting both their confidence and insecurities. It’s like holding up a mirror—not just to the dog’s abilities, but to their emotional state, their unique way of communicating, and the dynamics of their relationship with their handler. Dogs that seem carefree in daily life often

Lothian Dog Training

Jan 7, 20254 min read

A Dog - Friendly Christmas : Managing The Festive Chaos

This is a quick guide on how to manage Christmas festivities with dogs

Lothian Dog Training

Dec 22, 20243 min read

The Dog Driver's Manual: How to Choose the Right Dog for You

When it comes to choosing the right dog, it's not all that different from picking out a new car. Both decisions require some thought, a bit of research, and a clear understanding of what you want and need. Just like cars, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, and finding the perfect match can make all the difference in your daily life. So, buckle up as we take you through the "Dog Driver’s Manual," your guide to navigating the world of dog ownership! Care and Mai

Lothian Dog Training

Aug 27, 20244 min read