Bark Dialogue

Send us Fan Mail When a dog develops a behavioural problem, the focus almost always lands on the dog. But what happens when we turn that question around and examine the handler? In this episode, I look at why handlers can be quick to identify what's wrong with their dog, yet reluctant to consider their own role in the problem. We bring dogs into our families without necessarily understanding...

Send us Fan Mail We say we love animals. So why are we putting them in things they don't need, simply because we think they look cute? Dressing animals up has become normal — costumes, hats, bows, matching outfits and accessories — but the risks are often ignored. Choking. Accidental strangulation. Tripping. Getting caught. Restricted movement. Unnecessary stress. In this episode, we look at...

Send us Fan Mail We say we love animals, but how much of what we do is actually about their welfare—and how much is about making them convenient for us? We breed them for cuteness, dress them up, buy them designer accessories, restrict where they can go, and expect them to fit neatly into our lifestyles. Then we call it responsible animal care. This episode challenges the comfortable middle-class...

Send us Fan Mail What’s the difference between a lethargic dog and a “good” dog? A quiet, compliant dog may appear easy to live with, but are they actually engaged with life? This episode looks at the signs in posture, movement, and eyes that can reveal the difference between a dog who is simply going through the motions and one who is alert, curious, and enthusiastic. Because compliance isn'...

Send us Fan Mail Why do we invite dogs into our homes? What are we hoping to get from them, and what do we give back? This episode looks at how easily we forget that dogs have their own choices, needs, abilities, and skills.  Our fears, expectations, and convenience can limit their opportunities to use those natural abilities, turning them into animals that simply follow our lead.  Perhpas living...

Send us Fan Mail Why do we sometimes change how we behave with our dogs because of the people around us? In this episode, I talk about the difference between communicating with the dog and performing for the human watching. Less talking, less unnecessary intervention, more observation - and somtimes simply walking away.  Because ultimately, it's the dog we're communicating with, not the...

Send us Fan Mail This episode looks at the role of medication in animal behaviour and why it should never become a shortcut. Medication can have an important place when an animal is genuinely struggling, but the first priority should always be understanding why the behaviour is happening . That means looking beyond the animal itself. We need to look at their history, environment, health, experienc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore one of the most overlooked aspects of canine welfare: independence. Inspired by the remarkable problem-solving abilities of wild wolves, I ask why we work so hard to make every decision for our dogs. Are we protecting them, or are we unintentionally preventing them from developing into confident, resilient individuals? Join me as I discuss why allowing d...

Send us Fan Mail This week's podcast urges dog handlers to think for themselves. This is due to research on flea treatments like fipronil, which many vets avoid due to environmental harm and doubts about their effectiveness. Lae Monier challenges the reader/listener to stop following the crowd and start asking tough questions. This mindset isn’t just for flea control—it’s crucial for every as...

Send us Fan Mail Hello, fellow dog lovers and fitness enthusiasts! I’m Lae Monier, behaviourist, and today we’re diving into how to keep our canine companions safe and happy during those long, warm summer days. Summer is a fantastic time for fun and activities with our dogs, but heat demands extra awareness, smart planning, and good management. Let’s explore how to enjoy the season without risking...

Send us Fan Mail Hello, fellow dog lovers and fitness enthusiasts. I'm Lae Monier, behaviourist. Paws Before Penalties: Rethinking How We Care for Dogs As the UK prepares for new laws coming into effect on 29 June 2026 , which will empower local councils to increase penalties for dog walkers, the debate around responsible dog guardianship is gaining momentum. It might seem straightforward tha...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this week’s reflection inspired by the latest episode of Bark Dialogue hosted by behaviorist Lae Monier. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind the scenes of animal rescue centers in the UK, this conversation is a must-hear. I unpack the troubling “perfect storm” gripping these centers—a mix of post-lockdown dog surges and a harsh cost-of-living crisis th...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re talking about something deeply important for anyone who truly cares about dogs — not just loving them emotionally, but protecting their long-term health, welfare, and quality of life. A major new report, jointly released by the University of Exeter and the Naturewatch Foundation, has uncovered SERIOUS FAILURES in how local councils enforce dog breeding welfare laws ac...

Send us Fan Mail There is a common implication that these centres are havens for dogs. It’s an idea that gets glorified on social media, but I want everyone who thinks rescue centres are the answer to the dog crisis to actually THINK . If these organisations were truly the answer, the number of animals in need would have decreased to almost zero by now. Instead, even with major groups like the RSP...

Send us Fan Mail Despite recent viral reports, the UK government is not banning 67 dog breeds but rather introducing a voluntary health assessment to improve animal welfare. This new Innate Health Assessment evaluates dogs based on physical traits to ensure that extreme breeding for cosmetic features does not lead to lifelong suffering. The initiative focuses on regulating commercial breeders to p...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this week’s spotlight on a cause that’s close to my heart—and hopefully soon, to yours too. Today, we dive into a vital initiative led by me, Lae Monier, a dedicated behaviourist from Chill Paws, who has launched a petition calling for animal and environmental welfare education to be included in UK school curriculums. It’s an issue that touches on compassion, safety, an...

Send us Fan Mail Behaviorist Lae Monier suggests walking your dog alone for deeper bonding and better training. While socializing with other handlers is enjoyable for humans, it can distract from focusing on your dog. Solo outings allow for richer communication, increased attentiveness, and a stronger connection, highlighting the importance of treating dogs as valued companions rather than accesso...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the blog, fellow dog lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over your dog’s puzzling behavior or wondering why training feels like an uphill battle, this week’s post is just for you. We’re diving into some insightful advice from renowned behaviourist Lae Monier, who highlights the crucial importance of establishing clear communication with your...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to another insightful week with Chill Paws! If you’ve ever watched your eager dog bolt after a thrown ball, full of boundless enthusiasm and zero hesitation, you’re not alone. But what if I told you that this simple game could actually become a subtle, effective training tool to help your dog master impulse control? Today, we’re diving into an intriguing exercise cham...