In today’s world, we are seeing an alarming rise in dog bites, behavioural issues, and overall weaker dogs.

But this isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a direct result of the modern approach to dog ownership. A lack of boundaries, over-pampering and the rise of the "force free" training ideology paired with an over-reliance on medication to "fix" behavioural problems, is creating an upward trend of unbalanced, unstable dogs.

This trend isn’t just dangerous; it’s morally corrupt.

Boundaries Build Stability

Dogs, by nature, thrive on structure and leadership. Without clear rules and expectations, they become anxious through the lack of predictability and control and reactive to unfamiliar stimuli. Left unchecked, this continues to escalate. Yet, many dog owners today shy away from setting firm boundaries, fearing it will harm the human-animal bond.

Why?

Because unscrupulous people in the animal industry are profiting off this misinformation and rage bait.

Instead of reinforcing structure, predictability and calm behaviour, they enable problematic behaviours—jumping, excessive barking, resource guarding—until these issues escalate into something far worse. When a dog doesn’t know where the limits lie, it will push until it finds them, sometimes with its teeth.

Medication: A Quick Fix?

Rather than addressing the root causes of behavioural problems—lack of training, poor socialisation, and insufficient mental stimulation—many turn to pharmaceuticals as the solution.

While medication has its place, it is now being handed out too frequently as a band-aid for issues that often require proper training and leadership.
Medication alone DOES NOT fix behaviour issues. If used, it needs to be in conjunction with a robust behaviour modification plan focused on building resilience and internal strength and predictable structure and clear consequences, both positive and negative.

The Rise of Weaker Dogs

A dog that is not taught how to manage frustration, impulse control, and social interactions is a dog that is unprepared for life. Over time, this lack of mental and emotional resilience creates dogs that are fearful, reactive, and more prone to aggression.

Couple this with generations of poor breeding practices that prioritise appearance over temperament, and we’re left with dogs that lack the physical and mental robustness they once had.

This isn't even beginning to mention rescues "saving" backyard bred dogs with poor temperaments and rehoming them to loving but inexperienced owners.

A Moral Responsibility

We owe it to our dogs to provide leadership, structure, and training, not just medication and excuses and "my dog is a rescue' stories.

Every time a dog is euthanised or re-homed due to behavioural issues without proper training and guidance, we have failed that animal. (with the exception of truly dangerous animals not fit for society. This topic is for another post).

True compassion and love isn’t about indulging a dog’s every whim—it’s about guiding them to be their best selves.

If we want to reverse this trend, we need to step up as responsible owners.

Train your dog.

Set boundaries.

Stop looking for shortcuts.

Our dogs deserve better.