In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Nikki welcomes Grisha Stewart, internationally renowned dog trainer, author and creator of Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT), to explore canine empowerment and the importance of listening to our dogs. They discuss how secure attachment influences behaviour and training, and how giving dogs greater choice and control can improve their wellbeing. Grisha explains how force-free approaches can help dogs experiencing fear, frustration and aggression, while sharing five practical tips for empowering dogs in everyday life. From using long leads to understanding where dogs choose to direct their attention, this episode offers valuable insights into meeting dogs’ individual needs and supporting happier, more confident lives.
5 Key Take-Home Messages
Give dogs choice and control – Allowing dogs to make their own choices helps build confidence and supports their emotional wellbeing.
Build secure attachment – A trusting, secure relationship provides a foundation for positive behaviour and effective training.
Use force-free training – Support dogs experiencing fear, frustration or aggression through kind, reward-based approaches that respect their needs.
Make the most of long leads – Give dogs more freedom to explore and make decisions safely, allowing them greater independence.
Listen to what dogs are telling us – Pay attention to where dogs direct their attention and the choices they make to better understand their needs and find ways to meet both their needs and our own.
Guest bio
Grisha Stewart is an author, international speaker and professional dog trainer who specialises in dog reactivity and canine empowerment. She is the creator of The Grisha Stewart Dog School for Professional Dog Training Education Online. In 2003, Grisha founded and ran the Ahimsa Dog Training school in Seattle for 13 years. ‘Ahimsa’ is a Buddhist doctrine of non-violence to all living things, which reflects Grisha's focus on force-free methods to promote the well-being of dogs and their humans. Her Ahimsa team earned many awards, including 'Best of Seattle' and 'Best of Western Washington'. Canine behaviour fascinates Grisha and she is highly motivated to help improve techniques for rehabilitating and training dogs. Her professional interest in dog reactivity, along with the need to find an effective rehabilitation technique that would work with her own dog's fear issues, led Grisha to develop BAT - Behaviour Adjustment Training, a humane technique for dog aggression, frustration, and fear.
Find all of Grisha’s course, and the back catalogue at the Academy here
Visit Grisha’s website grishasteward.com
Grisha on YouTube
Learn more with Grisha’s books here
Learn more about CAM
CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet
Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast
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Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk
Join us next week as we move in to the Emotional Wellness month, we’re joined by Sarah Jones from the Yellow Dog Project
