Dog lovers are seeking greater support and understanding when it comes to their dogs' behaviour, with a recent presentation at the Newcastle All Breeds Dog Training Club drawing strong interest from the local community.
Held on 16 April, the session featured accredited canine behaviourist and best selling author Sarah Rutten, and focused on helping dog guardians and instructors better understand their dogs and navigate common behaviour challenges as they grow and develop.
Rutten, founder of The Canine Perspective and leading force-free trainer, says the response reflects a broader shift in how people are approaching dog care.
"More people are recognising that behaviour isn't about a dog being 'naughty' or difficult," she says. "It's about understanding what the dog is experiencing and responding in a way that supports them."
During the session, Sarah explored how behaviour can change over time, particularly as dogs move through different developmental stages, and why this can feel confusing for many people.
"These are things so many people are dealing with, but often feel like they're the only ones," she says. "Once people understand what's actually going on, it becomes much easier to respond in a way that works for both them and their dog."
Attendees responded strongly to the practical and accessible nature of the presentation, highlighting the value of clear guidance and realistic expectations.
The Newcastle event reflects growing interest in evidence-based approaches to dog behaviour and training.
Sarah will continue the conversation at an upcoming session hosted by Dogs NSW in Sydney on 13 June, where she will explore the science behind how dogs learn, challenge common myths around dominance and behaviour, and provide practical insights into building more effective relationships with dogs.
"When we shift away from frustration and start understanding behaviour, everything changes," she says.
