Collies told not to herd. Huskies told not to run. Guarding breeds told not to guard.

In today’s world, we often expect dogs to suppress the very instincts they were bred for — all to fit into human lifestyles. And when they can’t, we turn to training, conditioning, and behaviour management to “fix” the mismatch.

In this episode of Rewriting the Rules, Bethany Bell (founder of the Canine Dialogue Dynamics Method) explores what happens when dogs and lifestyles clash — and why the answer isn’t more control, but more understanding.

You’ll discover: – Why lifestyle matters more than space or climate. – How over-conditioning and suppression are used to “force the fit.” – The emotional cost for dogs when their instincts are constantly restrained. – Real alternatives: adapting our lives to meet dogs’ needs, instead of the other way around.

This isn’t about blame — it’s about rethinking the way we live with dogs, opening up conversations, and creating more sustainable, compassionate matches between humans and their canine companions.

Next week’s episode: Enrichment vs. Pressure. Are Kongs, puzzle toys, and scatter feeding really enriching our dogs’ lives — or are they sometimes adding stress instead?

Further resources

Free Learning:

What is the CDD method?

Our Free Facebook Group

Our YouTube Channel

Facebook Page

Bethany’s Facebook Page

Our Blog

Website

Free Rescue Course

Our Programmes – Work With Bethany One To One

Our Online Courses

Bethany’s Books

Rewriting the Rules: The CDD Mentorship

Online Programmes

Surrey & Surrounding Areas- Programmes

Student Group

If you’re ready to step into something different—something kinder, wiser, and more meaningful—you’re in the right place.

Let’s raise dogs with dignity. Let’s teach through connection. Let’s begin the conversation.

What does holistic dog care really mean? And how is it different from traditional behaviourism? In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Rebecca Hanlon - also known as The Dog Witch - to explore what holistic health and behaviour truly involve. We talk about:

✨ Moving beyond behaviourism and why it matters for dogs today

✨ What “holistic” really means in practice - whole-dog wellness, emotions, health, and behaviour

✨ The challenges of running an ethical business in the dog industry

✨ Rebecca’s exciting new project, The Canine Wellness Circle - a membership bringing dog parents access to holistic advice, videos, and webinars This is a powerful, honest chat that pulls back the curtain on the dog industry and invites you to rethink what true wellness for dogs looks like. 💬 Do you think the dog world is ready to move beyond behaviourism? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Rebecca's Resources

Join the Canine Wellness Circle! https://www.thedogwitchwholehealthand...

Website https://www.thedogwitchwholehealthand...

Facebook Community

Bringing a new puppy home is magical — and overwhelming. Everywhere you turn, there’s advice: crate train right away, enforce 18–20 hours of sleep, limit walks to 5 minutes per month of age, socialise with everyone and everything. But what if much of this advice is outdated, misunderstood, or even harmful?

In this episode of Rewriting the Rules, Bethany Bell gently dismantles some of the biggest puppy myths and explores what raising a puppy naturally really looks like. You’ll learn:

• Why early weeks should focus on emotional grounding, not obedience drills.

• The truth about puppy sleep needs (and why enforced crate naps can backfire).

• Why over-socialisation creates overwhelm, not confidence.

• The myth of “5 minutes per month” and how to let your puppy guide their own exercise safely.

• How to use dialogue, observation, and choice to build trust and resilience.

• Why play, exploration, and gentle guidance shape a confident adult dog better than strict rules.

This episode is for anyone who wants to go beyond training checklists and raise a dog who is secure, intelligent, and deeply connected.

Bethany also shares a short poem from her book Raising Puppies Naturally, capturing the heart of puppyhood as a journey of love, trust, and dialogue.

👉 Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or an experienced dog professional, this episode will help you see puppyhood in a whole new way.

Further resources

Free Learning:

What is the CDD method?

Our Free Facebook Group

Our YouTube Channel

Facebook Page

Bethany’s Facebook Page

Our Blog

Website

Free Rescue Course

Our Programmes – Work With Bethany One To One

Our Online Courses

Bethany’s Books

Rewriting the Rules: The CDD Mentorship

Online Programmes

Surrey & Surrounding Areas- Programmes

Student Group

If you’re ready to step into something different—something kinder, wiser, and more meaningful—you’re in the right place.

Let’s raise dogs with dignity. Let’s teach through connection. Let’s begin the conversation.