When Breeds Don’t Match Our Lifestyle: Rethinking Expectations of Dogs

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?

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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.