Behaviour is rarely just about what you see. It’s the visible edge of deeper systems — environments, thresholds, human psychology, stress accumulation, and more.

This week on The Dog Expert Podcast, Jo and Emily speak with Sparky Smith, a canine psychologist and systems expert who brings a powerful lens to complex behaviour change. Drawing from her work at DogParentology, Sparky shows how understanding the system behind behaviour — rather than chasing symptoms — allows caretakers and professionals to create lasting, meaningful change.

You’ll learn how to:

Recognize the hidden systems influencing your dog’s behaviour

Use guiding principles to predict “stuck points” before relapse

Change the language you use: from “fixing” to stabilizing systems

Take practical steps today to begin seeing behaviour as a system you can shape

If you’ve ever felt stuck with a dog whose behaviour keeps resurfacing, this episode will give you a new vantage point — one that sees beyond just the behaviour.

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