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For decades, animal behaviour science has been moving in one clear direction: away from coercion, intimidation, and aversive control , and toward cooperation, relationship, and reinforcement . Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s “soft.” But because the evidence is overwhelming. Fear suppresses behaviour. Safety changes it. Every modern behaviourist knows this. Every guardian who has watched their dog blossom under kindness knows this. Every welfare advocate who has seen

I want to get something off my chest first. I am here to prove that despite popular sentiment, maths is where many solutions to your problems lie. So today we are going to do some basic maths and take a deep dive into the operational and welfare implications of different models in group housing of dogs — including space management, stress reduction, and why “just throwing them all in together” is not a strategy, it’s a liability. Let’s be real: if you’re running a shelter, a

Animal welfare is a vital topic that deserves attention and understanding. Communicating the five welfare needs of animals can be challenging, especially when aiming to engage a broad audience. To address this, I created a series of visuals inspired by Sims4 and gaming animal themes. These images are designed to be visually rich and inviting, encouraging viewers to explore the landscape of animal welfare in a playful yet meaningful way. The goal is to spark curiosity and refl

Don’t pay extra for a label that’s doing more work than the formula. Your pet’s diet should change as they grow — species, health status, and life stage all matter. Some animals genuinely need specialised diets to avoid allergens or manage medical conditions, but they all grow through their own version of childhood. Somewhere between “appropriate nutrition” and “premium puppy pâté,” a question pops up: How special is “special food,” really? Spoiler: not as special as the labe

The answer is: It depends! If the question means does an evidence-based rehabilitation strategy exist for each case that can work? the answer in theory is yes. Are all owners capable of implementing or would even want to perform the tasks? would it even be safe to endevour are where that "it depends" comes from. In this blog I would like to tip your toes in the challenging human behaviours that often undermine a pet's behavioural health. Not so much to point the finger at yo

By Christian Pace In a world saturated with behaviour “fixes,” protocols, and obedience overlays, EMRA  (Emotional Mood State and Reinforcement Assessment) stands apart—not because it’s louder, but because it listens deeper. Developed by the Center of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE), EMRA is the assessment method I trained in. It doesn’t just observe behaviour. It interrogates the emotional scaffolding beneath it, in so doing draws the roadmap to rehabilitation. Where traditiona

How We Accidentally Train Our Dogs to Nag Us By Christian Pace Let’s talk about nagging. Not yours — your dog’s. You know the look. The one they give you when you’re trying to eat a sandwich in peace. The slow blink. The head tilt. The dramatic sigh. And if that doesn’t work, maybe a paw on your leg. Or a little whine. Or full-blown opera-level howling. And here’s the kicker: it works. Because we taught them it does. 🧠 Welcome to the School of Accidental Reinforcement Dogs a

By Christian Pace There’s been a new story in the Maltese media about the confiscation of around 120 animals by the Animal Welfare team from a private residence in Triq il-Baċir Ġdid, Paola . The reported animals included 7 cats, 17 gerbils, 19 rabbits, 17 hens,  and approximately 60 birds of various species . Photos and reports of their condition beggar belief. My question about the cat is: how much of those 2kg was dirt-matted fur ? My question about the case is: will anyo

By Christian Pace The RIAT Method  is a trauma-informed, science-based approach to managing behaviour in the moment... before you get behavioural advice. It is not meant to be final advice—especially when your pet is overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling. It’s not about fixing everything at once. It’s about stabilising the situation safely and compassionately, and preventing further deterioration. 🔁 R – Reward Good Behaviour Catch the calm : Reinforce any moment of calm, curi

By Christian Pace With the implementation of bully breed bans, we’re now seeing the predicted spike in abandonment—ironically, the very outcome these bans claimed to prevent. The reporting rates don’t reflect the true scale of the issue. I see it daily: Facebook posts full of public outcry that never reach the authorities. But I’m not here to preach about legal tools (maybe next time). I’m here to guide you through what to do if you’re attacked. In the meantime, have a look a

When I first brought home my rescue dog, Joy, I quickly realised that understanding her behaviour wasn’t just about love and care. It was about decoding her actions, her fears, and her needs. That’s when I reached out to a trainer—and was led astray by a self-appointed amateur. That experience flipped everything. Pet behaviour training became a game-changer. It’s not just a fancy term; it’s a lifeline for pets and their humans alike— when it’s done right . If you’ve ever felt

By Christian Pace Pets aren’t just companions—they’re family. So when their behaviour changes, it’s not just inconvenient. It’s a signal. Ignoring it? That’s not an option. 🚨 Spot the Shift Before It Spirals Behavioural changes aren’t random. They’re red flags. Watch for: Sudden aggression or fear More frequent barking or meowing Eating or drinking changes Destructive habits Hiding or withdrawal These aren’t quirks—they’re clues. Whether it’s pain, stress, or something deepe

By Christian Pace If you’ve ever come home to a chewed-up shoe, a puddle on the floor, or shredded couch cushions, you’ve probably seen the look —ears back, tail tucked, eyes wide. Heck you’ve even said it: “He knows what he did.” But here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t feel guilty. He’s responding to you , not the mess. 🚨 The Myth: “Dogs feel guilt when they misbehave.” Nope. Dogs enjoy their doggy activities no matter where and how you react. Dogs don’t reflect on past acti

By Christian Pace If your front porch has become the neighborhood’s unofficial dog toilet, you’re not alone—and it’s not just bad luck or rude owners. There’s a surprisingly common feedback loop at play, and it starts with scent, not behavior. 🚨 The Myth: “Dogs are marking territory.” Nope. Well some are, but it generally isn't what they're doing when all converge to the same spot. Most dogs aren’t claiming your porch like a gang turf war. They’re responding to existing scen

By Christian Pace In the fight against animal cruelty and exploitation, climate collapse, climate injustice, racial injustice, and systemic inequality, one of the most insidious obstacles isn’t denial or apathy—it’s the seductive simplicity of false binaries. We’re told we must choose between champagne for a few or water for all. Between free speech or safety. Between climate action or economic growth. These zero-sum framings are not just intellectually lazy—they’re actively

By Christian Pace The recent $55 billion buyout of EA by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake has sent shockwaves through the gaming community especially The Sims gamers—and for good reason. This isn’t just a corporate reshuffle. It’s a consolidation of power by entities linked to regimes that actively persecute LGBTQ+ people, suppress dissent, and profit from systemic violence. As someone who creates educational content a

By Christian Pace Welcome to the part of the site where things get quite loud, a little messy, and unapologetically educational. This is the platform they hoped I would never build. Who's they? All those who wish the truth would just hide out of sight or I would stop being less opinionated about it. This blog is rooted in animal welfare—but it doesn’t stop there. Because the systems that harm animals are the same ones that harm people. They’re built on exploitation, silence,