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It is not just how you raise them One of the most widely held misconceptions in dog ownership is that personality is largely shaped by upbringing. There is some truth in this, but it significantly underestimates the most important factor. A dog's personality is primarily determined by genetics; the temperament inherited through their lineage, the predispositions embedded in their breed and bloodline, the traits they are simply born with. These form the foundation of who your

There is a widely held belief that a well-socialised dog is one that wants to greet every person and dog it encounters. It is an understandable assumption and one that causes a surprising amount of confusion, frustration, and genuine behaviour problems in dogs who are otherwise doing just fine. At AlphaB, we talk about socialisation a little differently. Understanding the distinction could change how you think about every walk you take and every environment you put your dog i

There are few dogs more instantly recognisable than the Dalmatian — that bold white coat covered in sharp black or liver-brown spots is one of the most distinctive looks in the canine world. But here's something many people don't know: Dalmatians are born completely white. Every single spot appears after birth. What starts as a plain, unmarked white puppy gradually develops its iconic pattern over the first weeks and months of life, as pigment cells called melanocytes migrate

Most people come to dog training focused on the dog. What does the dog need to learn? What is the dog doing wrong? These are fair questions — but they miss something fundamental. You are part of the equation, and the emotional state you bring to every interaction matters enormously. Emotional States Are Contagious Dogs are highly attuned social animals. They read body language, tone of voice, breathing, and energy with a sensitivity that can catch even experienced handlers of

Most people assume all dogs bark. It is, after all, what dogs do. But the Basenji quietly — or rather, melodiously — defies that assumption. This remarkable breed produces no bark whatsoever. What they produce instead is something far more interesting. One of the World's Oldest Breeds The Basenji's origins stretch back thousands of years. Images of dogs bearing a striking resemblance to the modern Basenji have been found in ancient Egyptian art and artefacts, suggesting the b

Frustration is a natural and common emotion in dogs, especially during training. It occurs when your dog wants something—a treat, a toy, playtime, or to greet another dog—but can't get it. This often happens because their goals are blocked or their expectations aren't met. It’s crucial to understand that frustration isn't 'bad behaviour', but a normal response that can be harnessed to help your dog grow and learn. Recognising Frustration in Dogs Typical signs of frustration i