The Dial Method® Puts Human Behaviour at the Centre of Dog Wellbeing

Key Points

• The Dial Method® focuses on human behaviour and environment before training begins
• It is designed as a pre-training framework, not a replacement for professionals
• The method centres on four human skills linked to dog wellbeing
• A case example reports behavioural improvement following human-led changes
• The approach aligns with welfare-led, force-free principles

A dog behaviour expert is calling for a shift in how we think about canine wellbeing arguing that training, however well-intentioned, is not the first step most dogs actually need.

Justine Schuurmans, founder of The Family Dog and creator of The Dial Method®, says that despite unprecedented access to training and professional advice, dogs are struggling more than ever, and that the focus on behaviour modification misses the root cause.

The scale of the problem

According to Dogs Trust, 76% of dogs in the UK are reported to have behaviour problems. In the United States, research from Texas A&M places that figure as high as 99%.

Schuurmans argues that this is happening not in spite of the growth of the training industry, but alongside it, and that the missing piece is not more training, but a closer look at the humans and environments dogs are living in.

What has changed

The core argument is a generational one. A century ago, dogs had significantly more autonomy; they could wander, explore, make choices, and regulate themselves naturally. Their role alongside humans was less pressured, and natural dog behaviour was more readily accepted as such.

Today, most pet dogs spend long periods alone, have limited opportunity for natural behaviour, and are expected to adapt to busy, often stressful human routines. Every aspect of their daily life, feeding, toileting, socialising, and rest, is controlled by the people around them.

When natural behaviour has no appropriate outlet, Schuurmans says, it can present as a behaviour problem. But the problem did not begin with the dog.

The Dial Method®

The Dial Method® is a science-backed framework designed to be completed before formal training begins. It focuses on four human skills that Schuurmans identifies as central to shaping a dog’s wellbeing and behaviour.

The approach draws a parallel with how adults support children. Rather than correcting unwanted behaviour directly, the focus is on adjusting environment, expectations, and routine to create conditions in which the dog can succeed.

The method is delivered as a video programme, bingeable in around 40 minutes, accompanied by a workbook.

A case example

One family whose Australian Shepherd had become reactive, including nipping at a child and guarding food, was referred to The Dial Method® by their trainer.

Without any formal dog training, the family worked through the programme and identified several significant life changes that had affected the dog, including the departure of a household member and the death of a canine companion.

Following human-led adjustments and a change in expectations, the family reported an 85% improvement in their dog’s behaviour at home.

What this means for dog guardians

The Dial Method® is not designed to replace working with a qualified, force-free professional. It is intended to be a first step and one that helps owners understand their role in their dog’s world before formal training begins.

For guardians whose dogs are displaying anxiety, reactivity, or other behavioural challenges, it offers a structured way to examine the human side of the relationship first.

Watch The Dial Method Video

FAQs

Find out more

The Dial Method® is available at The Family Dog