Jess Probst host’s a live chat to discuss the third chapter of her book ‘Memoirs of a Dog Detective, Scientist, Technician, Educator’
Not an Honest Hounds member but loved Jess’ book? This is a rare chance to step inside the pages and explore it in a way most readers never get to.
Join Jess for a live deep dive into the third case study from Memoirs of a Dog Detective, Scientist, Technician, Educator. She’ll unpack the story of Cookie, share the behind-the-scenes thinking, the lessons that didn’t make it onto the page and give you the chance to ask your burning questions!
It is not often you get to sit with the author and walk through a real case together like this so if you’re a true dog nerd, this is your perfect chance, don’t miss it.
📅 Date: 28th May
⏰ Time: 7pm - 8pm
Haven’t brought the book yet but want to get involved?Find it here.
Reflective & Analytical Questions
Root cause analysis:
What unmet needs or learning histories might have contributed to Cookie’s “high frustration” and guarding behaviours?Anthropomorphism & indulgence:
The couple clearly viewed Cookie as fragile or childlike. How did that perception distort their responses to her behaviour and limit her growth?Predictability & privilege:
Cookie’s access to constant food, sofas, and beds gave her a sense of control. How might over-access to resources alter a dog’s emotional stability or perception of social structure?Fear vs frustration:
Do you think Cookie’s aggression stemmed more from anxiety or entitlement? What indicators in her body language and environment help you decide?Reinforcement & timing:
Identify the accidental reinforcement loops the humans created. What new learning contingencies did I introduce, and how did they change Cookie’s choices?Human expectations:
The first family sought compliance without boundaries, the neighbour sought redemption through affection. What do these mindsets reveal about common myths surrounding love and “rescue”?
For the Trainers:
Resilience building:
In what ways did gentle exposure (like standing still while Cookie explored) help her build confidence? How might this process differ for a fearful versus entitled dog?
Ethics & rehoming:
When is it appropriate to decide that a dog’s current home isn’t suitable? What ethical factors guide that choice, and how can professionals support owners through the grief and guilt that follow?
Environment as teacher:
Once Cookie moved into a multi-dog household, her behaviour began to shift without direct training. What environmental learning principles are visible here?
Write a one-paragraph “behavioural CV” for Cookie — what skills, coping mechanisms, and learned strategies does she bring to each new household?
Consider the line: “Treat small dogs with the same dignity you would if they were bigger.” What practical shifts does that require in handling, expectations, and communication?