Every chapter in this book begins from the same place: the dog in front of you, their body, their signals, their experience of the world. Not the method. Not the tool. Not the tradition you were trained in or the certification on your wall. The dog first, always.

As society evolves in its understanding of animal welfare and the responsibilities inherent in caring for dogs, the need for ethical frameworks in dog training becomes crucial. Beyond Behaviour critically examines various training methodologies through the lens of moral philosophy, exploring questions of autonomy, consent, and the psychological wellbeing of dogs in their role as our “pet.”

Delving into the complex interplay between ethical principles, moral questions of control and power, and the practicalities of training our canine companions, behaviour consultant Erin Jones draws on interdisciplinary perspectives from philosophy, psychology, and animal behaviour science.

Whether you are a trainer, behaviour consultant, veterinarian, canine caregiver, or curious dog guardian, Beyond Behaviour will help you navigate ethical challenges to create a just relationship where dogs can thrive. This isn’t just another book on dog training. It is a gateway to more compassionate, effective, and ethically sound approaches to dog training in contemporary practice.

Erin Jones, PhD, is a researcher, author, and dog behaviour consultant working at the intersection of animal ethics, applied behaviour, and the dog–human relationship. Her work critically examines human exceptionalism, power, agency, consent, and the moral dimensions of training and behaviour support. She holds a PhD in Human-Animal Studies, an MSc in Anthrozoology, a BSc (Hons) in Anthropology and Psychology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Welfare.

Erin is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and Accredited Dog Trainer with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed and holds animal training and behaviour certifications in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is the founder of Merit Dog Project, Director of the IAABC Foundation Journal, and an international speaker and educator. Her previous books include Constructing Canine Consent and the co-edited collection Topics in Non/Human Coexistence. She is a Canadian based in Aotearoa New Zealand.