Editorial Policy

How we choose sources

Every factual claim links its source. In order of preference: peer-reviewed research, position statements from veterinary behavior and animal welfare organizations, government and legislation pages, and a maker’s own product page for product facts. Where a study has a DOI, we show it. We link official or primary pages over summaries wherever we can.

We read the source before we cite it. We describe studies accurately, including sample sizes and limits, and say when the research is mixed or thin. When we can’t find a source for something, it doesn’t go in.

US first, Canada second

Our main readers and jurisdiction are the United States. Legal references, vets, spelling and shopping examples lead with the US. Canada stays covered as a second jurisdiction, and we say which country a law or product applies to.

How posts are made

Posts are researched and drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by The Wiggler Crew. Every claim has to trace to a linked source before a post goes live.

How and when we update pages

Each post shows the date its sources were last checked. We re-check sources when we update a post, and laws and prices get re-checked more often because they change. Prices appear only with the date we checked them. When a source changes or disappears, we update the post.

Corrections

Found a mistake, a dead link or a study we got wrong? Tell us or email [email protected]. We fix errors quickly and update the post. Material corrections are noted on the page.

What we won’t do

• Name and shame. We criticize practices, myths and marketing claims, not individual trainers, businesses or owners.
• Fake experience. We never say we “tested” or “tried” something we didn’t. Gear picks are research roundups unless a post says otherwise.
• Recommend pain-based gear. Not for money, not for anyone.
• Swear without a bleep. Our mouths are sh*tty. Our standards aren’t.

Not veterinary or legal advice

We aren’t vets or lawyers. Everything here is general information for dog owners. Behavior can be driven by pain or illness, so when that’s possible we point you to your veterinarian. Laws change and your city can have rules your state or province doesn’t, so check your local bylaws or ask a lawyer.

Money

We earn from affiliate links and may run display ads. Neither decides what we write or recommend. See the affiliate disclosure and about us.

Looking for the sources themselves? See the source library.