Canine Ethical Associates

From Commands to Conversations Transforming Canine Connections

Natural Learning, Holistic Teaching— The CDD Way to Transform Your Dog's Life

Bethany Bell, Author and the visionary behind Canine Ethical Associates and creator of the revolutionary Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD) method, is redefining how we connect with our dogs. Through years of study and hands-on experience, Bethany has crafted a unique, natural approach that goes beyond training—it’s about true communication.

Unlike conventional methods that rely on commands and control, our work is rooted in empathy and mutual respect. Our in-person and online programmes offer dog parents a chance to transform their relationship with their dogs, creating confident, emotionally balanced companions.

No two dogs are the same, and we know that well. Each dog brings their own story, their own personality, and their own needs. The CDD method adapts to these individualities, guiding both dog and parent through a journey that builds not just skills, but a deeper, more meaningful connection. If you’re ready to do more than train your dog—if you want to truly understand them—Bethany Bell is here to lead the way.

We offer in-person services across southwest Surrey, West Berkshire, and the surrounding areas, as well as the northeastern edge of Hampshire, and nearby areas. We also offer online, self paced courses for dog parents and dog professionals. Whether you’re facing behavioural challenges, want to guide your dog or raise your puppy through a holistic life journey, we provide personalised, compassionate guidance tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

Specialising In Canine Behaviour

Programmes

Our online and In-person programmes offer one-to-one sessions to help with dog behavioural issues, raising puppies, guiding teenagers, and improving adult dogs' lives, as well as canine professionals

Courses

Our online courses offer a self-paced learning environment that is brimming with valuable information, which has successfully assisted hundreds of dog parents and dog professionals across the globe.

CDD Method

We're excited to show you our unique approach that sets us apart from the rest. Our method is not only effective but also refreshingly different from what you may have experienced before.

Welcome to Canine Ethical Associates, where your dog’s voice is heard, respected, and celebrated. Stepping beyond conventional training, we champion a compassionate, ethical, and ground-breaking approach: Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD). Here, it’s not about moulding or controlling; it’s about understanding, teaching, and creating a relationship that’s built on mutual trust and respect. Discover a world where we listen as much as we teach, where every wag, bark, and gaze holds a conversation, and where you and your dog embark on a transformative journey together. Your adventure to a deeper connection starts here.

what makes us different

What's Involved?

Communication

Begin with understanding that dialogue is a two-way street. We're not just teaching our dogs; we're learning from them too. Establishing this flow of communication is the foundation of CDD.

Listening

Every bark, wag, and yawn holds a message. By attuning ourselves to our dog's unique ways of expressing, we can interpret their needs, concerns, and joys more effectively.

Emotions

Recognising and understanding the depth of canine emotions is central to CDD. Their feelings, like ours, are profound and influence their actions, behaviours, and interactions.

Teaching

Moving beyond conventional training, we use teaching methods that consider a dog's cognitive and emotional capabilities. It's about guiding, not dictating.

Self-Awareness

By teaching dogs to be more self-aware, we can interact with our dogs more empathetically, ensuring our responses align with their best interests

Autonomy

Empower dogs by giving them choices, allowing them the autonomy to make decisions. This not only builds confidence but encourages independent thinking and problem-solving.

Force & Tool-Free

Our commitment is to methods that are free from coercion, intimidation, heavy conditioning, or fear. The well-being of the dog is at the heart of every CDD approach

Compatible

While CDD stands strong as a unique approach, it's also seamlessly compatible with established force-free training methods, allowing for a comprehensive teaching experience

Psychology & Science

Incorporating principles from both canine psychology and the latest scientific research, the CDD method ensures that our practices are not only compassionate but also grounded in proven methodology.

Individuality

Recognise that each dog is their own unique individual selves. The path with one may differ from another, but every journey is rich with learning, bonding, and mutual respect.

Compassion

Every dog and person deserves compassion and understanding. Love and compassion have been knitted into every fabric of the CDD method and within our business Canine Ethical Associates.

Our Mission

Empowering canine-human dialogues through ethical, force-free approaches, Canine Ethical Associates is dedicated to pioneering a future where every dog is understood, respected, and nurtured. Our mission is to elevate canine welfare, champion individuality, and set unparalleled standards in training and companionship. Together, we envision a world where every tail wags freely, every bark is heard, and every dog thrives.

See What Our Customers Are Saying!

 5/5

Our reviews can be found on our Facebook page.

I booked Bethany when I became a first time Puppy Parent and it’s one of the best thing I’ve ever done. Her help has been invaluable for me and my family from advice around nutrition and taking Tyke on his first walk to help navigating teenage years with an intact dog. I truly believe that it’s thanks to her and all the guidance she has given us is why we now have a very content well rounded two year old dog who is a joy to have around. I would recommend her in an heartbeat as she not only understands dog behaviours she also understands owners fears and concerns. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I booked the Behavioural consultation over zoom. My case was a bit complex so Bethany extended the 90 minute consultation to over 2 hours for me! It was very comprehensive, she went the extra mile to help my dog and I received plenty of support after the consultation. I also did the reactivity course and it helped me so much to go through all the steps. Bethany is extremely thorough, friendly and she is very knowledgeable. She is the best behaviourist I've ever had (and I've been to a few!) Her method is so unique and so flexible and ethical. Thank you Bethany. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I cannot thank Bethany enough! I booked the online consultation last week, I have seen two behaviourists in the past, both of which came to my home, and unfortunately their advice and methods just didn't help us. Without needing to enter my home and meet my 3 rescue dogs, Bethany's advice has already made a difference! I had never heard of Canine Dialogue Dynamics method before, but I am glad I tried it because it's been the best thing I've ever done for my dogs! Bethany explained everything in depth during the consultation and I received some extensive notes in the report after, and Bethany has been quick to respond back to me whenever I've had a question after are consultation. Definitely give Bethany a try, her methods are out of this world.

Bethany what an awesome star you are. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Bethany agreed to work with me and my two rescue dogs everyday for ten days. The advance package and wow what a difference I saw in my dogs. Bethany was quick in seeing and understanding my dogs behaviours and provided great explanations and direction throughout all the training sessions. She was patient and encouraging during the sessions, whilst also being empathic to my struggles and difficulties. I have learnt so so much. Even though my dogs are super nervous of new people and take a long time to trust, when my dogs saw her approaching for the last sessions they ran excitedly to her. I had not seen that before, it was beautiful and testament to her skills and knowledge. I can’t recommend her highly enough. Totally barked up the right tree. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

I feel very fortunate to have found Bethany when Florence was just 10 weeks old . CDD has taught me to embrace the uniqueness of my girl and understand how communication can create an mutual bond. I have been able to acknowledge Florence's sometimes anxious personality and address her worries in a patient, respectful way that has continued to build her confidence and resilience using dialogue. I have enrolled in a couple of online courses that are so informative. They have helped me to increase my knowledge of CDD and build a connection with Florence that is amazing. Bethany, is always ready to support any questions I have. I wholeheartedly recommend CDD Thank you Bethany for teaching me how to guide and navigate Florence in having the very best life together.

Longer Testimonials

Gillian Wadeson

I have 2 Romanian rescue boys, Monty (who has been with me for 2 years and 9 months but is still a very anxious boy outside) and Rupert ( who arrived 9 months ago and is the most confident little boy you could imagine). Monty had been adopted and handed back 3 times before he came to live with me and was scared of everything- people ( especially children),cars, noises, adverse weather. It has been a long, slow journey and I tried everything from in-person trainers ( who sadly did not understand Monty’s needs and tried flooding him to “ get him to face his fears” )to joining specialist online groups for adopters of foreign rescues. These helped me in as much as I realised that I was not alone in my experiences with Monty but they focused very much on counter-conditioning and desensitisation, which just didn’t seem to work with him.

When I found Canine Ethical Associates and the CDD method a few months ago, it all seemed to make so much sense. The treats hadn’t been effecting any change in Monty’s behaviour but once I started really talking to him on walks (rather than giving him instructions) and focusing on him and his needs, things really started to change. Giving Monty choices and respecting those choices has had such a positive impact and I feel a connection with him that I didn’t have with previous dogs because, although I loved them all to bits, to my shame they were “ just dogs”. Bethany’s method has really helped me to build a partnership with Monty ( and Rupert) and to listen to them. I spend time now just being with them, watching and describing the world rather than trying to “train” them. Although still wary, Monty has increased hugely in confidence over the last few months and I can see when he is really plucking up courage to do something brave like walk along the main road for a block last thing at night instead of down the back street. When we come to the junction I now ask which way he wants to go, he looks up at me as if to say “ I’m going to be OK, aren’t I?” and then more often than not he turns towards the main road. We still have a long way to go, but the CDD method is definitely working. Monty seems so much happier, I feel more relaxed and I can see his trust in me to listen to him is growing.

I would definitely recommend Bethany’s method to anyone. It really does work and just fits naturally into your day.

Linda Rice

Having rehomed a 3.5 year border collie (not our first rescue collie I might add) I was totally out of my depth in how to meet her needs. She didn’t respond to anything we had done with our previous dogs and we were at a loss as to how to move forward.

Lola was diagnosed with possible PTSD and if she felt under any type of pressure she just went into meltdown. Bethany and the CDD method proved to be life changing for us, as all that feeling of pressure has been removed.

You are led by your dog and learn to listen to what they are telling you their needs are. Previously, Lola had learnt to solve her own problems in the only way she knew how, by lunging barking, and biting. We are now a team, we work together to solve our problems and insecurities. With the the CDD method she is learning to process the world around her and to build her confidence and we are learning how to support her to do this.

It isn’t a quick fix, but I’m here to tell you that anyone who tells you they can solve your dog’s problems quickly isn’t telling you the whole truth. They may be able to condition your dog to do things but is that what you really want for your dog?

The CDD method is a holistic approach which nutures the dog as a whole, as an individual with their own needs. It isn’t training and getting a dog to do as it’s told, it’s about building a strong bond with your dog that develops throughout their lifetime. It’s about enabling your dog to think for itself, to process the world around them and make their own decisions.

Do I recommend CDD…absolutely!

From previously feeling anxious and stressed, we have found ourselves on a wonderful journey with Lola and learning so much about each other along the way.

No stress, no worry and with Bethany’s support, it’s becoming a beautiful way of life for us all.

PS we unfortunately do not live near Bethany so do online training.

Becca Swanage

A million stars!

Bethany has helped me in a phenomenal way. She helped my dog who was suffering with reactivity. We had an online consultation and then I booked the online behavioural programme. I am still so stunned with the CDD method, it has literally been life changing.

I had previously tried 2 behaviourists who came to the house, 2 trainers who met me locally and one online behaviourist before I found Bethany. Her method was so different from anything I had been told to do before (all of which failed us over the years) we had tried counter conditioning, desensitisation, staying under threshold, keeping his bucket empty, engage/disengage game, fun games, calm games, high value treat distractions, toy distraction, avoidance, avoiding trigger stacking etc you name it all the positive methods we tried for years and we never got much closer to resolving his reactivity!

Bethany’s approach bypassed all of that but remained force free and very ethical, even more ethical that most in my opinion. My boy is now so much better around other dogs, Sometimes he even chooses to greet dogs and other times he decides to keep his distance. But he no longer loses his mind whenever he sees another dog.

I now share the CDD method to anyone who needs to hear it because it’s changed my dogs lives so much! I have now since got a new puppy and i am raising her completely with the CDD method though the puppy programme and it’s been such a rewarding journey and a brilliant experience. Bethany’s courses are also fantastic!

I did the reactivity course alongside working with Bethany online and the course is packed full of helpful information, her videos are engaging and the information is broken down into understandable sections.

The CDD method is the way forward and Bethany is a wonderful canine expert to lead the way. Thank you Bethany!

Jane Rennells

Alba is a 22-month-old mixed breed who came to live with me at 7 months old from a drainage pipe in Bulgaria. Initial walks were short, and Alba had her eyes everywhere making it feel a little like walking a kite as she flew from left to right. She lunged and barked at traffic, bicycles, children and particularly dogs.

Thankfully, she very quickly became less anxious about most things apart from dogs. I had seen dogs reacting before but had never experienced it first hand or even with one of my close friends. Our trips out quickly became “running the gauntlet” sessions and I knew my anxiety was fuelling her anxiety.

I immediately sought advice and fell upon Counter Conditioning with treats and games, and it all seemed to make sense at first. Get your dog to associate something it fears with something nice, and she will stop fearing the thing… Long story short, it didn’t work. Alba grabbed the treat and continued to be stressed and upset. The treats were a crutch, and I couldn’t see there would ever be a time I would be able to have a calm and casual walk.

A trip away in November and Alba’s obvious distress and anxiety led me to start researching again and to finding Bethany. How amazing that she lives a very short drive away from me.

The initial consultation convinced me that 6 sessions with Bethany was well worth dipping into my savings for. The CDD method IS a miracle. It isn’t an overnight miracle, however.

We are 4 months in, and Alba has come so far, and I am going to list some wins:

When she barks at a noise outside, I can now ask her if she would like to come to where I am rather than worry about it. 9 times out of 10, she does. Rather than scanning with her eyes, she now sniffs her way round our walks. So much so, she sometimes doesn’t even see a dog nearby (BIG win).

She had feared the dark making her last toilet walk a stressful time for both of us. Her gait and posture are now far more relaxed. She used to bark and growl as a warning to something that may or may not be there and she now very rarely does this. When there IS something there, she still finds these times hard but is finding it easier.

On the occasions she is still anxious about a dog, she settles very quickly afterwards. One bad encounter doesn’t mean we should just head home and try again later. She is becoming more resilient (and so am I). Bethany has taught me so much about how to understand Alba’s body language, different barks, and noises and, that I don’t have to worry about the barks.

Alba is communicating; she is telling me how she feels, and I get it.

Straight after the first session with Bethany, I felt more in control. I had a plan and knew I could stick to it. It went along with everything I believed Alba needed (gentle guidance to less anxiety and better control of her emotions) and, my relationship with Alba is so much stronger as a result. At every session I have questions for Bethany, and she answers them in a considered, knowledgeable, and easy to understand way.

On a recent walk we met 2 Labradors, a Spaniel, a beautiful young rescue pointer and she said a lovely, through the fence hello, to an old dog who lives near the park gate.

All these interactions were different and some she found easier than others, but I could not have imagined this would be possible a few months ago.

She finds disengaging hard still and, will get a bit ‘paws-on’ with dogs she isn’t sure of. Once or twice though, I have managed to get her to disengage by just saying ‘go steady’ and this is a work in progress.

Bethany has taught me so much about what Alba is telling me and our communication just gets easier and easier and more and more enjoyable. I realised earlier this week that, whereas I used to prefer dog walking with friends, I now prefer walking with just my dogs (I am not sure how I’ve got this far without mentioning my very elderly and deaf CKCS, Phoebe). Having friends to talk to simply gets in the way of my conversations with Alba!

I cannot recommend Bethany and the CDD method highly enough.

What We Offer

Programmes

Unleash your and your dog's full potential with our online and in person one-to-one programmes! Whether you want to transform your dog's reactivity and behaviour, raise a happy and confident puppy, or elevate your career as a canine professional using the CDD method - we've got your back. Trust us to guide you with our expert knowledge, personalised attention, and proven techniques that will help you and your dog achieve the best version of yourselves. With our programmes, you'll embark on an exciting journey towards a stronger relationship, healthier habits, and a happier life together. So why wait? Let's start this journey today towards a brighter, more fulfilling future!

See Programmes

Our Courses

Empower yourself to take charge of your learning journey with our comprehensive online courses! Our courses are designed to help you learn how to apply the CDD method on your own terms, at your own pace. You don't have to worry about schedules or deadlines, our courses are flexible to suit your lifestyle. You can envision the possibilities and take that first step towards improving yourself, no matter what your background or level of experience is. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, our courses are tailored to meet your unique learning needs. With dedication and focus, you can unlock your potential and achieve great things. Sign up for our courses today and start transforming your life!

See Courses

Programmes

Unleash your and your dog's full potential with our online and in person one-to-one programmes! Whether you want to transform your dog's reactivity and behaviour, raise a happy and confident puppy, or elevate your career as a canine professional using the CDD method - we've got your back. Trust us to guide you with our expert knowledge, personalised attention, and proven techniques that will help you and your dog achieve the best version of yourselves. With our programmes, you'll embark on an exciting journey towards a stronger bond, healthier habits, and a happier life together. So why wait? Let's start this journey today towards a brighter, more fulfilling future!

See Programmes

Our Courses

See Courses

Get In Touch

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FAQ

What exactly is the Canine Dialogue Dynamics (CDD) method?

The CDD method is a force-free, ethical approach to dog behaviour and training. It prioritises understanding, communication, and empathy, focusing on a dog’s emotional well-being rather than just outward behaviour.

Why do we use CDD?

Because we know that dog’s brains are more advanced and capable of learning much more than what is currently believed. We know that dogs understand far more receptive language than a 2–3-year-old child. With this in mind, we know that dogs flourish expediently when we switch instructional basic language to educational language. We wouldn’t teach a child over 4-6 years old in the same way we teach a toddler, so it does not make sense to remain at this basic level when teaching dogs. This is not beneficial to them.

I thought dogs can only learn through training?

Training is just one polarised way of teaching dogs. It involves using repetition and conditioning alongside desensitisation. This doesn’t benefit every single dog, and although it does have its place in the dog world, we offer an alternative way of teaching dogs. Dogs are perfectly capable of learning and developing through educational teaching in a more natural way. Whilst retaining the ethos of force-free methods, and just minimising the training element, we teach dogs how to live their life to the fullest whilst remaining safe and self-controlled. Lead walking, recall, social skills, confidence building, and polite and appropriate behaviour are still taught with CDD, but we do remove unnecessary strict rules.

Aren't training and teaching the same things?

Dog training isn’t the same as how we teach, and although the word ‘training’ does overlap when we refer to how we teach children and people that isn’t the same training that we apply to dogs. When we apply training to people, we are training them for a specific skill. This is done by repeating the same technique over and over until it is perfected, but we aren’t using that same approach to teach them how to do everything in their life. When people are training for something, they don’t have someone luring them with treats or someone punishing them if they get it wrong. They are simply learning through experience and repetition. So, dog training and people training for specific skills are entirely different.

How is CDD different from traditional training methods?

Traditional training often emphasises on commands and obedience, sometimes using treats or corrections. CDD, on the other hand, dives deeper into understanding the root causes of behaviours, using communication and emotional understanding to guide a dog towards healthier behaviour choices.