The Dog World Is Full of Passion: Let’s Make It Full of Kindness Too

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: Bullying in the dog world.

When I say “dog world,” I’m talking about the community of trainers, instructors, behaviourists, handlers, groomers, walkers. Anyone who’s built a life around working with dogs and helping the people who care for them.

It’s a world built on passion, filled with people who want to make a difference. But sometimes, that same passion turns into pressure. And when it does, things can get… a little snappy.

If we’re going to build a community that’s truly supportive, we need to be brave enough to talk about it, and kind enough to do something about it.

The Bark You Didn’t Expect

Bullying in the dog world doesn’t always come with teeth bared and voices raised. Sometimes, it is loud and obvious, with the kind of person who constantly has something to prove, always shouting down others to make themselves feel taller.

Other times, it’s quiet… almost too quiet. The behind-the-scenes whispers, the passive digs in posts, the subtle stirring of the pot that makes others do the dirty work. These are the puppet-masters, pulling strings, planting seeds, and watching it unfold without ever getting their own hands dirty.

Both are damaging. Both are rooted in insecurity. And both rely on the same thing; making someone else look small so they can feel just a little bit bigger.

And if you’ve ever found yourself refreshing a post, reading between the lines, wondering “...was that about me?”, you’re not alone.

Being the Target: What It Feels Like and How to Rise Above It

Let’s be honest; being on the receiving end of bullying sucks. It can feel like someone’s pulled the rug out from under you. Suddenly you’re second-guessing everything. You start shrinking your presence, questioning your abilities, and wondering if everyone else sees you the way they do.

It’s lonely. It’s exhausting. And it hurts, especially when all you wanted to do was help dogs and make a difference.

You might feel angry. Defensive. Embarrassed. Like you're constantly waiting for the next dig, the next post, the next "coincidence" that’s a little too specific not to be about you.

But here’s the thing, and I want you to really sit with this:

You don’t need to bite back. You just need to remember who you are.

You were good at what you do before their opinion. You’ll still be good at what you do after their noise. And if your heart is in the right place, if your clients and their dogs are growing, if you’re showing up with honesty, effort, and care, that’s what matters.

Don't let their insecurity define your identity.

Instead of clapping back, climb up. Instead of responding, refocus. Instead of shrinking, shine brighter.

And if it gets too heavy, reach out. Find your people, the ones who cheer you on, keep you grounded, and remind you that the dog world is full of good humans, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Have You Accidentally Become the Bully?

Now here’s a tough question… but one worth asking: have you become the bully?

I know, ouch. But stick with me on this one.

Sometimes it doesn’t start out that way. It starts with a moan. Maybe a little rant about someone’s method, how they handle a dog, or even the way they blink. (Or tie their shoes — because apparently that’s a crime now?) It feels harmless at first. Just venting, right?

But then it grows legs. You keep talking about them. Every post you write somehow comes back to proving you’re better. You make passive digs. You gather others who feel the same. And before you know it, tearing that person down has become a hobby. A mission. A weird little routine that fuels your need to “win.”

But here’s the truth: if the only way you can rise is by pushing someone else down, that’s not success. That’s insecurity wearing a mask.

And the worst part? When you bring someone else down, you're dragging others with you! Whether it's your followers, your students, or your friends who now think gossip and judgement are just “part of the game.”

What If You’re Not the Target?

Maybe you’re not the one being bullied. Maybe you’re watching it unfold from the sidelines. That moment someone starts obsessively targeting another trainer or business, and you’re thinking, “Hmm... this seems a bit much.”

Here’s your sign to pause and ask: Why?

Why is that person so fixated on destroying someone else? What’s their agenda?

More often than not, it’s not really about the person they’re attacking. It’s about them. Their own fear. Their own need to be seen. Their own desire to be “the best,” even if that means pulling others apart brick by brick to get there.

So ask yourself: is that who you want to align with? Is that the kind of energy you want to feed?

Bullies don’t just hurt the target. They damage the culture around them. They normalize tearing each other down, and that hurts everyone in the long run.

Bullying Isn’t About You — It’s About Power

Here’s the thing no one really says out loud: bullying usually has nothing to do with the person being targeted. It’s not about your work, your dog, your qualifications, or how you train. It’s about someone else’s need to feel superior.

Because for some people, the only way they think they can be “the best” is by making sure everyone else looks worse.

They’re not building themselves up, they’re just busy knocking down everyone around them whilst calling it a climb.

Sometimes it starts out subtle. A little “us vs. them.” A few comments that sound more like warnings than opinions. And suddenly you’ve got someone on a mission, not to be great at what they do, but to make sure others don’t get the recognition they deserve.

Why? Because they’re not really chasing excellence. They’re chasing validation. And rather than earning it through their own progress, they’ll chase it through comparison, control, and conflict.

But here’s the truth: If your success relies on tearing someone else down, it was never real success to begin with.

Remember What Unites Us

At the end of the day, we’re all here for the same reason: we love dogs. It's a deep, soul-level kind of love. It’s our passion, our purpose, and for many of us, our life’s work.

We show up every day to help dogs live better, happier, more fulfilled lives. We guide owners. We hold hands through tough times. We celebrate the wins and sit through the struggles.

We got into this work to make a difference, not to make enemies.

So let’s not lose sight of what connects us. Because when you strip away the ego, the competition, the noise… what’s left is a community of people who want to do good. And if we can’t support each other while we’re doing it, what are we even doing?

So What Can You Do?

If you’re the target: Don’t get even. Be better. Focus on your craft, your community, and your reason for doing this work. Let your impact speak louder than the noise.

If you’re the bystander: Ask why. Set boundaries. Choose kindness, always. And remember; silence can look like agreement. You don’t have to call people out, but you can choose not to play along.

If you’re realizing you’ve been part of the problem: Take a breath. It’s never too late to change direction. Apologize if you need to. Reflect. Reframe. Grow. You’ll be stronger and far more respected for it.

Why We Choose to Stand Above It

At Frank 'n' Scents, we’re here for the dogs, the joy, the learning, and the people who want to grow — not just in skills, but in character.

We believe there's enough room for everyone to succeed. We believe in sharing knowledge, not gatekeeping it. And we believe that integrity and kindness are stronger than any social media spat.

So if you’re tired of the noise, come and trail with us. Breathe the fresh air. Reconnect with why you started.

Let’s be the kind of community our dogs think we already are.

Happy Mantrailing!

Danielle & Frank

The Frank 'n' Scents Mantrailing Team