Our mission

We believe owning a dog should feel like a partnership, not a power struggle. The old advice, based on discredited wolf pack theories, still shows up in books, TV shows and forums. It damages the bond between dogs and their people and, worse, can make behavior problems far harder to fix. Lilidog exists to give dog owners the practical, science-backed alternative they rarely find on the first page of Google: detailed, honest guides that work in real homes with real dogs.

Every guide on this site is written from the perspective of someone who has actually done the work. Sarah has hand-raised puppies through critical socialization windows, rehabbed reactive rescues, counselled families whose dogs were weeks away from surrender, and coached thousands of owners through the everyday challenges of living with a dog. That experience shapes each article. You will not find filler or recycled advice here.

Who writes Lilidog

Sarah Whitfield holds the Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a force-free trainer, meaning she does not use pain, fear or intimidation in her methods. Her approach draws from applied behavior analysis, classical and operant conditioning, and a deep respect for the cognitive and emotional lives of dogs.

Before founding Lilidog, Sarah worked as a behavior consultant at a busy Austin animal shelter, where she specialised in separation anxiety and reactive dog rehabilitation. She has also partnered with veterinary practices on pain-related behavior cases, and continues to mentor new trainers in the Central Texas region.

How we research our articles

Before writing a guide, we study the current peer-reviewed literature, review the positions of major veterinary and behavior associations, and, whenever possible, consult with specialists. For anything health-related we cross-check with practising veterinarians. For nutrition content we reference independent sources such as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the Tufts Cummings School Clinical Nutrition Service, not brand-funded materials.

We update our content when the science moves. If an article on grain-free diets, socialization windows or anxiety medication becomes outdated, we revise it. Dates on every guide reflect the last substantive update, not a cosmetic refresh.

What we do not do

Lilidog is not a product review site disguised as advice. We do not accept paid placements, sponsored reviews, or gifts from brands in exchange for coverage. When we mention a product, it is because we have used it personally or because it is genuinely the best option we have tested. Our affiliate relationships, when they exist, are disclosed plainly and never influence what we recommend.

We also do not chase viral trends, dog-shaming content, or outrage clickbait. Dogs are not entertainment. They are family members, and our readers deserve guidance that respects that.

Get in touch

If you have a question that isn’t answered in one of our guides, a correction to suggest, or a case you’d like help thinking through, please reach out via our contact page. We read every message and reply within a few business days. Lilidog is small and independent, and we intend to keep it that way.