Dog Training

You survived puppyhood! Give yourself a pat on the back – or better yet, a long, quiet cuppa. You navigated the adorable whirlwind of tiny teeth, unexpected puddles, and that charming phase where your favourite designer shoe became an irresistible chew toy. Perhaps you even aced those early puppy classes, proudly showing off your [...]

If you're searching for a mentally stimulating and rewarding activity for your dog, mantrailing could be the perfect fit. Not only does this unique discipline engage your dog's natural instincts, but it’s also an excellent way to support reactive dogs in a positive and controlled environment. Contrary to popular belief, mantrailing is not limited to [...]

As a force-free, rewards-based dog trainer, my approach centres on creating a cooperative and joyful relationship between you and your dog. I firmly believe that training should be both enjoyable and empowering for our dogs, giving them the chance to learn through positive experiences rather than fear or compulsion. This method allows for a [...]

Fireworks are often a spectacular sight, lighting up the night sky with bursts of colour and sound. However, for many dogs, fireworks can be a source of intense fear and anxiety. The loud bangs, bright lights, and unpredictability can trigger stress responses in even the most well-behaved pets. If your dog is among those that [...]

In the ever-evolving field of animal behaviour, it’s essential to critically engage with scientific studies before accepting their conclusions as fact. One recent example highlights just how important this can be. In 2024, the journal Animals published a study in volume 14 examining the efficacy of electric shock collars for training dogs. While the study [...]

Electric shock collars, also known as e-collars or electronic training collars, have been a controversial tool in dog training for years. These collars administer an electric shock to a dog’s neck, usually controlled by a remote, with the aim of correcting unwanted behaviours. While some proponents argue that shock collars can be effective when used [...]

Recent research led by Rachel A. Casey, Maria Naj-Oleari, Sarah Campbell, Michael Mendl, and Emily J. Blackwell has shed light on a significant aspect of canine behaviour and welfare: the emotional impact of aversive training methods. The study titled "Dogs are more pessimistic if their owners use two or more aversive training methods" reveals a [...]

Welcoming a dog into your home is a joyous occasion. Their wagging tails and boundless energy bring smiles and warmth to our lives. But as any dog owner knows, these furry bundles of joy also present some challenges. This is where training comes in—not just as a necessity, but as a key to unlocking a [...]

Hello, fellow dog lovers! 🐾 Today, let’s dive into one of the most effective and rewarding training techniques you can use: shaping. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your dog learn new behaviours in a way that’s fun, engaging, and stress-free, shaping might just be your new best friend. What is Shaping? Shaping is [...]

As a dog trainer, I've encountered many challenges. Each pup is as unique as a fingerprint, with their own quirks and personalities. Recently, a concerned owner approached me with a problem behaviour that was causing distress for both her and her beloved furry friend. This is the journey of rescuing Rover and Sarah (not their [...]