Question: What does agility training, gun dog training and reactivity training all have in common?

Answer: They are all types of training that require practice and potentially long-term commitment for advanced outcomes.

Paul Lasky Puppy Plans!

It is not a replacement for classes. Classes are not a replacement for puppy plans. They both have great value.

Let us break down further how the dominance theory wrongly claims that dogs are wolves and any behaviour issue is because the dog is trying to get a higher rank than the human. This theory sadly leads to an array of abusive training methods.

Everyone who gives you advice will believe in what they are telling you. Generally speaking they believe it has “worked” for them. Unfortunately, every single dog is an individual and every household is different, so what works for one dog does not universally transfer to another dog.

Dog Training versus behaviour…This article is a guide to help focus your mind on what you actually need. The world of dog training is split into two main areas and it can sometimes be confusing. It need not be! Please read on.

A behaviour package is tailor made specifically for YOU and YOUR dog. It is made up of a diagnostic online questionnaire, initial first aid advice, consultation, a treatment plan, online support and potential follow up appointments.

Firstly, well done for reading this, the good news is your puppy is most susceptible to learning good habits up to the age of around 16 weeks! So, you thought you would just chill for a few weeks until puppy classes start? Scientifically this isn't best practice.

Dog to dog interactions can be a great source of stress for some owners and their dogs. There are a variety of situations where this may occur. The situations detailed in this article are not exhaustive but cover most of the common scenarios.

A lot of people make the mistake of giving in to the dogs excitement and getting out of the door as quickly as possible, because the dog is so irate with glee. Unfortunately, this can set the entire tone for the walk.

Dogs can find going out stimulating and at times scary, being aware of this, is even more important with puppies. Chasing traffic, barking at other dogs and not wanting to go for a walk at all. As my dog training career has progressed this subject has become very close to my heart. Here are some top tips for more enjoyable walks for both you and your puppy.

You need to create a nice consequence, when your dog does something you like, so that they do it more. Just like training a muscle at the gym or learning any new skill, it takes repetition. We also call something nice, a reinforcer.

"How do I get my dog off the sofa?" is one of my favourite questions to be asked. I beam back "wouldn’t it be easier to keep your dog on the floor, before it has got on the sofa?"

OK, so this is a bit of a provocative title. Maybe it conjures up images of a hero dog trainer bitten many times on the way to being a superstar. The actual fact of the matter is, I have been bitten hardly at all and am very proud of it.

Think of training your dog as a bit like bringing up a child. It is a progressive experience that spans the entire early, adolescent periods and into adulthood. Unlike our children who move out and look after themselves, our dogs are our children for their entire life and can learn bad habits at any time.

You are going to need to do the homework. Your dog trainer, after showing you how, will let you practice and give you coaching on technique and what works for your dog. Then it is up to you to do the homework. If you are not practicing training then your dog will not magically become trained.

Roll up, roll up. Place your bets. You want to get a dog and you have arrived at the canine casino. There is a saying. "It's not the dog, it's the owners". Well, that is not strictly true. It's actually the canine casino. With the best laid plans and intentions, a dog can still have behavioural challenges or not be a fit for the initial requirements of the owner.

Sometimes with dog behaviour modifications plans, we need to avoid the problem completely and work on other things such as general training, enrichment, confidence building and self-control exercises and go back to the problem much later.