Blog
Read the latest dog training and behaviour guides, tips and tricks from Paul Lasky, your trusted Essex based dog trainer.
Why Separation Related Training Is Important For All Dogs
The deeper I go into behaviour plans, the more I realise that separation related training is one of the most important skills a dog in a domestic life needs to learn.
Why Does My Dog Pull So Much? - Tip of the day
How do I stop my dog pulling? Are you asking the wrong question? Doesn’t that focus on the problem of pulling?
Could you ask instead?…How do I get my dog to focus on me a more?
Why Daycare Might Conflict With a Behaviour Modification
Why might daycare conflict with a behaviour modification plan for a genuine behaviour problem? A behaviour plan is a highly controlled and managed set of protocols to limit or stop dog's practicing certain behaviours. Here is a list of what to consider.
Train your dog or use a long line whilst on walks
If your dog runs away from you to greet other dogs and you cannot call them back. How can you guarantee that your dog will be safe? Read my list on what to consider whilst out on walks.
Why Am I A Force Free Trainer?
Recently there's been more of this positive versus aversive debate in dog training, out there on the social media, so I thought it might be interesting for you to hear my thoughts on it.
Proud to be a Separation Anxiety Ambassador
I'm very proud to announce I am now an ambassador for Separation Anxiety Behaviourist Lauren at Dog Mum Mindset.
FIDO COME!!!!! That's a lot of pressure on one word!
FIDO COME!!!!! That's a lot of pressure on one word! If you are struggling to reach a reliable recall, my top tip would be to teach your dog some other things. Teach your dog around 5 other behaviours to support your recall. Teach them in all locations including outdoors. Then go back to your recall.
Reasons I would refuse a puppy from a breed
Remember a dog is with you for 10 to 15 years! Take your time.
Read my list of reasons for not buying a puppy and move on to a different breeder you are happy with.
Reactivity Training is a long-term skill
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.
Not all Puppy Plans are equal
Paul Lasky Puppy Plans!
It is not a replacement for classes. Classes are not a replacement for puppy plans. They both have great value.
Busting the Dominance Theory Myth
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.
Dog Training – Help! Why all the conflicting information?
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.
Training versus Behaviour
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.
What does a behaviour consultation look like?
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.
Critical Puppy Socialisation Window
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.
What to do when other dogs are around – A Beginners Guide
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.
How to walk your Adult dog
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.
How to walk your puppy
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.
Why Do We Use Treats?
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.
Should I let my dog on the sofa? And other learning theory traps
"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?"