Blog
Read the latest dog training and behaviour guides, tips and tricks from Paul Lasky, your trusted Essex based dog trainer.
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.
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.
My wonderful experience making a website with Hello Melody Branding
After coming up with a new service idea for my business I needed help bringing it to life with some social media posts. Melody was the natural choice as she had already designed my logo with great success.
My thoughts on fatal dog attacks on humans…
There have been 2 news stories in the last couple of weeks where a group of dogs have killed a person. Being someone who promotes the amazingness of dogs every day, I needed to somehow process it.
Is your dog really better off than a street dog?
On holiday in Mexico I had the opportunity to watch some street dogs and some pet dogs who had the freedom to go out in the street. These observations made me think about how lucky these dogs were to express their natural behaviours with much more freedom than their counterparts in countries like the UK. Which type of life is actually the better quality of life?
Fixing a behaviour problem does not take half an hour
Would you believe an advert that said it could "fix" your child's ADHD or anxiety in x number of weeks? Nah, didn't think so.
Embrace your dog’s natural behaviours
Would you expect a pet sheep to stop eating grass? Whilst a dog is not a wolf, it is still an animal with its own set of genetic behaviours, drives and desires. See my simple tips on how to synchronise with your dog's drives and natural behaviours.
Don’t judge a reactive dog by it’s barking
Labelling a dog on one observation. Something we may all be guilty of. Even dog trainers and behaviourists. Something I find interesting about my job is getting to see all the different versions of a dog.
Dogs always do things for a reason.
Dogs always do things for a reason. For example: scared or anxious about something, in pain, tired, hungry, bored and so on.
Avoiding the trigger, is not the issue, it is part of the therapy
Avoiding the trigger, is not avoiding the issue, it is part of the therapy.
One for the football fans - A behaviour plan in a football strategy formation
One for the footballs fans. A behaviour plan in a football strategy formation.
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.
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 many times have I been bitten?
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.
The importance of training a dog to be obedient in behaviour consultations
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.