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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. For example: scared or anxious about something, in pain, tired, hungry, bored and so on.

Avoiding the trigger, is not avoiding the issue, it is part of the therapy.

One for the footballs fans. A behaviour plan in a football strategy formation.

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 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.

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.