Everything here is built on reward-based training. We do not use dominance or alpha theory, because the research it was based on was withdrawn by the person who produced it, and because punishment-led methods tend to suppress behaviour rather than change how a dog feels. These guides cover the behaviour problems owners actually run into and how to work through them without frightening your dog.
Find a training class near you
Jumps, a tunnel and weave poles are the three pieces worth having at home, and contact obstacles are best left to your club. What to look for in each, the sizes used at UK shows, and how to practise without injuring your dog.
Hoopers swaps agility's jumps and weave poles for hoops, barrels and tunnels, so it is far gentler on joints. How the two sports differ, which dogs and handlers each one suits, and how to find a class in the UK.
Any dog can try agility, pedigree or not. How to find a club near you, what a first session is like, what it costs, and how you get from your first tunnel to your first Royal Kennel Club show.
Bonfire Night is a Thursday this year and Diwali is the Sunday after, so many dogs face two late nights in one week. How to prepare, what actually helps on the night, what the evidence says about calming aids, and when to call your vet.
Discover our comprehensive UK guide on boundary training for dogs, offering step-by-step instructions and tips for success. Learn how to safely teach your dog to respect home boundaries and prevent them from running out the front door, with strategies tailored for puppies and older dogs alike.
Unlock the secrets of reward-based training and experience the joy of a well-behaved dog through positive reinforcement. Learn how this effective, humane method can strengthen your bond, improve mental health, and encourage good behaviour in dogs of all ages and breeds.
How to get your dog ready for a baby, starting about four months before the birth: new routines, baby gates, sounds and smells, the first introduction, the warning signs to watch for, and staying safe as your baby starts crawling and walking.
Why dogs guard food, toys and places, the warning signs to watch for, the swap and approach-and-drop methods that work, what makes guarding worse, and how to find a qualified behaviourist in the UK.
Explore the debunked alpha theory in dog training, its persistence in popular culture due to celebrity endorsements, and the importance of promoting reward-based methods for smarter and more sensitive canine companions. Uncover the truth about training man's best friend.
Discover the causes, manifestations, and effective ways to alleviate separation anxiety in dogs. Learn how to help your furry friend through this common issue with expert tips and dog separation anxiety toys.
Discover the importance of recognising and respecting your dog's boundaries and comfort levels. Explore the concept of dog consent and learn how to conduct a Dog Consent Test to ensure your furry friend's happiness and well-being.
These sit in another topic but overlap enough to be worth reading here.
Health & Wellbeing
Halloween is on a Saturday this year, with fireworks already on sale. The sweets that are dangerous to dogs, whether you should dress your dog up, what to do if they chew a glow stick, and how to handle a night of knocks at the door.
Puppies & New Dogs
A dog must be 18 months old to compete in UK agility, and the Royal Kennel Club advises no equipment work before a year. Why the wait matters for growing joints, and the groundwork a puppy can safely learn in the meantime.
Health & Wellbeing
Licking you is mostly greeting and attention. Licking paws, floors or the air is where the clues are: allergies, pain, nausea and stress all show up as licking. What each pattern usually means and when to see a vet.
Walking & Kit
Explore our step-by-step guide to positive muzzle training for dogs. Learn how to select the right muzzle, create positive associations, and safely introduce your dog to a muzzle. Understand the benefits, debunk myths, and discover practical tips.
Food & Feeding
Discover the importance of choosing natural dog treats for training. Learn about the benefits of natural options and why you should avoid processed treats. Prioritise your furry friend's health and training success!"
Puppies & New Dogs
Is crate training cruel or kind? The real pros and cons, the three-hour limit UK charities agree on, what size crate to buy, and a step-by-step plan for crate training a puppy.
