Dog and Puppy Training Advice
Dog Tricks vs Foundation Training: Why Both Matter
One question I occasionally hear from dog owners is:
"Shouldn't I focus on the important stuff before teaching tricks?"
It's a fair question.
After all, most people want their dog to:
come when called
walk nicely on a lead
settle at home
greet people politely
These are the skills that make everyday life easier. But that doesn't mean tricks are unimportant.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
One of the questions many dog owners ask at some point is:
"Why does my dog follow me everywhere?"
From room to room.
Into the kitchen.
Outside the bathroom door.
Sometimes it feels sweet.
Other times it can feel a little relentless.
The good news is that in many cases, this behaviour is completely normal.
But understanding why it happens can help you build healthy independence as well as a strong relationship with your dog.
Why a Crate Can Become a Safe Space for Your Dog
Crates can sometimes get a bad reputation.
Many owners worry that using one feels restrictive or unfair, especially when they first bring a puppy home.
But when introduced properly, a crate can actually become one of the most useful tools for helping a dog feel calm, secure and settled.
The important part is how the crate is used.
Why Your Dog Gets Overexcited Around Other Dogs on Walks
For many dog owners, walks become stressful not because their dog is aggressive but because they become too excited around other dogs.
Pulling, lunging, whining, barking, spinning, fixating…
It can feel overwhelming and embarrassing, especially when your dog is actually friendly.
The important thing to understand is that overexcitement is still a loss of emotional control.
And for many dogs, constantly greeting or interacting with every dog they see can actually make the problem worse over time.
What To Do When Your Puppy Won’t Settle in the Evening
If your puppy turns into a completely different dog in the evening… biting more, zooming around, barking, or just unable to relax… you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common challenges new puppy owners face, and it can feel frustrating, especially after a day where things seemed to be going well.
The good news is that this behaviour is very normal. It’s also something that can be improved with the right approach.
What Actually Happens in a 1 to 1 Dog Training Session
If you are considering dog training, one of the biggest questions is often:
“What will actually happen in the session?”
For many people, it feels a bit unknown.
So here is a simple breakdown of what you can expect.
Why Your Dog Isn’t Listening | Dog Training in Richmond & Teddington
If you’ve ever felt like your dog listens perfectly at home… but completely ignores you outside, you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common frustrations I hear from dog owners across Richmond, Teddington and South West London.
And it’s easy to jump to conclusions.
K9 First Aid: Why It Matters (Why I Keep It Up to Date)
When you live with a dog, you quickly realise how much they rely on you, not just for training and guidance, but for their safety too.
I’ve recently completed a K9 First Aid course with Institute of Modern Dog Trainers as part of my ongoing professional development.
It’s something I believe strongly in, not just learning these skills once, but keeping them up to date.
Because in an emergency, it’s not just about knowing what to do, it’s about being confident enough to act calmly and appropriately.
Why I Chose a Positive, Modern Approach to Dog and Puppy Training (and the Journey to Becoming Qualified)
Becoming a dog trainer wasn’t something I rushed into.
Like many people, my journey started with a genuine interest in dogs—understanding behaviour, building better relationships, and helping owners feel more confident.
But the more I learned, the clearer it became that how you train matters just as much as what you train.
Why I Chose to Become an IMDT Qualified Dog Trainer (and What That Means for You and Your Dog)
When you’re looking for help with your dog, one of the hardest things to navigate is knowing who to trust.
Unlike many professions, dog training in the UK isn’t regulated which means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, regardless of experience or methods.
How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
One of the biggest challenges for new puppy owners is sleep.
Those first few nights can be tough.
Whining, barking and restlessness can leave both you and your puppy feeling exhausted.
The good news is that puppies can learn to settle and sleep through the night — with the right structure and support
How to Teach a Puppy to Be Left Alone (Without Stress or Panic)
One of the most common challenges new puppy owners face is leaving their puppy alone.
What often starts as whining or barking can quickly become stressful for both the puppy and the owner.
The good news is that being left alone is a skill that can be taught — gradually, calmly and without creating anxiety.
Puppy Socialisation: Building Emotional Intelligence in Your Puppy
Puppy socialisation is one of the most important parts of raising a calm and confident dog.
But the word “socialisation” can sometimes be misleading.
Many people assume it means letting a puppy meet as many people and dogs as possible.
In reality, what we are really trying to build is something deeper.
Let’s call it emotional intelligence training.
How to Stop Your Puppy Jumping Up on People
For many new owners, a jumping puppy can quickly turn from something cute into something frustrating.
One moment your puppy is greeting you happily. The next they’re launching themselves at guests, muddy paws included.
Jumping up is extremely common behaviour in puppies and young dogs, but the good news is it’s also something that can be improved with the right training approach.
Understanding why puppies jump up is the first step to helping them learn calmer ways to greet people.
How to Stop Your Dog Pulling on the Lead in Richmond & SW London
If walks with your dog feel more like being dragged down the street than enjoying fresh air, you’re not alone.
Lead pulling is one of the most common challenges dog owners face — and one of the most frustrating.
The good news is: with the right training approach, most dogs can learn to walk calmly on a loose lead.
In this guide, I’ll explain why dogs pull, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build better walking habits.
How to Toilet Train a Puppy in Richmond & SW London
Toilet training is one of the first big challenges new puppy owners face — and one of the most stressful when it doesn’t go to plan.
Accidents on carpets, sleepless nights, and constant cleaning can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news? With the right routine, clear guidance, and consistency, most puppies can learn good toilet habits quickly and calmly.
In this guide, I’ll explain how toilet training works, common mistakes to avoid, and how to set your puppy up for success.
How to Stop Puppy Biting and Nipping in Richmond & SW London
Puppy biting and nipping is one of the most common (and frustrating) challenges new owners face.
If your puppy is constantly grabbing your hands, clothes, or ankles, you’re not alone and the good news is, this behaviour can be improved with the right approach.
In this guide, I’ll explain why puppies bite, what not to do, and how to gently teach calmer behaviour.