The Big Issue

• 

Dog Training: The Big Issue

As a dog parent, you might not be aware of the different types of training approaches out there. While you’re likely familiar with 1-on-1 sessions, group classes and certain sports, I’m referring to the fundamental philosophy of the trainers themselves.

The dog training industry is currently unregulated. Anyone can set up a business, call themselves a trainer, and start giving out advice. With so many people turning to social media for quick fixes, this has become a serious problem.

I’m not here to debate who is right or wrong, but rather to share some perspective so you can make informed decisions for your dog.

Experience

Experience is essential—you obviously don't want advice from someone who has never owned a dog. However, a trainer’s experience with their own pets might look completely different from what your dog needs.

More importantly, experience without up-to-date knowledge can be harmful. Years ago, it was common practice for people to rub a puppy’s nose in their faeces or urine if they had an accident or use a rolled-up newspaper as punishment, completely unaware of how traumatic that was for the dog. While experience matters, it’s vital to ask what kind of experience a trainer has and how it shapes their methods.

Education

You would think that understanding how dogs learn and process behaviour would be a mandatory requirement to call yourself a trainer. Unbelievably, it isn't. No formal education or insurance is legally.

On the flip side, someone with a degree but zero practical experience can be just as ineffective. Theoretical knowledge on paper means very little if a trainer lacks hands-on handling skills and can't read canine body language in real time.

Tools

Training 'tools' cover a massive spectrum—ranging from treats and toys to shock and prong collars. It’s crucial to decide what you are personally comfortable using on your dog, rather than letting a trainer coerce you into using equipment that doesn't align with your values.

The Real Issue

Because of this lack of industry standards and the rise of social media "gurus," we’ve lost sight of what real dog training actually looks like.

Every week, I see owners looking for a quick fix—a magic supplement, a special harness, or a new gimmick. The internet is full of people ready to sell you these shortcuts alongside a dose of snake oil.

The truth is, shortcuts don't solve behavioural issues; they just mask them. Putting a prong collar on a dog might stop them from reacting out of pain or discomfort, but it does nothing to address why the dog was reacting in the first place.

We’ve stopped taking the time to train with patience. Dogs don't come programmed, and we speak entirely different languages. Focus on building solid foundations slowly and carefully. Always reward what you want the dog to do rather than punishing what you don't. When you build a genuine bond and keep things engaging, your dog will actually want to work with you.

Training is a joint process where both you and your dog learn together. Don't rush it, don't stress, and find a trainer who gives you both the guidance and space to succeed at your own pace.

Ditch the pressure for perfection. Take a long, relaxed sniffy walk in the woods without asking a single command of them.

It’s time to stop pushing our need for instant gratification onto our dogs. They don't need to master six different dog sports a year. It’s completely fine if they are still working on a cue you started months ago. It’s okay if they need more time than other dogs, and it’s more than okay to just love them exactly as they are—warts and all.

If you need help with your dog or have any questions you can book a free consult call with me or drop me a message.