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Free Dog Training Tips - Care and Advice on Behaviour Problems

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Also see our Free Tips Downloads section for free dog training tips infographics and handouts too.

Halloween - Don't let the fright turn to a bite...

Halloween is fast approaching and, as dog trainers and behaviour therapists, we know that this can be a particularly difficult time for dogs. Most dogs don't like change because they are used to the routine and association they have built and are most familiar with. Their environment may be different because of decorations in the house and the street, and th...

Sibling Rivalry in dogs...

One of the common calls we get is for help where two (or more) dogs living in the same household have started to fight. We call this sibling rivalry. Many owners never experience this but, for those who do, it can be very distressing. Not only can it be dangerous for the owners when they try to break up fights, once sibling rivalry becomes extreme, owners ma...

Greeting unknown dogs in the correct way...

If you are a dog lover, which you probably are if you are taking the time to read this article, you will enjoy greeting new dogs you meet whilst out and about. However, attempting to greet a dog in an inappropriate manner could cause you all sorts of problems, and could also put you, the dog, and the owner at risk. Dogs are taught by their mother from an ea...

Alabama Rot Deadly Disease to Dogs...

What is Alabama Rot?Alabama Rot or CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), is a canine disease that causes blood clots to form in blood vessels causing damage which leads to tissue damage. An extremely dangerous disease, its cause is currently unknown, but it can affect dogs of any breed, size or age. Unless spotted early, the disease can...

Don't Confuse Your Dog...

As Bark Busters trainers, one of the most common things we hear from dog owners is "My dog doesn't listen to me". If you have heard or read about the Bark Busters system of training, you will know that it is founded on communication; voice tone and body language. This leverages the natural communication which works for dogs and has done for thousands of yea...

Jumping Up...

We often get called to see dogs who are in the habit of jumping up at people. It may be that they jump up at their owner, or visitors, or anyone they pass in the street! It’s a behaviour that can be, at best, embarrassing for the owner or, at worst, putting the owner at risk of criminal charges and an expensive fine. When dogs greet each other (beside...

Bereavement: Coping with the loss of a dog...

Dogs are with us for just a short period of our lives and yet, during that time, they become a major part of our family. Many people would describe the attachment they feel towards their dog as just as strong, if not stronger, than that felt towards some human relatives. So when it is time for our beloved pet to leave us and cross over the "Rainbow Bridge",...

Dangerous Dog Breeds...

There has been a major furore on social media recently over a sign erected by a Councillor on an area of public land in Ireland. This prohibits certain breeds of dog from being allowed off lead. The selection of breeds subject to this ban appears to be based on the Councillors personal feelings. The force of the backlash against the Councillor from dog owner...

Introducing a new dog or puppy...

If you have decided that the time is right to add a new dog to your family, you will probably be feeling really excited to introduce the new addition to the rest of the family. There will be reasons why you felt that this was the right dog for your family…right age, right size, right temperament, good with children, good with other dogs etc., so you a...

Dog Bite Prevention Week 2016...

Dog bite prevention week takes place on the third week of May annually and aims to educate people in how to avoid being bitten by a dog. It's a sad fact that dog bites, in the UK, increase more and more each year. Over the past 10 years, dog bites have increased by over 40%. The latest NHS figures appear to show that there has been an increase of over 6% on...

Teaching Recall to your Dog or Puppy...

Does your dog come when called? Now that we are into Spring, and the weather is warmer, many of us enjoy the chance to take our dogs out and allow them a good run off lead. If your dog comes every time you call him, that’s great. But if you find that your dog consistently ignores your recall, then you could try improving your technique, and putting som...

Springtime with your dog...

Now that we have made it through Easter, the days are getting longer, and the fields, hedgerows and gardens are bursting into life, no doubt you can hardly wait to get out and explore the countryside with your dog. So we thought we would put together some tips and advice to help you and your dog stay safe and healthy this Springtime. Make sure you check tha...