Dog Training & Behaviour Hub
Kind, reward-based training — house training, recall, barking, biting, clicker work and obedience, plus the tools that help.
30 guides in this topic
Training is how your dog learns to live happily in a human world — and done kindly, it is the best fun you will have together. This hub covers the foundations: house and crate training, recall, loose-lead walking, and fixing the common headaches like barking, biting and jumping up.
Everything here is reward-based. Modern, welfare-led training gets faster, more reliable results than old-fashioned punishment, and it builds trust rather than fear. Start with the right training tools — a clicker, a treat pouch and high-value treats — then work through the guides below in order.
This is practical, lived-experience guidance, not professional behaviour therapy. For serious aggression, severe anxiety or a problem that is not shifting, please see an accredited, force-free behaviourist — your vet can refer you.
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Guides & answers
Read, understand, decide.
What Is Rally Obedience? A Beginner's Guide for UK Dog Owners
What Is Static Correction? Are Shock Collars Legal in the UK?
Reasons to adopt a senior dog
Why an older rescue dog can make a calmer, more predictable and deeply rewarding companion than a puppy
How to make a dog toy from an old T-shirt
A step-by-step guide to braiding a safe, sturdy tug toy from an old cotton T-shirt, plus how to check it and play with it safely
How to teach a puppy to accept being restrained
A gentle, reward-based plan to help your puppy stay calm during handling, grooming and vet checks
Camping with your dog: a safe trip guide
Everything you need to prepare, pack and plan for a safe, happy camping trip with your dog in the UK
Choosing the best toys for your cat
How to match toys to your cat's natural play style, from wand toys to puzzle feeders, and the safety checks every owner should make
How to make a DIY dog toy from an old T-shirt
A step-by-step guide to braiding a safe, budget-friendly tug toy from an old cotton T-shirt, plus the safety rules to play by
Crate training a dog: a step-by-step guide
A gentle, step-by-step method for crate training a puppy or adult dog, from first introductions to overnight use
Mental exercise for dogs: games and enrichment ideas
Why mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise, with practical games, puzzles and enrichment ideas for dogs of every age
Pumpkin dog biscuit recipe for Halloween
A vet-recipe-based pumpkin dog biscuit for Halloween, with safe portions and the ingredients to avoid completely
Dog collars vs harnesses: how to choose
A clear comparison of collars and harnesses for everyday walking, covering fit, safety, and which suits different dogs
The best foods for a dog's digestive system
A vet-informed guide to the foods that support healthy digestion in dogs, the everyday triggers to avoid, and how to transition diets safely
How to feed a puppy: a complete feeding guide
How often to feed your puppy, how much, and when to switch from puppy to adult food by breed size
Why do dogs bark and how to manage it
The real reasons behind excessive barking and the gentle, reward-based methods that actually help your dog settle
The Countryside Code for dog walkers
A clear guide to the Countryside Code's rules for dog walkers, covering livestock, leads, seasonal restrictions and rights of way
Thai ridgeback: breed guide, temperament and care
An honest guide to the Thai ridgeback's origins, temperament, exercise needs and health, for UK owners considering this rare, primitive breed
Puppy care: housetraining and the basics every new owner needs
A practical, vet-informed guide to the first weeks with a new puppy, from housetraining and feeding to socialisation and vet checks
Easy homemade dog biscuit recipe
A simple, vet-safe homemade dog biscuit recipe using pantry staples, with substitutions for wheat, egg, and peanut allergies
Best guard dog breeds
A grounded, UK-focused guide to the breeds most suited to home protection, and what training and family life with one really looks like
Responsible dog ownership: a complete guide
What UK law and welfare charities expect of dog owners, from microchipping and control in public to diet, exercise, training and lifelong vet care
Homemade dog treat recipes
Simple, vet-safe homemade dog treat recipes plus the ingredients to avoid and how many treats is too many
Dog ice lolly recipes: cooling treats for hot weather
Safe, vet-informed dog ice lolly recipes using yoghurt, broth, and fruit, plus the foods to avoid and when to worry about heatstroke
Switching your dog to a raw diet: what you need to know
What DIY raw feeding involves, the real risks and benefits, and how to switch your dog over safely
Dog behaviour and training: a beginner's guide
A grounded introduction to reading your dog's body language and starting reward-based training the right way
Best guard dog breeds for family protection
A balanced, UK-focused look at breeds known for protective instincts, and what training and socialisation they really need to be safe family dogs
Enrichment for cats: how to enrich an indoor cat's life
Practical, vet-informed ways to enrich an indoor cat's world through play, foraging, climbing, scent and safe spaces
Puppy crate training and housetraining FAQ
Your questions on crate training and housetraining a new puppy answered, including how long a puppy can be crated at each age
Leash reactivity in dogs: why it happens and how to help
Why dogs lunge, bark or spin on the lead, how to spot the early warning signs, and the reward-based training that helps
How to avoid puppy scams when buying a dog online
A practical UK buyer's guide to spotting puppy fraud red flags, verifying a breeder, and checking paperwork before you pay a deposit
The dog training starter plan
A step-by-step plan for the first behaviours every dog should know — free, no spam.