The slip lead, dating back 1000s of years, combines a collar and leash in a single piece, making it easy to use and adjust. Originally designed for quick application and removal, the slip lead is favoured by trainers for its simplicity and effectiveness in providing gentle control and guidance. As a rule, gundogs working in dense undergrowth and woodland are not fitted with collars, for safety reasons: they can easily catch on branches or fences and injure themselves. So, the slip lead, slipping on and off easily, are the preference for handlers to control the dog whilst e.g. walking from… Read more: Why use a Slip Lead?

Despite the fear-mongering tarnishing the reputation of the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) tool, it’s actually one of the greatest advancements for canine welfare and well-being. There are ‘claims’ that 67 breeds of dogs might face a ban in the UK if certain measures are enacted on breeders. This claim has raised significant concern among dog enthusiasts and breeders alike, with a belief it could drastically impact the diversity and availability of various breeds. Yet, surely it’s better to stay informed about such developments and consider their implications for pet owners and the canine community. The involvement of figures like Jeremy… Read more: They don’t want to ban 67 breeds in the UK

It is undeniable that incidents involving dogs are increasingly frequent. Teaching dog owners to recognize the subtle distinctions between playfulness and aggression poses a challenge for trainers. This raises the question: if more owners understood these nuances, might there be fewer dog altercations in parks and other communal spaces? If dog owners were well-versed in understanding canine body language, they could prevent conflicts from escalating into fights. The truth is, not only are they often unfamiliar with these cues, but they may also not prioritize learning them. Therefore, as part of a training program, would it be prudent for a… Read more: Aggression Or Play: Do owners know the difference?

A trainers journey can involve them discovering a passion for all breeds of gundogs. However, training a German shepherd doesn’t qualify me as a police dog trainer. Working with a Golden Retriever doesn’t make me a guide dog specialist, and training a Malinois doesn’t turn me into a bomb detection dog expert. So, why is it considered acceptable for some trainers working with pet dogs to call themselves gundog trainers simply because they are enthusiastic about gundog breeds? Just as training a specific breed of dog doesn’t automatically qualify someone as an expert in all related fields, working with pet… Read more: Who is a gundog trainer?

Socialization is NOT Exposure… – YouTubeIn this YouTube short picked out by Doctor Orion the Veterinarian, he calls out Method K9 who raises an important point regarding the use of the term “socialization”. Instead, she suggests the term “exposure” might better capture the essence of what dogs and owners need to hear. It’s surprising that this hasn’t been questioned more thoroughly in the past, as trainers are often heard reiterating the meaning of socialization on their socials. The concern for trainers should be that using this term might actually set dogs up for failure by owners, as it may not… Read more: Dr Orion takes another swipe

Having spent half a century in the company of dogs, I have developed an understanding of their behaviour and communication. With this experience, I found that training tools are unnecessary for me. Instead, I focus on techniques that use clear markers and boundaries, I communicate with them in a language they comprehend. This approach not only strengthens the bond we share but also fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect. Balanced trainers often encounter dogs that have previously worked with several force-free trainers, which was at considerable expense for the owners and very stressful. For many dogs and owners,… Read more: I don’t use tools to train my dogs. Or do I?