Training your dog can start at any age and the sooner the better! The Dog Play and Learning Centre is positive, modern and ethical in our work with dogs.

In order to get the dog to work with us, we must be aware of their good behaviour. If we provide the dog with a treat, something they really want/love, then they are highly likely to repeat the behaviour again. Dogs love to work with us and if they are praised and rewarded, it is the start of a good system!

Treats need to be something really tasty, think of your dog like a bank account, if you put the good stuff in you will reap the rewards (chopped hot dog/liver/ham/chicken/cheese for older dogs and good quality kibble for pups). You must take into account the daily amount of food your pup/dog should receive and factor that in to their diet. You could weigh out the pup’s daily food amount and use this for training, Kongs, food puzzles, etc, then if there is any left overs you can feed that as the evening meal. You should also verbally praise your dog when you are rewarding them by saying things such as ‘Good boy’, ‘Nice work’, ‘Well done’. Use a variety of words in praise. Good boy good boy good boy good boy can become a bit repetitive and cause your dog to ‘switch’ off to white noise

Punishment should never be used in training. This will damage the relationship you have with your dog and can teach them to fear you. This can lead to the dog reacting aggressively in defence in the future. Punishment is aversive, antiquated and will cause your dog to mistrust you.

Keep the session short – if your dog loses focus then stop training (you will waste your time if they are switched off or focused on other things)

Begin training in a quiet environment (the home, garden) without distractions – do not ask too much of your dog 

Never ever, ever punish your dog!

© The Dog Learning Centre L Haydon/C Russell