# Why Are Some Dog Trainers Cheap and Others More Expensive? One of the questions I'm asked quite regularly is, "Why does dog training cost so much?" Usually, it's followed by, "I've found someone who'll do it for half the price." And honestly? That's absolutely fine. Like most professions, dog training comes at all price points. Some trainers charge very little, some charge a lot, and most of us sit somewhere in the middle, trying to make a living while spending an alarming

This might upset a few people, but here goes… Your dog does not need two walks a day simply because someone on Facebook said so. Before anyone reaches for their pitchfork, I'm not saying dogs should never be walked. Walks can be fantastic. New places, opportunities to sniff, explore and spend time together all have value. What I'm saying is that walking isn't the be-all and end-all of dog ownership, and for some dogs, more walks aren't necessarily the answer. Somewhere along

Read This First. Getting a puppy is exciting. You picture long walks, cuddles on the sofa, and a loyal companion who'll become part of the family. You probably don't picture standing in your kitchen at 2 am wearing one slipper, holding a paper towel, asking a tiny furry creature why it has once again weed on the floor despite being outside five minutes earlier. Yet somehow, that's also part of the puppy experience. The reality is that a puppy isn't just a cute addition to you

Scooby-Doo is technically a Great Dane, but the issue isn't specifically Great Danes—it's the pattern we've seen repeatedly with Dalmatians after 101 Dalmatians, Border Collies after Babe, Chihuahuas after Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Huskies after snow dogs, Game of Thrones, and so on. The announcement of a new Scooby-Doo film has dog trainers, rescue centres, and shelter workers everywhere making exactly the same face: "Ruh-roh." Don't get me wrong. I love Scooby-Doo. I grew up

We often talk about dog training as if it's simply a matter of consistency, patience and practice. While those things are important, there is another factor that rarely gets discussed: The mental health of the person holding the lead. Depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, burnout, major life changes and everyday stress can all affect our motivation, confidence and energy levels. When you're carrying more than people realise, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. And when tha

Choose a side? If you've spent more than five minutes in an online dog training group, you've probably seen someone dramatically announce: "I only use positive reinforcement!" Followed by someone else replying: "Actually, that's impossible because all four quadrants are always present..." At which point three people leave angry comments, someone posts a picture of a wolf, and the original question about pulling on the lead is completely forgotten. Welcome to the wonderful wor

# The Toxic Side of Dog Training Nobody Wants to Talk About Dog training is supposed to be about helping dogs and helping the people who love them. Yet somewhere along the way, many parts of the dog training community seem to have forgotten that. What should be a profession built on education, collaboration, and support has increasingly become a battleground of ideologies, where being "right" often matters more than helping dogs. I've spent years around dogs, and the past few

Why Puppy Training Isn't Optional (Even If Your Puppy Is Adorable) There is a fascinating trend in dog ownership. People will happily spend: £1,500 or more on a designer puppy, £300 on an orthopaedic dog bed, £80 on a tactical lead with enough clips and buckles to secure a small helicopter, yet somehow training is often viewed as the optional extra. It's the canine equivalent of buying a brand-new car and deciding brakes are probably something you'll sort out later. Then, six

The discussion around breed health has gone beyond veterinary clinics and welfare charities. Animal welfare organisations, including PETA UK, have called for stronger action to address the health problems associated with some heavily modified breeds. In recent years, the organisation has urged major dog shows such as Crufts to stop promoting flat-faced breeds, arguing that breeding dogs with exaggerated physical features can lead to lifelong health issues. PETA has also supp

an uncomfortable conversation

We live in a world where everything is instant. Instant entertainment. Instant shopping. Instant answers. Instant “solutions.” And dog training has unfortunately been dragged into that same mindset. Now before I go any further — online dog training is not automatically bad. For a very select group of people, it can actually work really well. If you’re highly motivated, disciplined, experienced with dogs, and able to consistently apply what you learn without outside accountabi

Understanding the Challenges of Rescue Dogs I work with rescue dogs nearly every day. I see their fear, anxiety, and the emotional damage caused by poor handling and bad advice. The truth is, these dogs often suffer due to a system that claims to protect them but frequently fails. The dog rescue system in the UK is broken. This may upset some people, but after years of working with rescue dogs, I can say it confidently. What makes it even more frustrating is my background as