Dog Training in UK: Tips, Methods and Resources

 As a dog owner, the most crucial step to take is training your dog. It’s not just about teaching commands to your dog, but also helps in building a great bond between you and your pet. Dog training is essential whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog with aggressive behavior issues. Proper training tricks can resolve most of the dog’s issue providing you more adventurous and joyful pet experience.

This article comprises the right training techniques, training methods, useful tips and local resources across UK to create a better training experience for your dog. Let’s make a difference today.

 

Importance of Dog Training 

Dog training is very important for your dog's behavioral development. It is recommended to start training earlier, but its better late than never. Know why dog training is so important for your pet.

Improves Communication

Dogs are intelligent creature and keen learners. Their social behavior demands more ways of communications and it can be enhanced by proper trainings.

Creates Bond

As a dog owner, you want a great bond with your pet dog. And training helps you in it. You can properly communicate with them. They will listen to your commands and learn to trust you.

Elevates Quality of life

Trainings can improve the quality of your dog’s life. Comparatively untrained dogs are prone to develop bad habits like, barking, anxiety issues, aggressiveness and can be injurious too. Whereas a properly trained dog knows how to keep calm, stabilize mood and behave nicely.

Ensures Safety

When you properly train your dogs, they become safer. Usually pet owners don’t allow free movement to their dogs because they don’t know how to react. But trained dogs can roam around freely and you can easily alert them if you find the situation or surroundings harmful. 

Tips for Dog Training in UK

Dog training is a time taking process. Just like us, dogs have different levels of learning capacity. Some dogs learn faster than the others. That’s why it is important to understand the learning behavior of your dog. This majorly depends on the age and breed of dog. But all in all, it works for every dog equally. Here are some key points to remember when training your dog

Be Patient

When it comes to dog training, patience is the ultimate key. As said before some dogs could be slow learner. It is important to have patience when repeating the same command again and again. Just be relax, stay calm and let them take their time.

Make Them Focused

Every time you teach something new to your dog. Make them comfortable enough to focus on what you are teaching. Take them to a room with less distractions and make them listen to you first.

Positive Affirmations

Speak to your dog politely and keep appreciating them even if they are not following properly. Words like “good boy” “very nice” “I liked it” can encourage your dog and improve learning.

Reward Method

A reward based method is the most helping trick to encourage your dog. Offer their favorite yummy treat as a reward so that they can remember what made them get this reward and they practice it again.

Keep the Session Short

A Long training session could be tiring and less exciting. Keep session duration around 5 to 15 minutes. This will make your dog learn effectively also they will not get bored or overwhelmed.

Have Fun

Your dog loves to see you happy. Try to make the training session an excited and fun experience for both of you. It’s a great learning experience and best time to strengthen the bond between you.

Practice Everywhere

Starting from a room or a corner you should repeat the training sessions in multiple places. Include indoor and outdoor. Practice while going on a walk, a park, inside your house and in your backyard.

 

Common Dog Training Instructions to Begin With

To start with your dog training, RSPCA suggests some basic commands that you can easily teach your dog. Let’s break it for you:

The Sit Command

To make them learn how to follow sit command. Try these simple steps:

1. Get your dog’s favorite treat when he is standing and let him smell it.
2. Slowly move your hand in which you are holding treat, making an arc over his head. Remember to keep he treat near his nose, the dog will follow the treat which will raise his head and his lower body will lay on the floor to maintain balance. The moment he sits completely, give him the treat and appreciate him.
3. Do this repeatedly for a number of times. Keep the session short and regular.
4.  You will find your dog sits longer to get those treats. Now it’s time to teach him the name of his posture, use the word “sit” to make him       remember the position.
5. Give him a cue like “okay” “let’s go” at the end of the session so that he knows his training is now over.
6. You can teach him the stand-up command using same techniques in other way.
   

The Come Command

This is one of the most important command to teach. Follow the steps to make him come to you whenever you call:

1. Use a treat or his favorite toys as an encouragement, your dog will first come for the treat or food, not you. Go some steps away call him by his name and use the word “come”. Keep showing the treat or toy.
2. Once the dog comes to you, praise him and give him the toy or treat you were offering. Keep appreciating him as he enjoys his reward.
3. Next time increase the distance and keep increasing it regularly until he learns how to go from one place to another whenever you call him. 
4. Ask someone to participate in training session with you. One of you hold the dog’s collar gently and the other person stands a little away and call the dog. Just keep praising the dog each time.
5. Once he successfully follows your command in the house. Practice this outside the house as well to get more benefits out of the training. Take some toys along as reward.
   

The Lie Down Command

Lie down command is quite similar to sit command. Once you have taught the sit one, it will be easier to you to teach next:

1. Get your dog’s favorite treat when he is sitting and let him smell it.Now move your hand from his nose to chest then towards the floor. Keep the treat near his nose so he can follow.
2. Once he is down give him the treat and praise him.
3. Introduce the word “down” to him so he can understand the act.
4. Repeat this in short sessions regularly and you are all set.
5. He will gradually increase the lying down time, let him enjoy the treat there.
   

The Stay Command

The stay command is also very important, teach him like this:

1. Lie down your dog and give him a cue to stay there. You can put your palm before his face to stop him.  
2. Don’t give him the treat. Let him wait for a couple of seconds, then give him the treat and encourage him.
3. Use the word “stay” so he can understand the waiting period was actually a stay time.
4. Keep repeating this in short and regular sessions. 
5. Keep increasing the time of his staying position. Also note that you only give treat in lie down position, if he gets up without staying, stop it right there and start over.
6. Once he achieves this milestone increase the distance between you and dog so he can learn to stay at the place on your call, even if you are away.

 

How to Find a Dog Trainer in UK

Dog training needs a lot of expertise and balanced techniques. If you cannot do it yourself it’s better to seek help. Finding a good dog trainer is very important, as there are so many self-proclaimed trainers out there. Here is how you can find a good dog trainer in UK.

ABTC (UK) Registered Trainers:

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) UK has set a standard for animal welfare during training and behavior therapy.

Therefore, look for a trainer who is registered with ABTC, as they have been evaluated on the basis of skills, knowledge and experience. 

Standard Training Classes

It is recommended to visit the class with your dog. It will help you to make a right decision. If you and your dog are comfortable there, add it as a plus point. Other factors to look upon are:

Environment

The class should be quiet and peaceful. Excessive barking and loud noises can stress out your dog.

Class Size

According to ABTC guidelines, a dog training class should not exceed 8 dogs. Each class should have 1 instructor and 1 assistant.

Positive Training Methods

See the training methods that are being practiced in the class. The methods should be rewarding and encouraging. A negative or fearful training is a big no for training.

Proper Assistance

You are going for the class for proper guidance, if they are not meeting this need you should immediately leave the class.

Your Dog’s Reaction

If your dog is not happy there, he is not going to learn anything. See if they are happy or sad, excited or fearful, then decide if the class is good for him or not.

Comply the Legal Requirements in UK for Dog Training

The law of animal welfare has pin pointed set of laws for dog trainings. According to Animal Welfare Act 2006, all training methods in UK must not cause any pain or distress to the animal.

The act says, that all dogs need trainings to behave well. It is ideal to start it younger age for easy learning. Moreover, the training should be stress free, should proceed gradually and positively.

 

Dog Trainers Directories in UK

Finding a local dog trainer in UK can be exhausting and tiring. Here we have arranged a list of directories, that can help you find the best dog trainer in your area.

National Pet Register: They have over 44 trained trainers’ profiles. You can find their other listings related to your dog requirements too.

IMDT - Institute of Modern Dog Trainers: You can search for dog trainers and behaviorist in your area by selecting the distance from your location.

Guild of Dog Trainers: You can search profiles by name, location and specialty.

The Kennel Club: Select your area and find the best dog trainers there.

Find a Dog Trainer: Choose right by checking the reviews.

Bark: Find local listings then and there.

 

Pet Professional Directory:You can search any pet professional including dog trainers in your local area.

 

FAQ

1: What’s the right age to start dog training?

You can start it by 8 weeks, use basic commands and proceed gradually.

2: How much do dog training classes cost in the UK?

Depends if you go for a group class or one on one training.
Group classes range from £30–£70 per session. Whereas, One-on-one training may cost £50–£150 per hour.

3: Can I train my dog at home without a trainer?

Yes! Online tutorials are always there, a friend or family member with a dog can also help you out.

4: How long does it take to train a dog?

Depending upon the breed age and temperament. A full training can take a few weeks to a few months.

Conclusion

Dog training in the UK is a fun yet demanding experience. It takes a lot of commitment and patience to train a dog. You can practice some basic instructions yourself and if you got stuck somewhere, a well-qualified dog trainer can help you out. With correct guidance, you can achieve the goal with in months. Just be calm, be polite, start as early as possible and seek professional help whenever needed.

Want to share some dog training tips? Comment below we would love to hear that.