Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog is always pulling on the lead – can I stop this?

Yes you can! Pulling on a lead is not good for you or dog.  Imagine a world where you can have your dog on a loose lead at all times. It takes time and patience but with training, loose lead walking can be achieved.

I cannot get my dog to come back to me. Help!

Ensuring your dog comes to call is essential to it’s safety – coming away from a busy road, another dog or child, or away from broken glass. This is an excellent behaviour for your dog to learn and can be taught in class or during 121s.

My dog never listens to me. Can I get him to listen to me?

Teaching eye contact is foundation to all good behaviour – including listening and responding to you. A great way to bond with your dog and for him or her to start ‘listening’ to you.

My dog often growls when we approach his bowl – can we stop this?

Guarding bowls and or toys is very common in dogs but it is something to be avoided. With training your dog can learn that it’s OK to share it’s belongings.

I’ve heard that reward based training can increase my dog’s weight. Is that right?

We all know that diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle – over eating might lead to weight gain. But if you control the overall intake according to your dog’s breed, size and lifestyle, you should be able to maintain a healthy weight.

Is it OK to use force to control my dog?

Imagine that you are your dog. How would you like to be pulled around, have your bottom shoved to the floor, or constantly be shouted at. Research shows that we all respond much better to positive reinforcement – praise, rewards, gifts – dogs are no different. As IMDT trainers we only advocate positive reinforcement methods.