Dog training isn’t just about teaching your dog to sit, stay or walk nicely on a lead It is about consistency, communication and cooperation. And that doesn’t just apply to the dog. The real challenge? Teaching your family.
Whether you have just brought home a new puppy or you are trying to curb some old habits in your adult dog, one thing is certain; training isn’t going to work unless your entire household is on the same page. Mixed signals lead to confusion for both your dog and your family. Here’s how to make sure everyone in your home becomes part of a successful training team
Before the first “sit” or “stay,” gather the household Explain the importance of consistent training and what your goals are. Whether you're working on lead manners, housebreaking, or curbing jumping, lay out a unified plan This is your opportunity to assign roles, clarify boundaries, and ensure everyone understands how their actions affect your dog’s behaviour.
Dogs thrive on routine and so do people. Write down key cues, the exact phrasing you use, reward types and rules.
Pop it on the fridge or share a digital version in your family group chat. The fewer variations your dog hears, the faster they will learn
Let each family member take ownership of part of the training. When everyone plays a part, they are more likely to follow through - and your dog spends time with each family member equally.
If your partner finally stops letting the dog on the couch, thank them! If your child remembers to use the correct command, celebrate it Encouragement helps reinforce good habits in people just as much as in pets.
Make training a group activity. Practice commands in the living room as a family or all go on the same walk and take turns issuing commands The dog learns to obey no matter who gives the command, and you build family unity in the process.
“How do you get your dog to do what you want them to do?”
It may sound silly, and the obvious answer you’d expect from us is ‘train them’ but sometimes it is not that simple. How about when you are deep in a training session, mid training and your dog is struggling to pick up cues?
If you have ever found yourself repeating a cue over and over while your dog sniffs a blade of grass like it holds the meaning of life, you’re not alone.
Teaching a dog to reliably respond is not about dominance or luck, it is about clarity, motivation and timing. Whether raising a puppy or fine tuning an adult dog’s obedience, success often hinges on three key principles; consistency, reward value and engagement
Dogs don’t understand synonyms. If you sometimes say ‘come’ and other times ‘here’ and occasionally just a whistle and hope, you are muddying the waters Dogs thrive on repetition and clarity Use the same words, in the same tone, every time for each cue. If ‘sit’ means sit, it should always mean that, not ‘sit if you feel like it’ or ‘half lie down’.
Also make sure everyone in the household is using the same cues
Trying to cue your dog while they’re zoned in on something else is like talking to someone with headphones in. Before you ask for anything, make sure you actually have your dog’s attention. Say their name, wait for focus, then cue.
If your dog doesn’t respond, don’t keep repeating the cue Go back a step, use a sound or movement to redirect their focus, and only give a command when you know they’re listening.
Training shouldn’t feel like a chore for either of you
Keep exercises brief (5–10 minutes is plenty), and always end on a win. If something’s not working, it’s okay to take a break and try again later.
Imagine asking a teenager to clean their room for a single jelly bean That’s how your dog feels when they’re asked to leave a squirrel and return to you for a stale bit of kibble When you’re training, especially in distracting environments, your rewards need to compete with the world Think juicy chicken, cheese, liver treats, or a favorite toy.
The value of a reward should match the difficulty of the task. The more your dog has to resist or focus, the better the paycheck should be
Exercise Training Clockwork Cues
How it works:
Imagine a giant clock on the ground, with you and your dog standing in the centre
Each hour represents a direction and at each hour, you assign a cue. Use a randomiser to pick which hour you’ll move towards. Walk or run to that position with your dog and perform the assigned exercise before returning to the centre.
Rules:
Do between 5 and 10 exercises per session
Try different locations
Add difficulty by sending your dog to the position to perform the cue on their own
DATE TO WRITE DOWN: SUNDAY 15 JUNE th
TIMES STARTING AT 12PM
LOCATION: PURE DOG ADVENTURE TRAINING WE WILL BE USING DIFFERENT AREAS
WHAT TO BRING:
DUMMIES TREATS
LONGLINES (IF NEEDED) ERIN AND LAURA SNACKIES
LEVELS MAY HAVE CHANGED FOR SOME OF YOU AND I WILL REVIEW PREVIOUS SCORES FROM THE SPREADSHEET
I WILL BE PUTTING A GOOGLE FORM IN THE GROUP FOR ATTENDANCE
BREEDFOCUS
Affectionately known as the Staffie, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed bursting with personality, loyalty, and unmistakable charm. With their muscular build, broad grin, and famously waggy tail, Staffies are one of the UK’s most beloved breeds and for good reason.
Originally bred in 19th-century England for bull-baiting and later dog fighting, the Staffie’s history is undeniably tough but their temperament tells a much different story today.
After these cruel sports were outlawed, breeders began selecting for gentler traits, especially affection toward humans. The result? A loving, peopleoriented dog that adores being part of the family
Smart and food-motivated, Staffies generally respond well to positive reinforcement training but they can be a bit stubborn at times. Early socialisation and consistent, kind training are key to bringing out their best.
They’re athletic dogs who need a good dose of daily exercise think brisk walks, play sessions, and the occasional puzzle toy. A tired Staffie is a happy Staffie!
Despite their muscular, stocky frame, Staffies are famously known as “nanny dogs” for their gentle, patient nature with children. They’re incredibly loyal, eager to please, and thrive on human interaction. Left alone for long periods, however, they can become bored or anxious they’re truly happiest when part of the action.
Staffies are also known for their bold, playful energy and sense of humour They love games, tug toys, and clowning around often leaning into their humans for affection or flopping into their laps (despite not being lap-sized!).
As the temperatures rise, our dogs feel the heat far more than we do. With their fur coats and limited ability to sweat, dogs are at risk of overheating quickly especially when running, training, or just lounging in the sun. Fortunately, a few smart strategies can make a huge difference in keeping your canine companion safe and comfortable on hot days
While natural shade is great, it’s not always available and not all shade is equal. A brilliant solution is using alunets or shade nets. These lightweight mesh covers block a significant portion of the sun’s rays while still allowing airflow Perfect for setting up a shaded rest area at events, in the garden, or during training sessions.
Always carry plenty of fresh water for your dog, and offer it regularly even if they don’t seem thirsty. Portable water bowls, bottles with flip-down lids, or hydration packs are great for walks or longer days out Adding a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to their water can encourage fussy drinkers.
Exercise and training should be done early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Pavement and artificial turf can become scorching by midday always check the ground with your hand before walking your dog on it.
Consider using cooling mats, damp towels, or bandanas soaked in cold water. Some owners also use misting bottles or cooling vests just be sure your dog is comfortable with the sensation, and that airflow is still good
Excessive panting, drooling, red gums, disorientation, or vomiting are all signs your dog may be dangerously overheated. If you notice these, get them to shade immediately, offer cool (not icy) water, and contact your vet.
SLEDDOGS
With eyes like frost and paws that barely feel the cold, sled dogs are some of the most remarkable working animals on the planet. Bred for endurance, teamwork, and heart, these dogs have been hauling supplies, racing across frozen landscapes, and forming deep bonds with humans for centuries.
Sled dogs aren’t just about speed they’re about stamina, intelligence, and an unbreakable drive. Breeds like the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute are known for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, pulling loads across snow and ice with almost unbelievable determination.
What makes sled dogs so special isn’t just their physical ability — it’s their spirit. They live to run, they love the team dynamic, and they’re happiest when they have a job to do. Handlers often describe them as fiercely loyal, highly social, and incredibly intuitive.
In modern times, sled dogs still play vital roles in remote areas and in the world of sport, they continue to captivate fans in long-distance races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. But whether they’re racing across Alaska or training in a forest trail closer to home, sled dogs remind us of the power of partnership between human and animal forged through trust, purpose, and a shared love of the trail.
