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Why Muzzle Training Matters
Muzzle training is one of the most misunderstood areas of dog behaviour support. Many people still assume that a dog in a muzzle must be dangerous, aggressive, or “naughty.” In reality, a muzzle is simply a safety tool ... no different from a harness, a seatbelt, or a bike helmet. It protects dogs, protects people, and gives everyone the confidence to navigate the world safely. Odie wearing a Muzzle My own dog, Odie, wears a muzzle. Not because he’s bad. Not because he’s choo
Lauren Jackson
3 days ago3 min read


When Someone Says They Can Fix Your Dog’s Problem in One Session… Turn Away
Dog guardians are often desperate for help when their beloved companion is struggling. Whether it’s barking, pulling on the lead, or anxiety, the promise of a “quick fix” can sound irresistible. But here’s the truth: if someone tells you they can solve your dog’s problem in a single session, it’s time to walk away. Why One-Session “Fixes” Are Misleading Behaviour isn’t a light switch. Dogs aren’t machines you can reset. They’re living beings with emotions, histories, and un
Lauren Jackson
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Alpha Is Outdated: Why Dogs Don’t Need Dominance + More Myths!
Dogs are our companions, teachers, and family members. Yet, myths about their behaviour and training still circulate, often leaving guardians confused or pressured into outdated methods. It’s time to bust those myths wide open and replace them with science‑backed, humane truths. Odie & Me - Andy Mills Photography Myth 1: You Must Be the Alpha The Truth: The “alpha dog” theory is outdated. Dogs don’t need dominance; they need guidance, trust, and partnership. Training rooted
Lauren Jackson
Dec 6, 20251 min read


Rethinking “Obedience”: Why I Teach Life Skills Instead
For decades, dog training has been framed around the word obedience . It’s a term that carries heavy baggage, rooted in military drills, rigid hierarchy, and the idea that dogs must comply without question. Gibson Walking To me, obedience feels outdated. It suggests control, pressure, and a one-way relationship where the human commands and the dog simply obeys. But dogs aren’t soldiers. They’re companions, family members, and individuals with their own needs, emotions, and qu
Lauren Jackson
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Our First Puppy Class!
Puppy Patch Class 1 - Photographed by Andy Mills Photography The day of our very first 6 week puppy classes (we call Puppy Patch) in Huntley, Forest of Dean was filled with anticipation. Not only was it my first, but it was also Beth’s, my best friend and fellow trainer from Doo’s Dog Training . Our small group of gorgeous puppies quickly showed us just how unique they were: Two spaniels, each with their own personality, one shy and cautious, the other confident as they com
Lauren Jackson
Nov 24, 20252 min read


Dog Anxiety Is Real
At Maple Tree Dog Training, canine anxiety has been a recurring theme in conversations with guardians. Anxiety in dogs is not only common but also deeply misunderstood. By recognising the signs, understanding the causes, and exploring management strategies, we can better support our companions in living calmer, happier lives. Lauren, Rocco & Odie Recognising the Symptoms Anxiety can manifest in many ways, often mistaken for “bad behaviour.” Common signs include: Aggression or
Lauren Jackson
Nov 21, 20253 min read


Can Dogs Be Neurodivergent? Odie Says Yes.
Odie The idea that dogs can be neurodivergent might sound unusual at first, but for those of us who live and work alongside dogs with unique behavioural profiles, it feels like common sense. My own dog, Odie, lives with HSHA (Hyper-sensitivity, Hyper-activity), and he’s taught me more about compassion, creativity, and tuning-in than any textbook ever could. What Do We Mean by “Neurodivergent” in Dogs? In humans, neurodivergence refers to natural variations in brain function a
Lauren Jackson
Oct 26, 20252 min read


What Dog Eyes Can Tell Us
When we look into a dog’s eyes, we often feel like we’re glimpsing their soul, and in many ways, we are. B ut interpreting canine eye expressions isn’t just about the eyes themselves. It’s about the whole dog: their posture, muscle tension, environment, and emotional history. A single glance can mean many things depending on context, and understanding that nuance is key to supporting dogs with empathy and clarity. Let’s explore some common eye expressions, and how to read th
Lauren Jackson
Oct 13, 20253 min read


Why Your Dog’s Nose Is Always to the Ground: The Science Behind Sniffing and Sudden Pulling
Indie Sniffing If you’ve ever walked a dog, you’ve likely experienced the classic nose-to-the-ground stance followed by a sudden,...
Lauren Jackson
Oct 8, 20252 min read


Teenage Dogs: When the Training Vanishes and the Hormones Take Over
If you’ve ever raised a puppy and thought, “We’ve cracked it!”, only to wake up one day to a whirlwind of chaos, selective hearing, and...
Lauren Jackson
Sep 29, 20253 min read


What Is Force-Free Dog Training?
A compassionate, science-based approach to helping dogs thrive Force-free training is more than a method, it’s a mindset. It’s about...
Lauren Jackson
Sep 21, 20252 min read
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