All Posts

Dog At The Vet In the ongoing debate around dog training methods, one claim resurfaces time and again: that force free training leads to an increase in behavioural euthanasia. As a professional dog trainer, I hear this discussed a lot over social media, primarily from Balanced Trainers. But here's the truth: there is no credible evidence in the UK to support the idea that force-free methods are contributing to a rise in behavioural euthanasia. In fact, I’m living with proof t

The UK has long prided itself on being a nation of animal lovers. Yet when it comes to dogs, our legislation still lags behind the science. While recent years have seen some progress, such as the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 and the 2026 Animal Welfare Strategy, many critical gaps remain. From unregulated dog training to the continued use of aversive tools, dogs across the UK are still vulnerable to outdated practices and systemic neglect. As professionals and guardia

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

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

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 Yet, myths about their behaviour and training still circulate, often leaving guardians confused or pressured into outdated methods.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 Odie & Me - Andy Mills Photography Myth 1: You Must Be the Alpha The Truth: The “alpha dog” theory is outdated.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

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

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

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

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

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

Indie Sniffing If you’ve ever walked a dog, you’ve likely experienced the classic nose-to-the-ground stance followed by a sudden,...

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...

A compassionate, science-based approach to helping dogs thrive Force-free training is more than a method, it’s a mindset. It’s about...