Many dog owners feel they understand their dog well. However, dogs communicate very differently from humans, and most of their communication happens through body language.

Understanding these signals can help prevent misunderstandings and improve the relationship between dogs and people.

Research shows that most dog bites happen in familiar environments and often involve people the dog already knows. In many cases, the dog has given warning signals beforehand, but these signals were not recognised.

Learning to read dog body language can help keep both people and dogs safe.

Why Dogs Use Body Language

Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, but they still retain many of their natural instincts such as guarding, herding and hunting.

When a dog feels uncomfortable or threatened, they usually try to communicate this through body language first. Biting is generally a last resort, used when the dog feels they have no other option to make a scary situation stop.

Before this point, dogs often show a range of subtle signals to try to avoid conflict.

Early Warning Signs of Stress

Dogs often give subtle signals when they feel worried or uncomfortable.

Common early signs include:

• Turning their head away
• Lip licking or nose licking
• Yawning when not tired
• Sniffing the ground suddenly
• Raising a paw stiffly (not like ‘giving the paw’)
• Trying to move away

These behaviours are sometimes called calming signals. They are ways dogs try to reduce tension and communicate that they want space.

If you notice these signs, it’s best to give the dog some room.

Considering the Situation

Body language should always be interpreted alongside the situation your dog is in.

For example, a dog shaking their body after a swim is simply drying off. However, dogs may also perform a full body shake after a stressful event, such as meeting an unfamiliar dog or hearing a loud noise. This behaviour can help them release tension.

Looking at both the behaviour and the environment helps you understand what your dog may be feeling.

Signs Your Dog is Uncomfortable

When dogs feel worried or uneasy, their body language changes.

Signs to watch out for include:

• A low or tucked tail
• Stiff body posture
• Ears pinned back
• Avoiding eye contact
• Turning their head away
• Lip licking or repeated yawning
• Freezing or becoming very still
• Whale eye: when a dog turns their head slightly away but keeps their eyes fixed on something, so the white part of the eye becomes clearly visible. This can make the eye look wide or tense.

Some dogs may also roll onto their back but remain stiff rather than relaxed. This can be a sign of appeasement, meaning the dog is trying to show they are not a threat.

If you see these signs, it’s best to give the dog space.

Signs a Dog May Become Aggressive

If a dog feels extremely threatened or frightened, their body language may escalate.

Possible warning signs include:

• A stiff or rigid tail
• Very tense body posture
• Intense staring or fixed eye contact
• Ears pulled tightly forward or flat back
• Showing teeth
• Growling

These behaviours are serious warnings and ignoring them can increase the risk of a bite.

If a dog begins showing these signals, stop interacting and give them space immediately.

Why Dogs Sometimes Bite

Dogs may bite for several reasons, including:

• Fear or anxiety
• Pain or illness
• Feeling trapped or unable to escape
• Lack of socialisation with people or situations

Dogs that have not been gradually introduced to everyday experiences may find normal situations frightening, which can lead to defensive behaviour.

Summary

Dogs communicate clearly through their posture, facial expressions and movement. By learning to recognise these signals, we can respond appropriately and avoid situations that may cause stress.

Understanding what your dog is trying to say helps build trust — and leads to a safer, happier relationship for both of you.

Dogs are loved pets in many homes, but even the best-behaved dogs can develop habits that their owners can find frustrating. Pulling on the lead, jumping up at visitors or barking at other dogs are common issues that many owners experience.

The good news is that most unwanted behaviours can be improved with patience, understanding and the right training approach.

Some behaviours are minor annoyances, while others can affect a dog’s wellbeing or even become dangerous if not addressed early.

Does My Dog Need Help?

Small behaviour problems can sometimes be improved by revisiting basic training. For example, if your dog stops coming back when called, practising recall again in a quieter environment with fewer distractions can help rebuild the behaviour.

Dogs benefit from ongoing training throughout their lives. Even well-trained dogs may need occasional refresher training to reinforce good habits.

However, some behaviour problems are more complex and may require professional support.

When to Speak to Your Vet

If your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly or becomes more severe, it is always best to speak to your vet first.

Pain, illness or discomfort can cause behaviour changes in dogs, so it’s best to have a veterinary check-up to diagnose or rule out underlying medical causes before you start behaviour training.

Your vet may also recommend training advice or refer you to a qualified behaviour professional if needed.

Getting Help from Trainers or Behaviourists

If training at home is not working, professional support can be helpful.

A qualified dog trainer can help with common training issues such as:

• Loose lead walking
• Recall
• Jumping up
• Basic obedience

For more serious or complex problems, such as aggression or severe anxiety, a certified dog behaviourist may be recommended. Behaviourists assess the underlying cause of the behaviour and develop a structured training plan for both dog and owner.

Behaviour Modification Training

Behaviour modification focuses on helping dogs learn alternative, more appropriate behaviours but several approaches may be used, depending on the problem.

Reward-Based Training

Reward-based training focuses on reinforcing behaviours you want to see.

This approach may involve using the following as rewards:

• Treats
• Praise
• Play
• Toys

When dogs are rewarded for good behaviour, they are more likely to repeat it.

For example, if your dog chews household items, providing appealing chew toys and rewarding your dog for using them can help redirect the behaviour.

Punishment-based methods can cause fear and stress and can damage the relationship between dog and owner, so they are discouraged.

Counter-Conditioning and Desensitisation

Counter-conditioning and desensitisation aim to change a dog’s emotional response to something they find frightening.

This involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger at a safe distance while pairing it with something positive, such as treats or praise.

As this technique must be done carefully to avoid making the problem worse, it is best carried out with guidance from a qualified behaviour professional.

This is not to be confused with ‘flooding’ a technique of over-exposing a dog to something they are afraid of to ‘get them over it’. The easiest way to describe flooding is to be put in a room full of spiders if you were terrified of them. This would be most likely to make your fear worse and distress you.

Active Supervision Around Children

Even well-behaved dogs should always be actively supervised when around children.

Children can behave unpredictably and may not recognise when a dog is becoming uncomfortable.

Teaching children how to interact calmly and respectfully with dogs helps reduce the risk of accidents.

Learning to Read Dog Body Language

Dogs communicate constantly through body language. Recognising early signs of stress can help prevent problems before they escalate.

Signs a dog may be uncomfortable include:

• Lip licking
• Yawning
• Turning their head away
• Moving away from a situation
• A stiff body posture

If you notice these signals, giving the dog space can prevent further stress.

Summary

Unwanted behaviour can be frustrating, but with patience and the right support, many dogs improve significantly.

The most important steps are:

• Understanding why the behaviour happens
• Staying calm
• Using positive reinforcement training methods
• Seeking professional help when needed

With time, guidance and consistency, many behaviour challenges can be successfully managed, helping both you and your dog to enjoy a happier life together.

Teaching your puppy where to go to the toilet is one of the first and most important things you’ll do as a new dog owner. The best way to succeed is by creating a consistent routine and sticking to it every day.

Puppies learn at different speeds. Some may understand toilet training within a few weeks, while others take longer. Accidents are a normal part of the learning process, even for puppies who pick things up quickly.

Creating a Daily Routine

Establishing a regular schedule will help your puppy learn when and where they should go to the toilet.

First Thing in the Morning

Take your puppy outside as soon as they wake up. Encourage them to toilet in the garden or designated outdoor area. In the early stages, using a lead can help prevent them from getting distracted and wandering off instead of focusing on the task.

You may also want to use a simple cue word such as ‘toilet’ or ‘wee’ so your puppy begins to associate that word with going to the toilet.

Frequent toilet breaks

Young puppies have small bladders, so cannot hold their urine for long periods. Take your puppy outside roughly every two to three hours during the day. As they grow older, they will gradually gain better bladder control and will need fewer toilet breaks.

After meals and sleep

Puppies usually need to go to the toilet shortly after eating. Taking them outside soon after meals can help prevent accidents indoors. You should also take them outside after naps, as well as after periods of excitement or play.

Rewarding Good Behaviour

When your puppy goes to the toilet outside, reward them immediately with praise and a small treat. This helps them understand that they have done the right thing.

Positive reinforcement encourages puppies to repeat behaviours that earn rewards, making it more likely they will choose to toilet outside in the future.

What to Do if There is an Accident

Never punish your puppy for going to the toilet inside the house. Puppies don’t have accidents deliberately; it simply means they were not taken outside in time.

Instead, clean the area thoroughly and continue following the routine. This helps prevent lingering smells that might attract your puppy back to the same spot.

Learning Your Puppy’s Toilet Signals

Many puppies show clear signs when they need to go to the toilet like:

• sniffing the floor
• circling
• becoming restless

When you notice these behaviours, take your puppy outside immediately and reward them when they toilet in the correct place.

If you are having difficulty toilet training your dog, your vet or veterinary nurse may be able to offer advice. They can also refer you to a qualified behaviourist if additional support is needed.

Some dogs reach adulthood without being fully house trained, often through no fault of their own. This may happen if the training process wasn’t completed when they were young or if they previously lived outdoors.

The good news is that adult dogs can still learn new habits.

With patience, consistency and a clear routine, most dogs can successfully learn to toilet outside.

Why Some Dogs Aren’t House Trained

While many puppies learn house training early, it doesn’t always go smoothly. Some dogs may never have been trained properly, particularly if they were kept in kennels or outdoor environments.

Other dogs may have had inconsistent training, which can lead to confusion about where they should go to the toilet. Teaching an adult dog new habits takes time and commitment, but many dogs learn surprisingly quickly.

How long it takes will depend on several factors, including:

• how consistent the routine is
• how quickly the dog learns
• the dog’s age
• their past experiences with toilet training

Other Reasons Dogs Toilet Indoors

Indoor accidents are not always caused by a lack of house training.

Dogs may also toilet in the house because of:

• stress or tension in the home
• separation anxiety
• territorial marking
• illness or medical issues

If your dog suddenly begins toileting indoors, please speak to your vet to rule out health problems.

Signs Your Dog is Not Fully House Trained

Dogs that are not fully house trained often return to the same areas repeatedly. These locations are frequently near doors, exits or particular rooms.

Some dogs may wee and poo indoors, wee inside but poo outside or poo inside and wee outside.

Many dogs also prefer to toilet when people are not watching. For example, they may leave the room or wait until their owner is out of sight.

This can happen if a dog has previously been punished for toileting indoors. Instead of learning where they should go, they simply learn not to go in front of people.

Dogs that feel anxious about toileting around people may take longer to house train and will need extra patience.

Establishing a New Toilet Routine

Creating a consistent routine is the most effective way to teach an adult dog where to go to the toilet.

Before You Begin

First, thoroughly clean any areas where your dog has previously toileted indoors. Dogs are attracted back to the same spots if the scent remains.

Use a biological washing solution or a pet-safe cleaner that removes odours completely.

Take Your Dog Outside Regularly

Take your dog outside:

• first thing in the morning
• last thing at night
• frequently throughout the day

Choose a specific toilet area in the garden and take your dog to the same place each time.

Let them walk around and sniff the ground, as this helps stimulate toileting.

Avoid playing games during these trips, as the goal is to help your dog focus on going to the toilet.

When your dog toilets outside, calmly praise them.

If nothing happens after about five minutes, bring them back inside but watch them closely. Try again after around 20 minutes.

At first, you may need to make several trips outside until the new routine becomes established.

Supervise Your Dog Indoors

During the early stages of training, supervision is essential.

Keep your dog within sight and watch for signs they may need to go outside.

Pay particular attention after:

• meals
• waking up
• play sessions or excitement

Signs Your Dog Needs the Toilet

Common signs include:

• sniffing the floor
• circling
• restlessness
• heading towards areas where they have toileted before

If you notice these behaviours, take your dog outside immediately.

Using a Dog Crate

Dog crates can be helpful when used correctly. Most dogs avoid soiling the area where they sleep.

If your dog is comfortable with a crate, it can be useful when you cannot supervise them directly.

However, the crate must be introduced positively so your dog feels safe and relaxed inside it, as a distressed dog may still toilet in the crate.

When You Cannot Supervise

When Leaving the House

During the early stages of training, it is best not to leave your dog alone for long periods.

If you must leave for a short time (less than two hours), your dog can stay in their crate if they are comfortable there and have had a chance to exercise and toilet beforehand.

For longer absences, confine your dog to a single room that is easy to clean in case of accidents.

At Night

Most adult dogs can sleep through the night without needing to toilet. However, some may still need a night-time break while learning.

Placing your dog’s bed or crate near your bedroom can help you hear if they wake up and need to go outside.

If they do wake up, take them outside calmly and quietly, then return them to bed without exciting them.

If accidents occur overnight, you may need to set an alarm temporarily until the routine becomes established.

What to Do About Accidents

Never punish your dog for accidents discovered after the event.

Dogs cannot connect punishment with something that happened earlier. Instead, they may become anxious when you return home, which can worsen the problem.

Simply clean the area thoroughly and continue with the training routine.

The ‘Guilty’ Look

Many owners believe their dog ‘knows they’ve done wrong’ because they appear guilty.

In reality, this behaviour is called appeasement behaviour. The dog is responding to their owner’s body language or tone rather than feeling guilt about the accident.

Dogs showing this behaviour are often trying to reduce tension or avoid conflict.

Building Long-Term Habits

Continue the routine for at least two weeks. During this time, your dog will begin to associate toileting outside with praise and rewards.

If they are not given opportunities to toilet indoors, they will gradually develop the habit of going outside instead.

Once progress is being made, you can slowly increase the time between trips outside while continuing to watch for signs that your dog needs to go.

Maintaining a regular schedule for feeding, exercise and toilet breaks will make the process easier.

House training an adult dog can take time and effort, but consistency and patience will usually lead to success.

It is normal for dogs to experience stress occasionally. However, frequent or long-term stress can lead to behavioural problems, including anxiety, fearfulness or defensive behaviour. In some cases, chronic stress can also affect a dog’s physical health.

Dogs may become stressed for many different reasons, including loud noises, unfamiliar environments, changes in routine or lack of mental stimulation.

Learning to recognise the early signs of stress can help owners respond quickly and prevent problems from developing.

Signs of Stress in Dogs

Dogs communicate how they feel through their body language. It is important to look at the dog’s overall behaviour and the situation, rather than focusing on a single signal.

What Causes Stress in Dogs?

Stress can be triggered by many different factors. Common causes include:

Fear – loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms

Changes in routine – different feeding, walking or sleeping times

New environments – unfamiliar places or busy areas

Frustration or boredom – lack of exercise or mental stimulation

Social stress – uncomfortable interactions with people or other animals

Dogs can also be affected by the emotions of the people around them. If household members are stressed or anxious, dogs may pick up on these changes.

Defensive Behaviour

If a dog feels threatened or overwhelmed, they may display defensive behaviours to try to stop something from happening or to create distance.

These behaviours may include:

• Stiffening and staring
• Growling
• Showing teeth
• Snapping
• Biting

In most cases, dogs will have shown earlier signs of stress before reaching this stage. Recognising those early signals can help prevent situations from escalating.

How to Help a Stressed Dog

Once you recognise the signs of stress, there are several ways to help your dog feel calmer and more comfortable.

Remove the source of stress

If possible, move your dog away from the situation that is causing distress. This may mean leaving a busy environment or providing a quiet space at home.

Provide a safe place to rest

Dogs benefit from having a quiet area where they can relax without being disturbed, such as a comfortable bed or crate. This space should always be respected by other household members.

Ensure adequate exercise

Regular exercise is important for both physical and mental wellbeing. Walks provide opportunities for dogs to explore, sniff and engage with their environment.

Provide mental stimulation

Interactive toys, puzzle feeders and training exercises can help keep a dog’s mind engaged and reduce boredom-related stress.

Stay calm

Dogs are very sensitive to human emotions, so remaining calm and speaking in a relaxed tone, can help reassure your dog during stressful situations.

Avoid punishment

Punishing a stressed dog can make their anxiety worse. Instead, focus on reward-based training and calm management of situations that trigger stress.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog frequently shows signs of stress, anxiety or aggression, it is important to seek professional advice.

Speak to your vet first to rule out any medical causes. They may recommend working with a qualified dog behaviourist or trainer to help identify triggers and develop a plan to improve your dog’s wellbeing.

Early intervention can help prevent stress from developing into more serious behavioural problems.

Walks should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. However, many dogs develop a habit of pulling on the lead, which can make walks stressful or uncomfortable.

In most cases, dogs pull because they are excited, curious, or have simply learned that pulling gets them where they want to go faster. The good news is that with patience and consistent training, most dogs can learn to walk calmly on a loose lead.

Why Dogs Pull on the Lead

Pulling usually develops over time. Each time a dog pulls and still moves forward, they learn that pulling works.

Other common reasons include:

• Excitement about the walk
• Wanting to reach something interesting
• Having lots of pent-up energy
• Lack of early lead training

Because walking at a human pace is slower than a dog’s natural pace, learning to walk calmly beside us can take time.

Preparing for Training

Before starting lead training:

• Let your dog burn off some energy with play in the garden
• Bring plenty of small, high-value treats
• Ask your dog to sit calmly before attaching the lead

Reward calm behaviour before leaving the house. This helps prevent your dog becoming overly excited whenever the lead appears.

If your dog becomes too excited, briefly put the lead away and try again once they have settled.

Teaching Loose Lead Walking

The most effective technique is simple: loose lead walking earns rewards and forward movement, pulling does not.

Step 1 – Walk slowly

Start walking and encourage your dog to stay beside you.

When the lead remains loose:

• Praise your dog
• Give a small treat

This helps your dog understand that staying close to you is rewarding.

Step 2 – Stop when your dog pulls

If your dog pulls ahead:

• Stop walking immediately
• Wait until the lead becomes loose again

When your dog moves back towards you, reward them and continue walking.

At first, you may need to stop many times during a single walk. Consistency is key, and most dogs begin to understand the pattern with practice.

Step 3 – Reward the behaviour you want

Dogs repeat behaviours that are rewarding.

Whenever your dog walks beside you with a loose lead:

• Offer praise
• Give treats regularly
• Continue moving forward

This teaches your dog that walking calmly keeps the walk going.

Using Treats During Training

Treats are a powerful training tool. They are not bribery; they are a reward for good behaviour.

Choose treats your dog finds very appealing, such as:

• Small pieces of cooked chicken
• Small pieces of cooked liver

High-value rewards help your dog stay focused on you, even when distractions appear.

Over time, treats can gradually be reduced and replaced with praise or play.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Harnesses

For dogs that pull strongly, a well-fitted harness is often recommended. Harnesses reduce pressure on the neck and help prevent injury, once they don’t inhibit natural movement as some ‘anti-pull’ harnesses do. If you are in any doubt about which harness is best for your dog, please ask you vet or vet nurse for advice.

Avoid equipment designed to cause pain or discomfort, such as choke chains or prong collars.

Headcollars

For very strong dogs or reactive dogs, a headcollar may provide extra control during training. However, if used incorrectly, there is potential for injury to the neck or even the eyes.

Headcollars work similarly to horse headcollars, allowing gentle steering from under the chin.

However, they must be introduced gradually and positively. Many dogs initially find them unusual, so slow training at home is important before using them on walks.

A headcollar should be seen as a training aid rather than a permanent solution.

Helping Your Dog Stay Calm on Walks

Additional tips that can help include:

• Practising training in quiet areas first
• Allowing time for sniffing and exploring
• Providing daily play or off-lead exercise
• Being consistent on every walk

Dogs enjoy exploring the world through scent, so allowing them to sniff is the highlight of their day and helps them feel content as they have been given the opportunity to express their natural behaviour.

Be Patient

Training a dog to stop pulling can take time, especially if the habit has been learned over many months or years.

The most important things are consistency, patience and positive reinforcement. With practice and encouragement, most dogs learn that walking calmly beside you is the best way to enjoy their walk.

Jumping up is a very common behaviour in dogs and many dogs jump up when they are excited, particularly when greeting people. In other cases, jumping can happen when a dog feels uncertain or overstimulated and is trying to get attention or reassurance.

Dogs quickly learn which behaviours get a response from people. If a dog receives attention when they jump up, even if that attention is telling them off, they may repeat the behaviour because it works.

Jumping is often encouraged unintentionally when dogs are young. When puppies are small, people may greet them enthusiastically while they jump up but as the dog grows larger, the same behaviour can become inconvenient or unsafe, especially around children or older adults.

The good news is that jumping can be changed with consistent training.

Do Not Reward Jumping

If your dog jumps up, the most important thing is not to react.

Avoid talking to them, pushing them away, or making eye contact. Any attention can reinforce the behaviour. Instead, stay calm and wait until your dog returns all four paws to the ground.

As soon as they are standing calmly, reward them with quiet praise or a treat. This helps them learn that calm behaviour gets attention, not jumping.

Reward Calm Greetings

Your dog needs to learn that keeping their paws on the ground is the best way to get your attention.

Think about situations where your dog usually jumps up, such as:

• when you arrive home
• when visitors enter the house
• when meeting people on walks

Being prepared can help prevent the behaviour before it starts. For example, when arriving home you could crouch down to greet your dog calmly or offer a toy or treat immediately to keep their attention focused on the ground.

Rewarding calm behaviour in these moments will help your dog learn what you want them to do instead.

Avoid Telling Your Dog Off

Telling a dog off for jumping can sometimes make the behaviour worse.

For some dogs, being spoken to or touched, even negatively, can still be rewarding because they are receiving attention. For others, being scolded may create confusion or anxiety, which can increase excitable behaviour.

Remaining calm and simply removing attention is usually far more effective.

Be Consistent

When training a dog not to jump up, consistency is essential.

If jumping occasionally gets attention, your dog may continue trying the behaviour because it sometimes works.

Make sure everyone in the household follows the same approach. It can also help to explain the rules to visitors before they greet your dog, so they do not accidentally reinforce jumping.

Using Treat Scattering for Excitable Dogs

Some dogs find sitting calmly very difficult when they are excited.

For these dogs, scattering a few treats on the ground can help. Sniffing for food encourages the dog to keep their nose down and paws on the floor, making jumping much less likely.

You can practise this by asking a friend to approach while you scatter a small handful of treats for your dog to find. This redirects their energy into a calm activity while people greet each other.

Preparing for Walks and Visitors

If your dog tends to jump up when meeting people outside the home, bring treats with you on walks. This allows you to reward calm behaviour whenever someone approaches.

You can also practise polite greetings before visitors arrive by having treats ready and guiding your dog into calm behaviour when the door opens.

With patience, consistency and positive training, most dogs quickly learn that calm greetings are far more rewarding than jumping up.

Dogs are social animals and most prefer to be close to the people they are bonded with. For some dogs, being left alone, or separated from a particular person, can be distressing. This is often referred to as separation anxiety, though vets now commonly use the broader term separation-related behaviours. This recognises that dogs may experience a range of emotions when left, including fear, panic, frustration, boredom or over-excitement, rather than anxiety alone.

Separation-related behaviours are very common and can have a significant impact on both a dog’s wellbeing and their family’s quality of life. The good news is that, with the right support, many dogs can learn to cope better with being alone. Improvement usually involves behavioural guidance, practical changes at home and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a vet.

What Are Separation-Related Behaviours?

A separation-related issue occurs when a dog struggles to cope with being on their own or away from a specific person. The distress usually begins shortly after their caregiver leaves and often eases when they return. As many dogs appear settled again once reunited, these problems can sometimes go unnoticed, unless someone hears or sees what happens while the dog is alone.

Common Signs to Watch For

Dogs show separation-related distress in different ways. Some signs are obvious, while others can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following when your dog is left alone:

• barking, whining or howling
• pacing, panting or trembling
• drooling excessively
• toileting indoors despite being house-trained
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• destructive behaviour such as chewing doors, furniture or carpets
• repetitive licking, nibbling or biting at their body
• low mood or lack of energy

If you’re unsure what your dog does when alone, a pet camera or feedback from neighbours can be very helpful. Video footage is particularly valuable for vets and behaviour professionals when assessing the problem.

When to Contact Your Vet

If you think your dog may have separation-related issues, or if there is a sudden change in their behaviour, it’s important to speak to your vet. Your vet can rule out medical causes, offer advice and, where appropriate, refer you to a qualified behaviour professional.

Helping a Dog with Separation-Related Problems

Why Treats Alone Are Rarely Enough

It’s a common belief that leaving toys or chews will solve the problem. While this may help dogs who are simply bored, dogs that are truly distressed often won’t eat or play once their person has gone.

A Tailored, Step-by-Step Approach

Most dogs benefit from working with a qualified behaviourist, ideally one registered with a recognised professional body.

Support usually involves:

• Careful assessment – understanding exactly how and when your dog struggles, often using video recordings
• Behavioural therapy – gradually teaching your dog that being alone is safe through carefully planned, positive training
• Changes at home – creating a comfortable, secure space and providing appropriate activities
• Predictable routines – helping your dog know what to expect before, during and after you leave
• Medication – in some cases, vets may prescribe medication alongside training to reduce distress

Progress takes time and commitment, but many dogs do improve with the right help.

Why Punishment Makes Things Worse

Dogs don’t misbehave out of spite. If you come home to damage or mess, it’s the result of distress, not bad behaviour. Telling a dog off after the event won’t help, they won’t connect the punishment with what happened earlier, and it may make them more anxious about both being left and your return. This can worsen the problem rather than solve it.

Preventing Separation Problems

Teaching Independence Early

Helping puppies and newly adopted dogs learn that short periods alone are normal can reduce the risk of problems developing later. Start gently and build up slowly.

Helpful early steps include:

• briefly moving away while your dog remains calm
• leaving them in another room for a few seconds, then gradually longer
• keeping departures and returns low-key and predictable
• providing a safe, comfortable resting area
• encouraging calm, independent behaviour during the day

Dogs should not be left alone for long periods. As a general guide, most adult dogs shouldn’t be left for more than four hours at a time, though this varies on the individual dog.

Helping Your Dog Learn to Be Alone

When teaching your dog to cope with time alone, gradual progress is key. Using baby gates rather than closed doors can help create gentle distance while your dog still feels connected. Providing a comfortable bed, access to water, a quiet environment and familiar scents can all help your dog feel more secure.

If your dog becomes worried at any stage, take a step back and return to the point where they were relaxed. Some dogs progress quickly, while others need much more time, both are normal.

Getting the Right Support

If your dog already finds being alone very difficult, professional guidance is strongly recommended. Every dog is different, and a personalised plan is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach. Your vet can help you access appropriate behavioural support.

Training is an important part of caring for your dog. It helps keep their mind active, strengthens the bond between you, and teaches them how to behave in everyday situations.

Dogs do not automatically understand the rules we expect them to follow. Training helps them learn what behaviours are appropriate and what we want from them.

One of the most effective and humane training approaches is reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement.

What is Reward-Based Training?

Reward-based training works by rewarding the behaviour you want your dog to repeat.

When your dog performs the correct behaviour and receives something they enjoy, such as food, praise, or a toy, they are more likely to repeat that behaviour in the future.

For example, if you ask your dog to sit and immediately reward them when they do, they begin to associate sitting with receiving a reward.

With repetition, your dog learns to respond to the command even without a treat every time.

The Myth of Pack Leadership

Older training methods often suggested that dogs need a ‘dominant leader’ or ‘pack leader’ to control their behaviour.

Modern behavioural science has shown that this approach is unnecessary and can be harmful. Dogs do not need to see you as dominant; they simply need clear communication, consistency, and trust.

Positive training methods build a stronger relationship between dogs and their owners and help dogs learn more effectively.

Golden Rules of Reward-Based Training

Use rewards your dog values

The reward must be something your dog finds motivating. This may include:

• Small food treats
• Praise and attention
• A favourite toy

Different dogs are motivated by different things, so it is important to find what works best for your dog.

Timing is important

Rewards should be given immediately after the desired behaviour, ideally within a second. This helps your dog connect the behaviour with the reward.

Keep sessions short

Dogs learn best during short, frequent training sessions, so sessions of two to five minutes are often enough.

Always finish training on a positive note after a successful attempt.

Train one behaviour at a time

Focus on teaching a single command or behaviour until your dog understands it before introducing new ones. This helps prevent confusion and allows your dog to learn more quickly.

Use clear commands

Use short, consistent words such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ or ‘come’.

Avoid using the same command for different behaviours, as this can confuse your dog.

Ignore mistakes

Dogs make mistakes while learning. If your dog performs the wrong behaviour, simply ignore it and reward them when they do the correct behaviour as punishment can cause fear or confusion and may slow down learning.

Avoid punishment

Shouting, hitting, or using equipment designed to cause discomfort can damage trust and increase anxiety.

Dogs learn best in an environment where they feel safe and confident.

Be consistent

Everyone who interacts with your dog should use the same commands and training approach. Consistency helps your dog understand what is expected.

Choosing Healthy Treats

Treats are an effective training reward, but it is important to keep your dog’s overall diet balanced.

Healthy options may include tiny pieces of cooked chicken or carrot slices.

If you use treats regularly during training, you will need to reduce your dog’s regular meals to avoid weight gain.

Using a Reward Marker

A reward marker is a signal that tells your dog they have done the correct behaviour and that a reward is coming.

Common markers include:

• Saying ‘yes’
• A clicker sound
• A visual signal such as a thumbs-up (useful for deaf dogs)

To teach the marker, pair it with a reward repeatedly so your dog learns that the signal predicts something good.

Markers help make training more precise, especially when your dog is further away from you and sometimes, it’s quite difficult to get a treat out of a treat pouch and to your dog in a second or less!

Training Classes

Training classes can provide helpful guidance, especially for new dog owners.

When choosing a class, look for one that:

• Uses reward-based methods
• Avoids punishment or aversive tools
• Focuses on building positive relationships between dogs and owners

Training can begin as soon as your puppy has completed their initial vaccinations, but dogs of any age can benefit from learning new skills.

Keep Training Fun

Training should always be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Short sessions, patience, and positive reinforcement will help your dog learn new behaviours while strengthening the bond you share.

Allowing your dog to run off lead can be great exercise and enrichment. However, it is essential that your dog comes back reliably when called before giving them this freedom.

If a dog runs off and ignores recall, they may put themselves in danger.

Possible risks include:

• Busy roads and traffic
• Approaching unfamiliar dogs or people
• Chasing livestock or wildlife
• Becoming lost
• Being stolen

Because of these risks, it is important to make sure your dog responds consistently when you call them.

Training Safely While Building Recall

If your dog frequently runs off or ignores recall, continue practising with a long training lead attached to a harness. A long line allows your dog more freedom to explore while keeping them safe and under control.

Long leads should always be used away from roads and in areas where there is plenty of space.

Using a harness rather than attaching the lead to a collar helps prevent strain or injury to your dog’s neck if they reach the end of the line suddenly.

When to Let Your Dog Off-Lead

Only allow your dog off the lead in open spaces when you are confident they will return to you when called.

Until recall is reliable, choose secure areas such as enclosed parks or fields where your dog cannot run into dangerous situations.

Building recall gradually and safely will help your dog develop good habits and keep them protected while enjoying off-lead exercise.

Identification and Microchipping

Even well-trained dogs can occasionally wander off, so it is important that your dog can be easily identified.

Make sure that:

• Your dog’s microchip details are kept up to date (legal requirement)
• Your dog wears a collar or harness with an identification tag when in public (legal requirement)

Including your name and contact details on the tag helps ensure that you can be reunited quickly if your dog becomes lost, however collars can come off and this is why microchipping is so important.

Socialisation is one of the most important gifts you can give your puppy. It helps them grow into a relaxed, confident and friendly adult who can cope well with everyday life. During their first few months, puppies are especially open to learning about the world, and the experiences they have during this time shape how they feel and behave for years to come.

Handled gently and positively, socialisation builds resilience. Done too quickly or without care, it can feel overwhelming. The aim is not to expose your puppy to everything, but to help them learn that new experiences are safe and manageable.

Why Socialisation Matters

The first four months of a puppy’s life is vital as they go through a key learning phase often called the socialisation period. During this window, their brains are developing rapidly and are especially receptive to new sights, sounds, people and situations.

Puppies who experience the world in a calm, positive way at this stage are more likely to:

• Feel comfortable around people and other dogs
• Cope better with change and unfamiliar situations
• Grow into confident, adaptable adult dogs

Puppies who miss out on these early experiences may struggle later in life. Fear, anxiety and behaviour problems often stem from uncertainty about the world, rather than stubbornness or ‘bad’ behaviour. The good news is that thoughtful, kind socialisation early in life can prevent many of these issues.

If Your Puppy Seems Worried

It’s normal for puppies to feel unsure at times, especially when encountering something new.

Signs your puppy may be stressed include:

• Freezing or trying to move away
• Lowered body posture or tucked tail
• Yawning, lip licking or avoiding eye contact
• Reluctance to approach or sudden stillness

If you notice these signs, gently create distance from whatever is worrying them. Never force your puppy to approach something they’re unsure about.

Helping Shy or Nervous Puppies

Some puppies need extra patience and support, and that’s okay. Confidence grows at different speeds.

For shy puppies:

• Let them observe from a safe distance
• Allow them to approach people or situations in their own time
• Ask others to crouch down and avoid direct staring
• Stop interactions before your puppy feels overwhelmed

Food treats aren’t always helpful with shy puppies, as they may approach for the food rather than because they feel safe. Calm reassurance and choice are often more effective.

If your puppy continues to struggle, your vet can direct you to a qualified behaviour professional who can provide tailored advice and support.

Many new owners are surprised by how much puppies bite, nibble and chew. However, this behaviour is completely normal. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, much like young children use their hands to investigate new objects.

During the early months of life, puppies also go through a teething stage. As their adult teeth begin to come through, they experience discomfort and feel a strong urge to chew to relieve the pressure in their gums.

Due to this, puppies will often chew whatever they can reach, including furniture, shoes, clothing and hands. Rather than trying to stop chewing entirely, the goal is to guide your puppy towards appropriate items to chew and help them learn how to interact gently with people.

Why Do Puppies Mouth and Play Bite?

Puppies naturally use their mouths when they play. In the litter, they spend a lot of time play fighting and mouthing their siblings and mother. This helps them develop coordination, learn bite control and understand social boundaries.

When puppies come into a new home, they may continue this behaviour with people because they see it as part of normal play.

Some puppies also mouth more than others. Energetic breeds and working breeds can sometimes be more enthusiastic in their play, which may include grabbing hands, sleeves, trouser legs or ankles.

It is important to remember that play biting is usually a temporary phase. Most puppies gradually grow out of this behaviour between three and five months of age as they mature and learn better ways to play.

Patience and gentle guidance during this period are key to helping your puppy learn appropriate behaviour.

Redirecting Puppy Biting

The most effective way to manage play biting is to redirect your puppy onto something more appropriate.

Keeping a variety of safe chew toys nearby can help. If your puppy begins mouthing your hands or clothing, calmly offer them a toy instead. Moving the toy and making it interesting will encourage your puppy to focus on it rather than your hands.

Interactive games such as tug can also be helpful when done safely. Using large, soft toys allows your puppy to grab and chew without accidentally catching your fingers.

Teething puppies may also benefit from suitable chews or teething toys that help relieve discomfort.

Over time, puppies learn that toys provide a satisfying outlet for chewing and play.

Identifying Triggers

Puppies often mouth more at certain times of the day. Understanding when this behaviour occurs can help you manage it more effectively.

For example, puppies may become more mouthy when they are tired, overly excited, bored, frustrated or hungry.

Keeping a note of when mouthing occurs can help you identify patterns. You may find that offering playtime, a short training session, a walk, or a chew toy at these moments helps prevent biting before it starts.

Removing Temptations

Certain items can be especially tempting for puppies. Loose clothing, dangling drawstrings, slippers and dressing gown ties can easily become targets for playful biting.

While your puppy is still learning, it may help to remove these temptations where possible. This reduces opportunities for unwanted chewing and helps your puppy focus on appropriate toys instead.

Puppies, Mouthing and Children

Puppy play biting can be particularly challenging when young children are involved. Puppy teeth are very sharp, and children may instinctively squeal, wave their hands or pull away quickly when bitten. Unfortunately, these reactions can make the situation more exciting for the puppy and encourage more biting.

For this reason, interactions between puppies and children should always be closely supervised. If active supervision is not possible, it is best to separate them temporarily using barriers such as baby gates.

Children should not be expected to manage mouthing behaviour themselves.

The Importance of Rest, Food and Exercise

Puppies need a lot of sleep; often far more than owners expect. Just like young children, overtired puppies can become irritable and overexcited, which often leads to increased biting.

Encouraging regular rest periods throughout the day can help prevent this.

Providing meals at consistent times is also important. Hunger can make puppies restless and more likely to mouth. Puppies have small stomachs, so need to eat several times a day.

Finally, puppies need appropriate levels of mental and physical stimulation. Opportunities to play, explore, train and interact help prevent boredom, which is another common trigger for chewing and biting.

Managing Persistent Biting

If your puppy continues to bite hard during play, you may need to briefly remove them from the situation.

One approach is to calmly guide the puppy away for a very short break from attention. This could mean leading them behind a stair gate or into another room for a brief moment until they settle.

The aim is to show the puppy that biting causes play and attention to stop. Once calm, they can return and try again.

These breaks should only last a short time so the puppy can associate the pause with the biting behaviour.

It is important not to use your puppy’s crate for this purpose, as the crate should remain a positive place where the puppy can relax.

What to Avoid

When teaching a puppy not to mouth or bite, certain approaches should be avoided.

Allowing puppies to chew on hands or fingers during play can encourage a habit that becomes painful as they grow older.

Making high-pitched squealing sounds may seem like a way to signal discomfort, but it often excites puppies and encourages more biting.

Punishing or scolding a puppy is also not helpful as harsh reactions can frighten puppies and damage trust. Instead, calm management, redirection and patience are far more effective.

A Phase That Will Pass

Although puppy biting can feel frustrating (and painful) at times, it is usually a normal stage of development. With consistent guidance, appropriate toys and plenty of patience, most puppies learn quickly that gentle play is the best way to interact with people.

By supporting your puppy through this stage, you will help them develop into a well-mannered and confident adult dog.