Dog Training Tips & Advice
Helpful, science-based guidance for dog owners in Bedfordshire and the UK. From noise desensitisation to everyday handling, this page brings together our most useful free content in one place.
You Don’t Need to Be the “Alpha” to Train Your Dog
You will often hear that you must be the “alpha” in order to be in control of your dog. This is a common belief, but it does not reflect how dogs actually learn or behave.
Dogs know that we are not dogs, and they do not see us as one of their own. What they do rely on us for is guidance, safety and clear boundaries. In that sense, some people use the term “pack leader” — however, this phrase is often linked to outdated training methods that focus on dominance and punishment.
At Val’s K9 Training, we do not believe that dogs need to be controlled through fear, force or intimidation. Instead, we focus on understanding canine behaviour and how learning really works. Behaviours that lead to positive outcomes are naturally repeated, while punishment in dog-to-dog interactions is rare and reserved only for extreme situations.
Even a mother dog does not regularly use force to control her puppies. For example, she would not pin a puppy to the ground simply for jumping up or being excitable. Dogs learn primarily through feedback, consistency and safety, not domination.
Effective training is not about being “alpha” — it’s about being a calm, reliable presence your dog can trust.
Tips & Advice →
practical guidance
📌 Tips from the Tiny Trainer
In this section my little assistant explains to her peers how to stay safe around dogs.
📌 Puppy basics
You got your puppy, its a bundle of joy, but you've been told to wait until they are fully vaccinated to take them to training classes. But this doesn't mean you cant get started on simple cues at home right now or even taking them out while they are still small enough to carry and exposing them gently to sights and sounds that will become part of their day to day.
📌 Help with Grooming
Grooming is something many dogs will experience. Especially the doodle mixes, curly coated or thick coated dogs. Some (like the curly coated dogs) will need to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks. At home, you can give your pup a head start by teaching them consent based handling. Teaching them to let you touch their sensitive areas such as paws, ears and face.
📌 Muzzle Training
Muzzle training is not for "bad" dogs. Every dog should learn how to wear one. This prepares them for ANYTHING. Whether that's an unplanned vet emergency, scavenging on walks, bite risk, or you just want people to give you space or maybe they fit the Breed specific legislation guidelines and have to wear one by law. Which ever the reason, there's no reason why they shouldn't learn to be comfortable in one.
📌 Legal Requirements: ID Tags & Licensing
One of the first things you need to prepare for when you bring your dog home, is ensuring that they have a well fitted collar and an ID tag with essential information such as your post code, phone number and initials. This is a legal requirement.
📌 Fireworks & Loud Noise Sensitivity
Many dogs really struggle with fireworks, if all preventative measures have failed, or you've just adopted your dog, here are some easy trouble shooting tips to help you through those loud periods.
