It's Training Tips Tuesday and time for some top tips from Alsager Nub News sponsor, 'All to Play for'.

This week top dog trainer and behaviourist Julia Hawkins, talks explains how to get your dog to walk on a lead without pulling.

Julia, a former maths teacher, from Linley Grove, uses concept training which helps dog owners to see how they can reshape their dogs' brains using games.

So you go out for a walk to do some training but your dog won't listen and won't even eat the tasty treats you've got for them," says Julia.

"So what do you do? If we're honest, probably we mainly get frustrated.

"This is such a common training struggle, and there's a really good reason for it, and a simple solution.

"Dogs who pull on lead are in a heightened state of arousal - whether that's due to fear, excitement, whatever.

"And when the brain chemicals are conspiring to make our dogs super hyper, it also makes them unable to focus on us and take treats.

"In fact, trying to shove a piece of food in their mouths in this state can be quite punishing."

Three steps to overcome this:

1. Work on your dog's excitement level before you even leave the house. Does your dog lose their head the minute they see the lead? Or when you put your shoes on? Try getting ready for a walk but then not going anywhere and play some games at home instead. Break the prediction chain.

2. Practice the techniques and behaviours you want on your walk at home with no distractions. Walk around the house and garden with your dog on lead, rewarding them for staying close. Play games to encourage proximity (ask me how!)

3. Increase the level of distraction gradually. The quiet end of carparks is often a useful low distraction location.

"You'll reduce your stress level and your dog's stress level and be far more successful in achieving the walks you want," says Julia.

Interested in finding more about 'All to Play For'? Julia also has a Facebook page here

and can be contacted on 07913 757304.

You can also read our launch article on Julia here

Enjoy the week with your pooch!