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

Owning a dog isn't always easy but top dog trainer, Alsager's Julia Hawkins, from Linley Grove is a font of knowledge on the subject.

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

And there Julia, who offers tips on her blog https://alltoplayfor.co.uk/blog/ as well as other help and contact details on her website at https://alltoplayfor.co.uk/ shares some special tips for your pooch.

Julia with her two Romanian rescue dogs. (Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Nub News)

'Training Tips Tuesday' advice

This week, Julia is offering lead walking tips ad how to choose the best equipment.

"First and foremost, the solution to getting brilliant loose lead walking lies in training, not in particular pieces of equipment," she says.

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" Unfortunately I see more and more dogs these days walked on slip leads and figure eight head collars. 

"Sometimes they work but we need to look at why and sadly the reason they work is that they cause pain and discomfort to the dog. 

"It's a simple as that. Even when they are used "properly", if the dog pulls on the lead, it's really unpleasant for them, so they develop a fear of pulling on the lead and don't do it.

"Is it worth it? To be honest, any technique which causes pain is unacceptable. If we remember that we know now that our dogs have a level of intelligence and understanding comparable to a two or three year old child."

Julia with her two Romanian rescue dogs. (Photo: Julia Hawkins)

Would we use these methods on a two or three year old child asks Julia and the answer is obviously 'no'.

"Not only that, study after study tells us that by inflicting discomfort on our dogs we increase the likelihood of them developing aggressive behaviour. Fact."

"I have also been told that harnesses cause pulling (try telling a guide dog that), that they cause injury (no method of restraint is perfect, but a y-shaped harness is the least worst option) and even that harnesses don't work for big or powerful dogs."

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So how do we train our dogs to walk on a loose lead?

"It's not necessarily a quick fix answer, but in general the key is to create value for the dog in walking next to you," says Julia. 

"Even walking around the house, when your dog is next to you, reward them with something they find valuable! 

"It's all about building a habit for walking with a loose lead so avoid situations where your dog is distracted and pull more, and train where there are fewer distractions. Gradually increase the level of distraction."

Interested in finding more about 'All to Play For'? Julia also has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alltoplayfordogtraining and can be contacted on 07913 757304.

You can also read our launch article on Julia here