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.

She 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.

Today, she is talking about how to socialise our dogs when they are puppies.

"Socialising our dogs when they are puppies is really important. However this doesn't mean just giving them lots and lots of time to run around with other dogs or puppies," says Julia.

"In fact this can be quite damaging for our dogs if they have a bad experience. So what does it mean? Allowing your pup to meet all kinds of different people - vets, groomers, men, women, but make sure that you don't pass the puppy around, allow them to approach the people on their own terms."

Julia added: "Have controlled interactions with well behaved, older dogs, and ensure that these interactions are well supervised.

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"Look for happy, wiggly body language. Use the consent test where you remove your dog from the other dogs, then see if they want to go back to play again. 

"The dogs should be taking turns in chasing rather than one bullying the other and there should be self-imposed breaks in play. 

"Well socialised adult dogs, contrary to popular opinion, are very tolerant of puppies and do not actively use any type of aggressive behaviour towards puppies."

Allowing your dog access to moving objects and noises, ensuring they get a great outcome (ie lovely treats or a favourite toy as well as helping your dog get used to a variety of situations like travelling in the car and visiting pet shops. 

"With each of the situations above, if your puppy is scared or worried, remove them from the situation and introduce the situations more slowly. Go slow, then go slower," Julia said.

"If you have an older dog who was not socialised as a puppy, don't panic! You can still follow the steps given above but be aware that the process will be slower.

"And always remember that one bad experience for your dog far outweighs 100 good ones - avoid bad experiences like the plague!"

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

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.

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You can also read our launch article on Julia here