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 households with more than one dog.

"It often seems like a great idea to have more than one dog (and it often is!) but it can lead to struggles," says Julia.

"When you have more than one dog, they can contribute to each other's stress buckets, which can increase the general overall stress level of the household.

"I'm sure some of you have noticed how they can set each other off barking, or zooming, or sometimes one can just really annoy the other or it could be arguments over treats, toys or food which can even turn nasty." What can you do?

Julia says the best thing you can do to help your dogs with cohabiting is to give them time and space apart. "Many dogs find it extremely difficult to really relax when there is another dog there so time in separate rooms or in their crates can really help.

"If there are any guarding issues, then just feed and treat your dogs separately - it takes the pressure of the dogs and helps them to eat without feeling threatened.

"Never feel guilty about needing to keep your dogs separate some of the time, it's responsible dog ownership and you are being mindful of the best interests of your dog."

Julia also recommends working on 'concepts' with your dogs such as calmness and disengagement, so that they are not always desperate to know each other's business. "This is a great idea to grow a happy, harmonious household," she said.

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.

You can also read our launch article on Julia here