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's advice is about staying on track with dog training. Dog training can be really frustrating, says Julia.

"Sometimes you might see dogs being trained on social media or on TV and their transformation seems almost instant but why isn't this happening to your dog?," asks Julia.

"Well, the truth is that these instantaneous-seeming results have more to do with editing than anything else!

"In fact, to get real, permanent results and a happy dog the reality will look different because rather than just focusing on the behaviour you can see and controlling it, you are focusing on the reasons behind the behaviour, and training to get a different response.

"The big problem with trying to control behaviours without addressing the reasons behind them is that the underlying issues are still there and they will be seen in other, new behaviours - which can be dangerous."

When you are training your dog, don't expect it all to come good immediately, says Julia. "Look for the steps forwards, and learn from any steps back. Maybe keep a diary to track your progress - and keep going!

"Focus on progress not perfection and before you know it you'll realise quite how far you and your pooch have come."

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