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 the relationship between the owner and their dog - at the heart of every dog training journey.

"Think of it like a bank account," says Julia. "Every time we do something the dog likes, we're paying in to that bank account.

"Every time we do something the dog doesn't like, we're withdrawing from that bank account.

"Keeping the relationship bank account in credit means we have a dog who wants to work with us AND we are meeting their welfare needs."

But what pays into this 'bank account' can depend on the dog. "Stroking, for example, is very rewarding for many dogs, but for some it can feel uncomfortable or even scary," says Julia.

"Shouting at our dogs, jerking the lead etc are huge withdrawals. Whilst we want a dog who is well trained to be a great companion, we also want a dog which is happy and allowed to be a dog.

"The bonus being that where the relationship bank account is in credit, training becomes easier and more effective.

"A great way to help this bank account stay in credit is to give our dogs choices. If we are grooming them and they walk away, don't follow, wait a while and do a bit more.

"If we are having a training session and they've had enough, just leave it. On a walk if they want to sniff, unless there's a reason not to, just let them."

Julia says we have fall into a bit of a trap in recent years that our dogs must "obey" our "commands". "How about, instead, we build a relationship so that our dogs choose to make the right choices and follow our cues?

"That way we end up with great training, a happy dog and a happy owner."

Julia with her two Romanian rescue dogs. (Photo: 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