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 dogs and children and how to keep children safe.

"We've all heard the horror stories about children being hurt by the family dog - it's every parent's worst nightmare," says Julia.

"There is certainly a lot of training you can do with your dog to help avoid issues, training calmness, optimism and disengagement for example."

But, says Julia, a crucial part of the prevention of these accidents is managing the interactions our children have with our dogs and ensuring they know how to keep themselves safe.

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She said: "I was looking for some images to use including children and dogs and these are some of the first free images I came across. In every single one the dog is showing that they are not totally comfortable with the interaction.

"The problem is that if these subtle signs are ignored the dog may feel a need to growl, or snap and maybe even bite.

"We hear that a dog has bitten with no warning, which is almost never the case. There was a warning but we humans didn't understand what the dog was trying to tell us.

"So teaching our kids how to interact appropriately with dogs is so important - very few like to be hugged and kissed, and stroking on the head or belly can also be stressful. Keeping touches on the back between collar and tail is a great place to start."

The Family Dog have come up with the "Pat, Pet, Pause" strategy for children interacting with dogs which is brilliant. If you want to stroke a dog, pat your let to invite the dog to come to you, says Julia.

"Stroke for three seconds then stop. If the dog turns away, stop the interaction.

This video here is a great way to help your children understand how dogs communicate. Let's keep our kids safe!

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

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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