It's Training Tips Tuesday and time for some top tips from Alsager Nub News sponsor, 'All to Play for'.

This week top dog trainer and behaviourist Julia Hawkins, talks about the environment and how it has so many exciting trump cards which are irresistible to our dogs.

Julia, a former maths teacher, from Linley Grove, uses concept training which helps dog owners to see how they can reshape their dogs' brains using games.

 "Getting our dogs focussed on us, rather than the environment, can often be challenging for us when walking our dogs," says Julia.

"The environment has so many exciting trump cards which are irresistible to our dogs."

Julia says these include:

• Furry and feathered creatures which are so exciting
• Pee-mail from other dogs to sniff
• Interesting litter
• Special "presents" left by other animals for them to roll in...

The list goes on says Julia and in comparison we can be pretty boring.

"Try to be a bit more unpredictable. Suddenly change pace or direction or dash off in a different direction so your dog realises they need to keep an eye on you. 

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"And train a really strong behaviour like putting two feet on an object which means that you can explore your surroundings together. 

"That way you are becoming far more fun and a far more interesting walking companion.

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

Enjoy the week with your pooch!