Forbes Dog Training, Meadow Road, Bulford, Salisbury (2026)

01/06/2026

TOO MUCH FREEDOM!
When some dogs are allowed to do whatever they want, whenever they want, it can often lead to unwanted behaviour problems.

Some of the most common behaviours we see in these dogs include:
• Pushy or demanding behaviour
• Stubbornness and lack of responsiveness
• Excessive barking
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Territorial behaviour
• Resource guarding

While giving our dogs freedom comes from a place of love, too much freedom without guidance can create confusion and insecurity. Dogs thrive when they understand what is expected of them and where the boundaries are.

By introducing clear rules, consistent structure, and fair boundaries, we can help our dogs feel more secure, improve communication, and build a healthier, more respectful relationship.

Conclusion:
Freedom is important, but it works best when balanced with leadership and guidance. Setting appropriate boundaries isn’t about being strict—it’s about providing clarity, building trust, and helping your dog become a calmer, happier, and more balanced companion.

If you would like help with any unwanted behaviours, get in touch for more details.
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modification

30/05/2026

WHY IS MY DOG REACTIVE?
This is a big question with a complex answer, but the two most common causes of reactivity that we see are:

1. FEAR
Fear is probably the most common reason dogs become reactive.

This doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your dog. Just like people, some dogs are naturally more cautious or sensitive than others.

It's also worth remembering that many breeds were selectively bred to alert their owners to potential threats. Barking and reacting to unfamiliar people, dogs, or situations was often a desirable trait, particularly in guarding breeds.

The good news is that fearful dogs can learn to respond differently. Through consistent training and improved impulse control, they can learn calmer, more appropriate behaviours when faced with things that worry them.

2. OVER-EXCITEMENT & FRUSTRATION
The second most common cause of reactivity is over-excitement leading to frustration.

This often develops when an already excitable puppy or dog is allowed to greet and interact with every person or dog they encounter. Over time, they begin to expect that every sighting of a dog or person will lead to an interaction.

When that expected interaction doesn't happen, frustration builds.

Your dog sees another dog, gets excited, anticipates play or attention, and then becomes frustrated when access is denied. That frustration often shows itself as barking, lunging, whining, or other reactive behaviours.

In many cases, the reactivity isn't aggression at all—it's excitement that has become difficult for the dog to control.

CONCLUSION

Whatever the cause, reactive behaviour responses to triggers can be changed with the right training approach.

Success requires time, consistency, and clear communication. It also means preventing your dog from repeatedly practising the unwanted behaviour while teaching them a better alternative.

If you'd like help with your reactive dog, get in touch and ask about our Reactive Dog Programme.

https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modification

29/05/2026

BASIL THE 2 YEAR OLD LAB
Zoe got in touch this week to give us an update on Basil’s progress over the past few weeks after 2 sessions with Steve.

This is a video Zoe sent in of her training with Basil. It’s fair to say they are making excellent progress, well done! 👏👏👏

28/05/2026

ANWAN - 13 WEEKS - CAVAPOOCHON
We get asked all the time to show how things are done rather than just the before and after…… so here we go:

ANWAN is in the very early stages of learning the ‘Leave It’, command here.

Steve is saying the command and then claiming the space. With enough repetitions and time Anwan will learn the association between leaving it and the game resuming.

Anwan doesn’t fully yet understand that leaving it starts the game again, but until he does, Steve continues to make it happen by claiming space, until such times as ANWAN “gets it!”

The “Leave It”, command has a very practical purpose in every day life. For example there are things in our human diet that are poisonous to dogs, like chocolate and onions. Therefore, having a well trained “leave it” command can save a costly visit to the vets or worse!

If you’ve had a bad experience of your dog eating something they shouldn’t, share it in the comments.

If you need help with any kind of dog training or behaviour modification, get in touch.
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modification

26/05/2026

IMPULSE CONTROL 🐾
Most people spend a lot of time teaching their dogs to do things… but rarely teach them how to do nothing.

For many dogs, switching off, relaxing, and staying calm doesn’t come naturally, it’s a skill that needs to be taught. That’s where impulse control training comes in. This exercise teaches your dog to:
�✔ Ignore distractions�✔ Stay calm in different environments including; At home when the doorbell rings, at the Pub/Cafe or at the beach.�✔ Remain in position until released�✔ Relax and switch off when needed

The best part? Any dog can learn it, and with regular practice the behaviour becomes stronger and more reliable over time.

If you’d like to learn how to train your dog to lie down calmly in any environment, ignore distractions, and stay relaxed until released, get in touch today:
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modification

25/05/2026

WE TRAIN YOU TO TRAIN YOUR DOG
Knowledge is everything when it comes to dog training.

Every dog deserves to be understood, guided, and trained properly so they can live their very best life with you and every owner deserves the knowledge to make that happen.

At Forbes Dog Training, we teach YOU how dogs learn, why they behave the way they do, and how to apply that knowledge in real life. Because successful dog training isn’t magic… it’s communication, consistency, and understanding. (And sometimes a pocket full of treats! 😄)

That’s what we do:�✔️ Teach you�✔️ Guide you�✔️ Help you train your own dog with confidence.

Get in touch to learn more about our training and behaviour services.
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modificati

24/05/2026

HEATHER & NEV THE BORDER TERRIER
Heather first came to us around 3 years ago, and then returned last year for a little top-up session.

Initially, she needed help with Nev’s reactivity — barking and lunging at other dogs and people. Safe to say, Nev was living up to the Terrier reputation! 😅

But after working with Steve over a few sessions, things started to change. More importantly, Heather stayed consistent and committed to the training long after the sessions ended. We were always on hand with support when needed, but real success comes from the owner putting the work in day after day and Heather absolutely did that.

The result? A much calmer, happier Nev and an owner who can truly enjoy life with her dog again. 👏

Massive well done to Heather… and of course Nev! ❤️

“We Train You To Train Your Dog”

If you need help with any behaviour issue, with any breed, any age, get in touch.
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modification

23/05/2026

PUPPY CLASSES – GOOD OR BAD?
The answer really depends on 3 key things:
1️⃣ Your puppy’s temperament
Is a class environment actually right for them as an individual?
2️⃣ The quality of the class
Is it well supervised, realistic, and structured properly? Puppy classes should be the beginning of training — not the end.
3️⃣ The trainer
Do they have the experience, knowledge, and leadership skills to run a successful class and guide owners appropriately?

🐾 SOCIALISATION
This is often the main reason people attend puppy classes. But if your puppy is naturally timid or sensitive, and the class is not managed properly by an experienced trainer who can read dogs and recognise different character traits, puppy classes can actually do more harm than good.

Poorly run classes can create negative experiences, and that’s the biggest concern. A chaotic environment with:
• unchecked bullying
• forced greetings
• harsh corrections
• overcrowding
• stressed or overwhelmed puppies
can increase anxiety and even lead to future reactivity.

The bottom line?
Not all puppy classes are good! Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for before attending any puppy class. The fallout of attending the wrong puppy class could have a long term effect on your puppy.

At Forbes Dog Training, we’ve chosen not to run puppy classes. In our experience, it’s difficult to accurately predict which puppies will struggle in that environment, and we don’t believe it’s fair putting unsuitable puppies into a potentially stressful situation.

We also believe there are far better ways to socialise and train puppies without the chaos that often comes with group puppy classes.

If you’d like to learn more about our puppy training programme, get in touch or visit the link below 👇
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/puppy-training

21/05/2026

ARE YOU STUCK IN THE “REINFORCEMENT ONLY” MINDSET?
There’s a growing belief that all dog training requires is a pocket full of treats, a toy, or a few kind words.

While some dogs can absolutely be trained using only positive reinforcement, the reality is that many dogs, especially those with strong, self-rewarding behaviours need more than that.

When a behaviour is naturally rewarding to the dog, your reward often can’t compete. Chasing wildlife, excessive barking, hunting, scent searching, and similar behaviours are all highly reinforcing in their own right.

For many dogs, the environment becomes far more rewarding than any treat or toy you can offer.

That’s why so many owners struggle, because they’ve been told that one approach works for every dog in every situation.

The science of learning hasn’t changed. Since B.F. Skinner introduced operant conditioning in 1938, we’ve understood that dogs learn through consequences, reinforcement and punishment both play a role in behaviour.

Good dog training is about understanding the dog in front of you and applying the right principles fairly, clearly, and effectively.

If you need help with your dog’s behaviour and want to learn how to apply operant conditioning in a practical, balanced way, get in touch:
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-behaviour-modification

19/05/2026

LOOSE LEAD WALKING 🐾
Does your dog pull on the lead?
Feel like you’ve tried everything?

The truth is, you probably haven’t tried everything, you’ve tried everything you currently know.

We’ve yet to meet a dog that can’t learn to walk calmly on a loose lead once owners are shown the right techniques, given clear demonstrations, and supported through guided practice.

In just 2 x 90-minute sessions, we’ll teach you the methods we use every day with real success. After that, it’s all about consistency and practice.

Imagine enjoying calm, stress-free walks with your dog.

If you’re ready to make a change, get in touch today 👇
https://www.forbesdogtraining.co.uk/training/dog-obedience-training

Forbes Dog Training

01/06/2026

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