DoggieVille Training

03/03/2026

Clovers got her tongue 👅 out for Tongue out Tuesday.

Let’s see other doggos with their tongues out ☀️

22/02/2026

🐾🧠 Myths About Reward Based Dog Trainers That Really Need to Go in the Bin 🧠🐾

Reward based trainers get called all sorts of things — “cookie pushers”, “the reason for increased numbers of dog bites”, “woke dog trainers”, "they never tell a dog no"… but most of these ideas are wildly outdated or just plain wrong.

Let’s clear a few up:

🔥 Myth 1: “Reward based trainers just give dogs treats for everything.” Nope. We use rewards strategically to teach behaviours, build confidence, and reinforce good choices.
It’s not a buffet — it’s a learning system.
🔥 Myth 2: “Dogs trained with rewards won’t listen without food.” Actually, dogs trained with positive reinforcement learn faster, retain behaviours longer, and respond beautifully even when rewards are faded out. We’re building understanding, not dependence.
🔥 Myth 3: “It’s too soft — dogs need to know who’s boss.”
Modern training isn’t about being the boss. It’s about communication, trust, and science. Dogs aren’t plotting a household coup — they’re trying to figure out what works.
🔥 Myth 4: “Reward based trainers ignore bad behaviour.”
We don’t ignore it — we understand it. Most unwanted behaviour has a cause: fear, stress, confusion, pain, or unmet needs. We fix the root, not just the symptoms.
🔥 Myth 5: “Using treats is bribery.” Bribery is to get the behaviour (“I’ll give you this if you stop”). Reinforcement rewards the behaviour (“You did the thing — here’s your pay check”). Big difference.
🔥 Myth 6: “It only works for easy dogs.” Reward based training is used for police dogs, assistance dogs, zoo animals, marine mammals… If it works for a sea lion, it’ll work for your Mastiff! I've had multiple bull breeds over the years and reward based training DOES work!
🔥 Myth 7: “Reward based training takes too long.” Good training takes the time it takes — because dogs learn through repetition, safety, and feeling confident. Rushing creates stress, confusion, and shaky behaviour. Taking your time builds solid skills, trust, and long lasting results. Slow is smooth, and smooth becomes fast.
🔥 Myth 8: “Reward based trainers never tell a dog ‘no’.” We absolutely set boundaries — we just do it without fear or intimidation. “No” is information, not punishment.
🔥 Myth 9: “Reward based trainers drug dogs and turn them into zombies.” Not true. The type of medications used are not to sedate the dog! Some dogs are so anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed that they can’t learn without support. Medication can lower that emotional temperature so training can actually work. It’s not cheating. It’s kindness.
🔥 Myth 10: “Reward based trainers put difficult dogs down."
This is one of the most damaging myths out there. Euthanasia is not a behaviour solution. It is normally only ever considered in rare cases where a dog has severe neurobiological conditions, profound medical issues, or extreme welfare‑limiting distress that cannot be improved despite veterinary care, behaviour support, and management. Most dogs labelled “difficult” are actually scared, in pain, misunderstood, or unsupported — and with the right help, they can make huge progress.

FACT - We teach dogs what to do instead of just shutting them down.

✨ The truth?
Reward based trainers use science, empathy, and clear communication to help dogs learn in a way that’s kind, effective, and long lasting.

It’s not “soft.” It’s smart.

Here’s to happier dogs, happier humans, and training that actually makes sense - and works! 🐶

07/09/2025

Please watch your dogs and make sure they don’t eat acorns 🐾

It's that time of year again where acorns will going to be flooding the floors and could become tempting to your dog. It's important to remember the dangers of acorns when they become ingested ⚠️

Did you know that acorns (and the entire Oak tree) is poisonous to dogs? 🌳
Here’s the signs and symptoms of acorn poisoning in dogs. Be sure to save this post for later and share to raise awareness! 🐶

Find out more: thekennelclub.org.uk/acorns

11/10/2024

17/07/2024

🥳🥳FOUND🥳🥳

11/05/2024

It’s been reading 24c here where I am today. So it was a walk early morning then another this evening. I don’t have high risk dogs, but still at this temperature it is a risk. I love my dogs dearly so I won’t be putting them at risk.

www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk
All courses taught by a vet

25/03/2024

Now spring is on the way here’s some fantastic advice from Dogs Trust about what’s safe in the garden for your pooch 🐶

Now that Spring has sprung (kind of), we wanted to remind you of our top tips to keep your garden dog friendly 🐶🌼🌤️ https://bit.ly/3x6J2JE

[Image description: An infographic containing information on how to keep your garden dog friendly. All info can be found in the link above.]

21/01/2024

Our training website is now live, find all the information you need on what we provide on the below link! 🐾

Becky offers owners the chance to get insight into a positive experience when it comes to training your beloved tail-waggers. Using positive reinforcement, one-to-one sessions are offered that focus on goals and aspirations that owners want to accomplish with their furry family member. These session...

28/10/2023

Don’t forget the clocks go back tonight…unless your a dog 🐶

02/10/2023

When you hire a dog trainer it is MUCH more than an hour of their time...

This is so they can give you and your dog the very best ongoing support, with effective long term results.

So please take a moment to consider the following if you are looking to hire a professional.

And always do check their experience, their accreditations/courses they've completed, testimonials and ensure that the training they do puts the needs of the dog first, with no harsh or outdated methods.

Here at PPN we are committed to supporting kind and ethical pet professionals and offer a range of CPD to ensure ongoing learning and support.

This helps not only improve the industry and business standards but also offer a safe place for pet professionals to connect and support each other.

Pet Professional Network

'Together we are stronger'

09/09/2023

With temperatures set to soar this weekend, here is what to look for with heat stroke in dogs 👀