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Dog Training Advice & Resources
Explore practical, thoughtful guidance from APDT members on dog training, behaviour and living well with your dog.
Our articles share professional knowledge, useful advice and different perspectives to help dog owners better understand their dogs and make informed, compassionate choices.



Breed-specific behaviour of German Shepherd Dogs
Pat has been working with GSDs in farming since the late 1970s. Having gained her MSc from Southampton she offers her services as a Behaviour and Training Consultant and has a wealth of knowledge coupled with lived experience working her team of GSDs. In 2021 her stunning dog Anna became HGH Anna von Tharandter Wald and achieved the accolade of being the first British trained and handled HGH.
Aug 14, 202517 min read


Working Breeds in Pet Homes - an Owner's Guide
For generations we have been breeding dogs to do specific jobs for us, a few obvious examples are: Terriers were bred to hunt vermin Border Collies to herd sheep Spaniels to hunt and retrieve game When choosing a breed of dog, we often consider: size, appearance, past experience, coat type, etc. It's also really useful to ask ourselves, ‘what was the original purpose of the breed?’, as this will tell us a lot about the kind of lifestyle they are likely to thrive in. Many
Nov 16, 20247 min read


Should you bring your dog on the school run? Expert insights
Are you pondering whether to include your dog on your daily school run routine? You’re not alone. Many dog guardians grapple with this decision as they balance their 4-legged friends and family responsibilities. Fortunately, we’ve consulted leading dog experts and trainers to provide you with insights into this matter. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of taking your dog or new puppy to school and offer practical tips for a successful school run with a dog.
Sep 4, 20237 min read


International Guide Dog Day
From APDT Dog Trainer to Guide Dog Puppy Development Advisor – Rebecca Stranney (MAPDT 01421) I joined the APDT as a full member in 2019. I was working as a self-employed dog trainer at the time and having gone it alone for a year or so, I was seeking a seal of approval – a measure of my standards, ethics and positive training style and an all-important support network in what can otherwise be a lonely career. I remember getting the letter confirming I was successful after as
Apr 27, 20227 min read


When does a dog have her first season?
The first season most commonly occurs between 6 – 23 months of age with most dogs having their first season by the age of 14-months. The time frame can vary between dog breeds with smaller breeds sometimes occurring at a younger age whilst large breeds occurring at a later age. How long does it last for and why do they act differently? Seasons last for approximately 3-weeks but can be shorter or up to 4-weeks. There are approximately 4-phases to a season with the first phase
Aug 7, 20205 min read
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