If you clock this niche 90s reference, Sally Gray and I are well impressed.
Maybe the last trainer’s approach wasn’t right, maybe the motivation didn’t suit the dog, or maybe the real work never happened between sessions. “It didn’t really work” is something I hear a lot — so here’s what I’ve got to say about it.

If you’ve ever watched a Looney Tunes, you already know the power of a good lure. Using food to guide your dog isn’t bribery — it’s how you teach clean, reliable behaviour. Here’s how to do it properly and why it matters in the real world.

If Solid Snake trained dogs, he’d carry the same kit I do.
This post breaks down every bit of gear I actually use — why it works, when it matters, and how it makes life easier for you and your dog.

Even Frodo had to leave the Shire to get anywhere worth going.
It’s the same with finding the right dog trainer or boarding place — sometimes you’ve got to go a bit further than what’s convenient. I’ve done the miles for people I trust because the right help changes everything. The drive’s forgotten, but the results stick.

If you grew up with Top of the Pops, this one’s for you.
We all love a cheeky browse through pet shops, but let’s be honest — most of the stuff on the shelves won’t survive a week.
Here’s my rundown of where I actually buy my gear, the small UK businesses worth backing, and why “cute” doesn’t always mean quality.

Just like the old “Chicken Tonight” adverts — this isn’t about fancy meals, it’s about making simple things work. A good diet doesn’t have to be raw, organic, or expensive; it just needs a bit of variety, balance, and common sense. Feed what fits your life and benefits your dog — not someone else’s idea of perfect.

Da Vinci studied anatomy to paint better — not to become a doctor.
I study sport-dog training — not to compete, but to build better pet dogs.
Learning from a different discipline sharpens your craft — that’s why I encourage you to do the same.

If a KitKat can tell you when to have a break, your dog deserves the same clarity… Minus the actual chocolate bar.
This post digs into why a ‘break’ or ‘free’ command helps your dog know when the job’s done — building clarity and reducing confusion.

If Blofeld had owned an over-excited spaniel instead of that calm white cat, he wouldn’t have looked half as cool — martinis flying, henchmen panicking, Bond with muddy paw prints on his tux. Pure chaos.

This post digs into why so many dogs struggle to stay calm during greetings, how our energy feeds it, and what you can do to stop turning every hello into a full-blown action sequence.

Nothing kills the mood like the thought of homework — except the Daft Punk album, that was a banger. But when it comes to training your dog, it’s the only way real progress happens. In this post I break down why I set it, how filming yourself makes you a better trainer, and why the little bits you do outside of sessions matter more than anything else.

Zuckerbrot Und Peitsche translates to Sugarbread & Whip — but don’t worry, it’s just a metaphor. Think Charlie & The Chocolate Factory: most of the kids had too much sugar and ended up needing a bit of whip. Only Charlie stayed balanced. What do you get when you guzzle down sweets? A lesson in why balance matters — for kids, for grown ups, and for dogs. Still not sure what I’m on about? Step inside and read on.

“He’s a COVID puppy” can often be used as a kind of Get Out of Jail Free card for dog issues today. I see it a bit differently. COVID wasn’t the problem — in many ways, it was the perfect time to train a dog. This post looks at why the “COVID puppy” excuse doesn’t really help, and what you can do instead.

This is my routine. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

Routine sounds neat, but life isn’t. That’s why I lean on structure instead — it builds calmer, more adaptable dogs that can cope when things don’t go to plan.

Puppy classes? Half the time they look more like a scene from Ghostbusters — pups flying about like little poltergeists, owners hanging on for dear life in the middle of the madness. Cute as anything, sure. But calm, structured learning? Not so much.

This post’s about why I don’t run puppy classes, why all that chaos doesn’t set your pup up to win, and what I do instead to make sure they grow into the dog you actually need in the real world.

Social media makes it look like every trainer’s dog is flawless. Truth is, even Sam isn’t perfect — and that’s ok. Training isn’t about creating robots, it’s about learning, mistakes, and building a bond so the memories live forever.

We all think of ‘treats’ as something extra — but like Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda, too much of a good thing isn’t always good. The real treat is having a dog that wants to work with you for their daily food.

Enrichment should feel like Jurassic Park — full of adventure, stimulation, and new experiences. Just… without the near-death raptor chases. A licki mat won’t cut it. Take your dog out into the real world and give them the kind of enrichment that truly enhances their life.

Rescue dogs aren’t Chip ’n Dale — they don’t need saving every episode. With the right approach, they can just be what they are: dogs.

Freedom looks epic in the movies — but in real life, giving dogs too much too soon can be a recipe for chaos. Whether it’s a puppy or a rescue, structure first, freedom later. Freedom that is earned is the only kind that lasts.

"Judge Dredd had it right: ‘I am the Balance.’ That’s how real dog training works too — rewards, boundaries, and clarity all working together to build reliability that lasts."