The Many Benefits of Humane Dog Training
Puppies, adult dogs, rescues and even senior pets can all benefit from humane training, which uses rewards, kindness, and patience instead of harsh words or strict punishments. We use the phrase ‘humane’ rather than ‘positive’ as there are differing opinions within the dog training industry.
But obviously humane means never scolding or shouting or scaring dogs, to learn how to behave and keep safe. Training is super-important as it can help dogs to not get into fights, not attack people or other dogs, and keep them safe when out and about.
If walking in nature, always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe. For coastal areas, check tide times and warning flags, and read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Before walks, research dog-friendly parks. Also learn of toxic foods and plants. And read info on quick-release dog collars (secured on walks by linking lead through D-rings which break off, if dogs entangle).
Also read our posts on volunteer dog walking and preventing dog bites and fights.
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors is a network of friendly professional practitioners who work alongside a vet-led team to help behavioural problems in all species. It offers in-person and remote services (including internationally) and has useful free factsheets that you can download (by species and problem).
Understanding Dog Communication
Doggie Language is a lovely book by illustrator Lili Chin, whose works are often feature on posters for vet and behaviour clinics worldwide. Learn how to recognise facial signals in dogs to know if they are happy, scared or about to attack. Learn how your dog uses his ears, eyes, mouth, tail and posture to communicate with you.
Dogs don’t speak our language, but they talk through signals that anyone can learn to spot. If you watch closely, you’ll notice:
- Body language: A relaxed body, wagging tail, or play bow shows comfort and interest. Raised hackles, tucked tail, or backing away often mean fear or stress.
- Eye contact: Soft or blinking eyes say “I trust you”, while wide eyes or a hard stare can signal worry or excitement.
- Sounds: Short barks, happy whines, or low growls each have a meaning. Happy barks show excitement, while nervous yips or growls may show fear.
Paying attention to these cues helps you pick rewards that fit your dog’s feelings in the moment. If a dog’s ears are up and their tail is wagging, you’ll know a treat, favourite toy or gentle “good dog” goes a long way.
If they look anxious, you might need to slow down, give space, or use extra patience. Good trainers act like keen listeners—reading a dog’s body language is like reading a friend’s face.
Also read What’s Up Pup?, on how dogs (even without words) can ask to play, get scratches or just say ‘I love you’. From sniffers and ears to muzzles and rears, from tail wags to tongue flicks and everything in-between, learn how your pup ‘talks to you’.
Strengthening Bonds with Guardians
Dog Speak uses whimsical illustrations to show how our canine friends communicate, whether it’s tilting their heads, chasing their tails or sitting on your feet. While we mostly rely on words to express how we feel, dogs mostly talk to us (and each other) through facial expressions, body language and other behaviour.
Happy dogs know what to expect and trust their owners to show them the way. These moments of partnership are at the heart of a great relationship, grounded in warmth, honesty, and daily fun. Humane training doesn’t just build better behaviour; it ties you and your dog together as true friends.
Choosing a Qualified Trainer
It’s easy to be swayed by flashy adverts or popular social media stars. Not every well-known name uses kind methods, so it pays to dig a bit deeper before deciding who to trust with your dog’s learning.
A skilled trainer makes learning fun and builds trust between you and your pet. When picking someone to guide you, skip any trainer who relies on scare tactics or punishes mistakes. Celebrity doesn’t always equal skill or care.
Look for these signs that a trainer knows their stuff:
- Certifications from respected organisations such as the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers), APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK), or KCAI (Kennel Club Accredited Instructor) which has its own Dog People’s Manifesto, a detailed guide for government to act on dog welfare issues. These show extra effort to keep up with proven, science-based methods.
- Detailed client reviews online, not just hand-picked testimonials. See if people mention changed behaviour, clear advice, and a friendly style.
- A kind approach in their content. Watch videos or read posts before booking. Are they showing gentle, enjoyable sessions? Or do you spot rough handling, prong collars, or harsh words?
- Transparent training style. A reliable trainer is happy to explain why they do what they do. They’ll welcome questions and help you learn, not keep secrets about their techniques.
Southend Dog Training offers a ‘dog trainer in your pocket’ with online dog training for around £12 a month, from someone who is well-qualified and with great reviews. It includes puppy training and training for general obedience, toileting and reactive dogs.
Train Your Dog Online is an 8-week course based on kind effective methods by one of the nation’s best dog trainers. Perfect for puppies and rescue dogs, it will your dog not to pull on the lead, work with distractions, respond quickly and calmly and leave things alone that you don’t want them to touch!
Vets say you shouldn’t over-throw balls for dogs (best to let them sniff and explore, to save leg problems later on). The wool on tennis balls is abrasive, so not good for dogs anyway. Go for quality brands of safe (supervised) toys instead).
Good Books on Humane Dog Training
Steve Mann is one of the world’s most respected animal behaviourists and dog trainers. Not only does he offer a lot of books on dog training (including by breed) but his book for children is ideal for anyone who just wants the simple basics.
His first books Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy and Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy were so popular, he now offers books by breed:
- Easy Peasy Labrador
- Easy Peasy Cocker Spaniel
- Easy Peasy Labradoodle
- Easy Peasy Cockerpoo
- Easy Peasy French Bulldog
Blue Cross campaigns against irresponsible breeding of brachycephalic pets (English/French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, shih tzus, boxers and Persian cats) that find it difficult to breathe and are more at risk from heatstroke.
Steve Mann lists trainers nationwide who have completed his puppy training course, and has his own BBC online course which includes 30 lessons, 4 hours of video and 83 pages of course notes.
What Dogs Want is a fun illustrated guide by animal behaviourist Mat Ward, to why dogs bark and what he or she is thinking. Learn how to avoid separation anxiety, and learn why dogs wag their tails.
Learn how your dog’s brain works, so you can train them at any age from puppy upwards. The author is an animal behaviourist who specialises in dogs and cats with behavioural problems including:
- Aggression, fear, phobias, anxiety
- Barking & destructive behaviour
- Urine marking/spaying, indoor toileting
- Repetitive behaviours
- Jumping up
- Being anti-social
- Mouthing/biting
- Pulling on the lead
How to Train Your Dog shows how to use simple proven ways to solve behavioural issues, by learning how dogs think and how they may struggle with certain things. Learn how to recall and train on the lead, stop excessive barking and jumping up, how to keep dogs safe around other dogs and children, and how to stop chewing, biting and destructive behaviour.
How to Raise the Perfect Dog is also by the popular founder of Southend Dog Training. Ideal for the first 12 months, this is the no-nonsense guide to positive training that puts your pup at the centre, to build a bond for a lifetime. He also recently release How to Raise the Perfect Family Dog (which includes tips on preparing dogs for the arrival of new-born babies).
How to Train a Fearful or Anxious Dog
Bark! is a guide for anyone who is living with an anxious, fearful or reactive dog. Learn how to heal such issues using positive reinforcement from certified dog trainer and animal behaviourist Zazie Todd. If your dog bites, guards food or shows aggression, know that 75% of dogs struggle with fear-based behaviour and require support and understanding, to feel safe and secure.
Decoding the latest canine science, Zazie shows readers who to address the root causes of canine fears (loud noises, vets, separation anxiety and other dogs) and manage natural fear responses. Learn how to keep your dog, yourself and others safe when your dog is fearful or reactive, and learn how to create safe havens for your dog.
The author is an honours graduate of the Academy for Dog trainers, affiliate member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour and adjunct professor at Canisius College (a private university in New York).
Don’t Learn from ‘Celebrity Dog Trainers’
Respected dog trainer Dr Ian Dunbar is not a fan of celebrity dog trainers, saying that although their methods (including ‘dominance training’ may work for them, they often don’t work for people at home, as they don’t have the skills or experience. Although trainers today don’t advocate yelling and hitting (good), some still use out-dated methods that don’t work, and could do more harm than good. He offers courses at Dunbar Academy.
Zigzag (that makes a puppy training app created by experts) argues that ‘dogs aren’t wolves’ and treating them as such is not good training. Some celebrity dog trainers even use choke collars, highly frowned upon by humane dog trainers).
Barking Up The Right Tree is a book by Dr Ian, who makes the case that dog training has lost its way and become too complicated and less effective. We must return to quick, easy and enjoyable methods that work. Not so long ago, dog training comprised multiple leash corrections, but Dr Dunbar’s positive approach introduced back in 1982 focused on teaching and rewarding dogs for desirable responses.
