The Truth About Dog Training (That Instagram Glosses Over)
Let’s be honest: you scroll Instagram, see a golden retriever posing calmly next to a latte, and wonder why your own dog is busy trying to headbutt the postman.
Here’s the first truth you need to hear: there are no quick fixes.
Every dog is different. Sure, breed traits help us predict some things—yes, your terrier will probably try to excavate your garden, and no, not every labrador actually loves water. But at the end of the day, training is a mix of informed guidance and experimentation.
And this is where we dog trainers have an advantage.
We’ve studied behaviour, we understand body language, we know how to read those little moments that tell us what’s really going on.
But here’s the kicker: the best advantage you have? It’s you.
By exploring what you and your dog enjoy together—and yes, by experimenting—you unlock the magic that makes training stick.
Because here’s the bit no one tells you:
the dog is only 50% of the challenge.
The other 50%? It’s you.
Training, games, experiments—they all need to happen at your tempo, your schedule, your lifestyle. That’s when things click.
So, how do you get the behaviour you want?
Before you even think about “fixing” a behaviour, ask yourself:
Is my request reasonable—and why?
How am I going to explain that to my dog?
Let’s take the classic: a dog pulling on the lead.
They weren’t born knowing how to walk nicely next to you. We want them to, sure—it’s safer, it’s less stressful, it looks good on Instagram—but they don’t come pre-installed with that skill.
We also want them not to pull. So, how do we communicate that?
Spoiler: it’s not yanking them backwards or yelling “HEEL” until you’re both dizzy.
Instead, teach your dog that being close to you is where the good stuff happens. Reward proximity. Make being near you the best game in town. Then, when the lead and harness go on, you’ve already got a head start.
Yes, that’s a gross oversimplification—but at its heart, that’s the game plan. It takes time, but it sticks.
The Puppy Hack (I Almost Forgot to Tell You)
Oh, and here’s the little “hack” no influencer puts in the caption:
if you do this from puppyhood, you don’t have to fix the problem later.
Start early, keep it fun, stay consistent—and you might just get that chilled-out, latte-sipping, photogenic best mate after all.
Want more no-nonsense tips or help with your own dog?
Check out my services at doggle.uk—or just drop me a message. I’m here to help.
