My Approach to Dog Training
My Approach
At Tiny Tails, I believe that dog training should be built on trust, understanding, and kindness.
I use reward-based, force-free methods that support your dog’s emotional wellbeing while teaching practical life skills.
Every dog is different, which is why I take the time to create a training plan that works for your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals — with no judgement and no pressure.
.Many dog owners are encouraged to use prong collars, e-collars (shock collars), or choke chains as a “quick fix” for training issues. While they may appear effective on the surface, the reality is far more concerning.
🚫 Why these tools can be harmful:
• They cause pain and discomfort
Prong and choke collars apply pressure to the neck and throat, while e-collars deliver electric stimulation — all of which can cause fear, distress, and even injury.
• They suppress behaviour, not teach it
Dogs may stop a behaviour to avoid pain, but the reason behind the behaviour (fear, anxiety, confusion, excitement) is never addressed.
• They increase fear, stress & anxiety
Many dogs trained with aversive tools show heightened stress signals, shutdown behaviour, or escalating reactivity.
• They can damage trust
Training based on fear can damage the bond between you and your dog, making learning slower and less reliable long-term.
• Risk of physical injury
These tools have been linked to neck injuries, nerve damage, tracheal damage, and increased aggression.
✅ What works instead?
✔️ Kind, reward-based training
✔️ Understanding canine communication
✔️ Addressing the cause of behaviour, not punishing the symptom
✔️ Building confidence, trust, and clarity
Dogs learn best when they feel safe, understood, and motivated — not frightened.
💚 Ethical training isn’t about control.
💚 It’s about communication, welfare, and long-term success.
If you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour and want support that puts your dog’s wellbeing first, I’m here to help.
What Happerns During Your Consultation
Your consultation is a relaxed, one-to-one session carried out in your dog’s familiar home environment. This allows me to see your dog’s natural behaviour and tailor the session specifically to you and your dog’s needs.
1. Initial Discussion
We begin with an in-depth conversation about your dog, including:
Age, breed, background, and routine
Behaviour concerns or training goals
Diet, health, and general wellbeing
Your lifestyle and expectations
This helps me build a complete picture of your dog as an individual.
2. Behaviour & Environment Assessment
I observe your dog’s behaviour, body language, and responses within the home. We also look at environmental factors that may be influencing behaviour, such as routines, stimulation, boundaries, and interactions.
3. Bespoke Training & Guidance
Using positive, force-free and holistic methods, I introduce practical training techniques suited to your dog and situation. You’ll be shown:
Clear, achievable exercises
How to communicate effectively with your dog
Ways to support calm, confident behaviour
Everything is explained clearly, with time for questions throughout.
4. Holistic Support Where appropriate, I also consider:
Enrichment and mental stimulation
Nutrition and wellbeing influences
Emotional balance and confidence building
This ensures training supports your dog’s overall wellbeing, not just behaviour.
5. Personalised Plan & Next Steps
At the end of the consultation, you’ll have:
Clear guidance on what to work on
Practical next steps tailored to your dog
Recommendations for ongoing support or training packages if needed
The aim is for you to leave feeling confident, supported, and empowered to help your dog succeed.
What Happerns After Your Consultation
After your consultation, you’ll receive a personalised SMART training plan designed specifically for your dog and your household.
Your plan includes:
Clear, achievable training goals
Simple daily exercises
Time-bound progress targets
Ongoing support and guidance
This structured yet flexible approach ensures training remains positive, practical, and stress-free for both you and your dog.
🐾 Sample Completed SMART Training Plan
Client: Sample Client
Dog’s Name: Milo
Breed: Cavapoo
Age: 6 months
Training Focus: Loose-lead walking & focus outdoors
Trainer: Laura Davies
🎯 SMART Goal
Specific
Milo will walk calmly on a loose lead for short neighbourhood walks without pulling, while maintaining focus on the handler in low-distraction environments.
Measurable
Milo will walk on a loose lead for at least 10 minutes
No more than 2 instances of pulling per walk
Milo will respond to his name and check in with the handler at least 5 times during each walk
Achievable
This goal is realistic based on Milo’s age, current ability, and motivation for food rewards. Training will be carried out using positive reinforcement and gradual exposure.
Relevant
Loose-lead walking will make daily walks calmer, safer, and more enjoyable for both Milo and his owner, supporting his overall wellbeing and confidence.
Time-BoundThis goal will be achieved within 4 weeks, with progress reviewed weekly.
🐕 Training PlanPractice loose-lead walking once daily for 10–15 minutes
Begin training in quiet, familiar environments
Use high-value rewards (e.g. chicken or cheese)
Reward calm walking and voluntary check-ins
Stop walking when Milo pulls and resume once the lead is loose
📅 Owner Commitment
Daily short training walks
Consistent handling and reward timing
Avoid long or overstimulating walks during training period
📊 Review & Progress
Weekly check-ins to assess progress
Adjust difficulty by gradually introducing mild distractions
Goal reviewed and updated at the end of week 4
What To Expect During Your 1 Hour Training Session.
Each one-hour training session is bespoke, calm, and supportive, designed around you and your dog. Sessions take place in your home or local environment, where your dog feels most comfortable and learning is most effective.
🐶 A Tailored Approach
Every session is personalised to your dog’s age, breed, personality, and individual needs. Whether you’re working on puppy foundations, loose-lead walking, recall, confidence building, or unwanted behaviours, the session is shaped entirely around your goals.
🌿 Holistic & Positive Training
I use kind, reward-based methods that focus on understanding your dog as a whole — including their emotional wellbeing, environment, and communication. No harsh techniques, no pressure — just clear guidance and positive learning.
🧠 Practical, Hands-On Coaching
During the session, I will:
Demonstrate training techniques clearly
Coach you step-by-step so you feel confident applying them
Break behaviours down into achievable stages
Adjust the session pace to suit you and your dog
This ensures training is realistic, enjoyable, and easy to continue between sessions.
🏡 Real-Life Training
Training happens where it matters most — in your everyday surroundings. This helps your dog learn skills that truly transfer into daily life, not just during the session itself.
📋 Ongoing Support
Before we finish, we’ll:
Review progress made during the session
Discuss next steps and goals
Agree on simple exercises to practise between sessions
You’ll leave knowing exactly what to work on and how to do it, with support available should you need guidance afterwards.
✨ My aim is for every session to feel calm, empowering, and achievable — helping you build a stronger bond and lasting results.
Our holistic approach considers the whole dog – behaviour, emotions, and physical wellbeing. This comes from education and practical experience. We don't just address the symptoms; we identify and address the root cause of any unwanted behaviours, creating long-lasting positive change.
Bespoke Training Programmes
We understand that every dog is unique. That's why we create bespoke training programmes tailored to your dog's specific needs, personality, and learning style. Our personalised approach ensures the most effective and enjoyable training experience.
One to One Training in Your Home
We bring the training to you! Our one-on-one training sessions are conducted in the comfort and security of your own home, minimizing distractions and maximizing your dog's focus. This allows us to address specific challenges within your dog's everyday environment.
Frequently Asked Qustions
🐾 Is holistic training right for my dog?
Yes. Holistic training is suitable for puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, and rescue dogs. I look at behaviour alongside emotional wellbeing, physical comfort, diet, and lifestyle to create a calm, supportive plan tailored to your dog as an individual.
🏡 Do you offer training in my home?
Yes. All training is delivered on a one-to-one basis in your own home. This allows your dog to feel safe and relaxed, and means we can work on real-life behaviours where they actually happen.
🌱 What training methods do you use?
I use kind, reward-based methods that focus on trust, understanding, and clear communication. There is no punishment, fear, or force — just calm guidance and positive reinforcement.
🧠 Can you help with anxious or nervous dogs?
Absolutely. I hold specialist qualifications in understanding canine anxiety and emotional wellbeing. Sessions are paced gently and designed to build confidence and security without overwhelming your dog.
🐶 Do you work with puppies and senior dogs?
Yes. I support dogs at every stage of life, from early puppy foundations to gentle guidance for elderly dogs, adapting training to suit their physical and emotional needs.
📋 Will my dog get a personalised training plan?
Yes. Every dog and family receives a bespoke training plan based on your dog’s needs, your goals, and your home environment — no generic programmes.
💬 What if I’m worried or feel unsure?
You’re not alone. Training challenges can feel overwhelming, and I offer calm, non-judgemental support. I take time to listen, explain, and support you every step of the way.
📞 How do I book or ask a question?
You can get in touch via phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, or my website to arrange a consultation or ask any questions.