Foundations of training

It is not just how you raise them One of the most widely held misconceptions in dog ownership is that personality is largely shaped by upbringing. There is some truth in this, but it significantly underestimates the most important factor. A dog's personality is primarily determined by genetics; the temperament inherited through their lineage, the predispositions embedded in their breed and bloodline, the traits they are simply born with. These form the foundation of who your

There is a widely held belief that a well-socialised dog is one that wants to greet every person and dog it encounters. It is an understandable assumption and one that causes a surprising amount of confusion, frustration, and genuine behaviour problems in dogs who are otherwise doing just fine. At AlphaB, we talk about socialisation a little differently. Understanding the distinction could change how you think about every walk you take and every environment you put your dog i

Most people come to dog training focused on the dog. What does the dog need to learn? What is the dog doing wrong? These are fair questions — but they miss something fundamental. You are part of the equation, and the emotional state you bring to every interaction matters enormously. Emotional States Are Contagious Dogs are highly attuned social animals. They read body language, tone of voice, breathing, and energy with a sensitivity that can catch even experienced handlers of

Frustration is a natural and common emotion in dogs, especially during training. It occurs when your dog wants something—a treat, a toy, playtime, or to greet another dog—but can't get it. This often happens because their goals are blocked or their expectations aren't met. It’s crucial to understand that frustration isn't 'bad behaviour', but a normal response that can be harnessed to help your dog grow and learn. Recognising Frustration in Dogs Typical signs of frustration i

What Are Dynamic Rewards? Dynamic rewards involve adding movement or interaction to the reward itself. Common examples include: Asking for a spin before giving a treat. Throwing food or a toy for the dog to chase or catch. Encouraging the dog to jump up at the handler after a recall. Instigating a game of tug. Utilising scatter feeding, where food is thrown on the ground for the dog to seek out. The type of dynamic reward selected must always be individualised to the dog. For

When working with dogs with challenging or unwanted behaviours, extinction is a scientific process often used by professionals to gradually weaken those behaviours until they disappear. But what does this actually mean for you and your dog? Extinction in dog training is simply the process of removing whatever is fueling the unwanted behaviour. This could mean not giving attention, not providing treats, or blocking access to something like chasing squirrels. Over time, without

Introduction At Alpha B Dog Training, we believe effective and ethical training begins with truly understanding what motivates a dog’s behaviour. We teach our staff to visualise the process like a seesaw: with unwanted behaviours on one side, and desirable behaviours on the other. Whichever side is heaviest most strongly influences the dog’s choices. Our aim is to deliberately and thoughtfully tip the scales to favour the behaviours we want to see, creating clarity and reduci

At Alpha B Dog Training, we believe strongly in the importance of rest days for every dog. Rest days come in two main forms: complete (or "dead") rest days and active rest days. A complete rest day is where no training, walks, or activities are provided. On these days, dogs are encouraged to do nothing, simply relaxing and learning to switch off. This is vital for dogs high in arousal or drive as well as those who are particularly nervous, allowing their bodies and minds to r

At Alpha B Dog Training, allowing dogs to make mistakes forms a crucial layer in our approach to training. When dogs are given a chance to fail in a safe and managed way, we gain valuable information about their understanding and can provide guidance where needed. This not only clarifies what is expected of the dog but encourages operant learning and helps to build real-world coping skills. Training at Alpha B always begins by checking the dog’s health and emotional wellbeing

Understanding how dogs perceive the world can transform the way we approach their training. At Alpha B Dog Training, we emphasise the importance of predictable patterns of behaviour and sequencing—powerful concepts that not only make learning smoother for dogs, but also help resolve common issues such as reactivity, anxiety, and confidence building. What is Sequencing in Dog Training? Sequencing is the practice of linking together individually well-practised behaviours into a