Basic Obedience & Training · Kinship

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behaviour

basic obedience & training

Learn from the experts and train your pet on basic obedience: toilet training, crate training, even litter training. Plus, how to find a professional trainer.

A dog barks while a woman in the background is on a laptop

It could mean a problem with your dog, not just the neighbours

Woman holding her puppy in her lap while he tries to bite her.

Those little teeth are sweet, but they definitely don’t feel good on your hand

Labrador dog wants to eat breakfast.

It's time to reframe the situation

Spaniel crinkling their nose

It might be very rare, but its still worth knowing about

Dog on their back looking at human's hand above them

It’s all fun and games... until it’s not

dog and person sleeping in bed

Is your dog overly clingy? Here’s how to help them build independence

a picture of a dog wearing an orange harness being held by the bottom half of a human male wearing running gear

Keen to hit the road and get fit with your pup? Read this first

Dog on a lead at dusk with a sunset in the background and a light-up collar

Gear up and get out there – even when it’s pitch black at 4pm

Woman walking a dog on a lead

Keeping your dog on a lead isn’t mean – sometimes, it’s the kindest choice



Cat and shepherd dog touching faces

Think cats and dogs are natural enemies? Think again

brown Labrador rolling on their back on grass

Dive into why dogs are drawn to that pungent pile

beagle dog sniffing grass

Fancy putting your dog’s nose to the test?

a picture of a Fila Brasileiro

It’s not just the XL Bully that the government has banned

Dog hiding under orange blanket

From calming supplements to creating safe spaces, here’s how you can prepare your pup for firework season

A group of dogs on leashes going for a walk outside with a dog-walker.

Jade from Fetch London, shares what it’s really like to be a professional dog walker

Black and white collie dog looking anxious

Can CBD be the calming answer your anxious dog needs? Dive into the latest research and see how it could help


labrador sitting with crossed paws

It’s giving Lady Whistledown...

dog held in humans arms

Help your dog overcome the fear of the unknown

person holding a cockerpoo mix

Think Cockapoos are healthier because they’re crossbreeds? Learn what the latest research says

a group of friends pets a shiba inu dog

Is your dog too friendly with strangers or other dogs? Learn effective strategies to manage and train your overly sociable dog to ensure proper behaviour and safety

dogs running with a football

A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?



a black and white dog on lead sits in a misty graveyard

People are questioning not just if you’re allowed to walk your dog in a graveyard, but whether you should

dog looking up at white woman putting hair up in a mirror

And what you can do inside instead

Woman taking her puppy outside in the grass.

If anything requires patience, it’s this

A person walking a dog on a paved road in a park.

Your daily walks together are a special time for both you and your pup. Heres how to lower stresses and find more joy during your daily routine

a woman holding a chihuahua greets a great dane at the door

Can dogs tell the difference between a day, a week or a month?

Person walking dog on lead

Ways to keep your dog safe that you’ve never thought of 



Where did the Great Dane originate? Learn more about the history and genetic origins of this working dog

Gun dog in a field

Different breeds need different things...

a woman pets her elderly black greyhound

Where did the Greyhound originate? Learn more about the history and genetic origins of the sighthound group

woman lying on floor hugging lab puppy playing with ball

Just ’letting them out in the garden’ isn't an option for everyone, especially in this economy

group of three people and a dog gather round food on a picnic blanket on grass

There is nothing more humbling than apologising to a stranger in the park while your dog nibbles on their sausage roll

Border Collie puppy shaking owner's hand

Your puppy training schedule, from eight weeks to six months. Let’s do this

Side view portrait of black young woman playing with cute Shih Tzu dog and doing dog training.

Here’s your guide to how treats can help as your new pup is learning all the things

Dog Parson Russell Terrier breed is playing in green park with his owner.

That’s not food, mate

Birds-eye view looking down on a litter box with a dog looking into the box

Whilst typically associated with cats, the idea of litter trays for dogs isn’t entirely far-fetched



illustration of multi-colored dogs

It’s important to remember that dogs are individuals, so training isn’t one-size-fits-all

A woman wearing a knit sweater holding a dog close on the floor of her bedroom.

Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own – instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.

Staffordshire bull terrier and clicker

Pro tips on training your dog with the click of a button – literally

Black puppy on leash lays next to its owner while she sits on bench resting.

Here are some tips for fitting training into your action-packed schedule

Golden retriever walking towards the camera with a pink rope toy in their mouth

It’s more than just an adorable habit… 



A woman walking 5 dogs on leashes outside.

A study found that a dog’s breed accounts for less than 10 percent of their behaviour

woman on the bus with her dog on the chair

An awkward reality for many of us

Man walking his dog on a pavement

We delve into the age-old debate

Smiling couple sitting on sofa with two playful labrador puppies.

Slow it down, it shouldn’t feel like speed dating

A woman walking with her dog at golden hour.

Animal behaviourist Karen London on how ‘springing forward’ causes your dog or cat to lose sleep, too

Photo of a young woman working on her laptop from her home, while her dog is waiting for her to finish - so they can play and cuddle.

You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call

profile portrait of grumpy a ginger dog, inside on a golden retro velvet armchair

This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners

action shot of a black and white Border Collie coming out of a tunnel section of a dog agility course at Crufts

And they all say the same simple thing…

dog wearing service dog tabard jumps up at girl with brown hair and tattoos

“A PAD can be life-changing – and even life saving”

Young man cuddling little white shih tzu puppy by the Atlantic Ocean.

The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true

A woman cleaning up pee on the wood floors inside while disciplining a grey puppy with a raised finger of disapproval

Training a dog can seem pretty intuitive – until it’s not

chinese crested dog crufts

Move over Hugh Jackman, this is the actual Greatest Show

A puppy practicing obstacle training courses with owner.

Learn how to better communicate with your puppy through agility training

A blonde woman wearing a longsleeved green jumper and sneakers sitting in the open trunk of a SUV car with her arm around her Golden Retriever dog sitting next to her

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell explains how to crate train a dog with an intense fear of being in the car

Small black puppy chewing on a Kong toy.

When those little razors start biting, keep these tips in mind

white dog looking up at a table with a plate filled with food on it

What are the potential health implications for both humans and hounds?

A cute Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog listening with a head tilt.

I’m baffled by the number of names I call my dog. Is my dog baffled, too?

fox on city street at night

What to do with a dog who gets rowdy near foxes? And is it even safe for my dog to be near them?

Man wearing grey T-shirt and shorts with trainers walks alongside his dog on the lead in the woods

How to set boundaries and protect your pup



kneeling woman with braids training her golden retriever

With so many dog trainers out there that it can be hard to know who you can actually trust (especially if your dog has trust issues of their own), here’s where to start… 

woman playing with her dog in the park

You need a break sometimes, and your dog is ready (and willing) to take one with you

a nervous dog sits on a sofa

At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done? 

Golden retriever puppy chewing and pulling on lead as pet parent tries to walk them

Turns out, humans weren’t the only ones affected

Bodil Jane illustration, someone waters a garden with a brown dog in it

Your personality may actually have something to do with your pet’s personality

Man holds his fluffy white dog outside.

A new study scores dogs on behaviours such as how they responded when unfamiliar people visited or if they were jealous when their owner gave affection to another animal

white-and-black dog sleeping in crate

It’ll make life easier for both of you – eventually

Female dog trainer raising a treat above a beagle dog's head

The founder of Fear Free Pets, Dr Marty Becker, on how this method makes vet visits, training sessions and grooming appointments less stressful for pets

Woman Feeding Her Dog During Dinner

Because nobody wants your pup eating the host’s charcuterie platter

French bulldog lying on a bed with their head at a tilt

Sorry to break it to you, you might not know your pup as well as you think you do

Brie Larson and the dog in Lessons in Chemistry

“One day you’re working with Meryl Streep, and the next day you literally have a pony at somebody’s party”

You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward

Pit Bull dog wearing a coat on leash with person in the snow

Chilly pup refusing to layer? Here’s how to train them to love their winter wardrobe

Woman playing with her cat and dog.

Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted

young man with black hair cuddling his beagle dog

Leaving your dog alone at home can be guilt-inducing... but it doesn’t have to be

Person with two small dogs that won't poop in snow

Snow days are fun – until your pup needs to do their thing outside

Grey XL Bully looking up at camera

How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation

Photo Courtesy of @doug.thexlbully

Contrary to common belief, muzzles aren’t solely for aggressive dogs

a woman in glasses smiles and sits cross-legged hugging a dog with a neckerchief

If you’re considering applying for an assistance dog, or you have a dog that assists you in your daily life, here’s everything you need to know

Portrait Of A Border Collie Dog.

If only there were a dog version of University Challenge

dog and cat snuggling together

Without turning your home into a circus

Man in park struggling to hold his Pitbull dog who is pulling on a leash

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for turning a stressful walk into a blissful stroll

dog bouncing on lead in the countryside with girl

There are plenty of ways to spice them up

Woman in green dress and black boots training her Jack Russell Terrier puppy to spin in a field outside

Go beyond basic obedience and teach your dog this easy-to-learn trick

A puppy outside on a leash

Seven key tips you’ll want to pay attention to

Black dog swimming in a lake with people standing on a pier in the background and forest and mountains in the far distance

Get them to master the doggy paddle with these trainer-approved tips

toddler boy bothering dog with ball in mouth

Unsolicited approaches from children can’t always be predicted

Adorable puppy focused on learning commands at home in living room

In between cuddle sessions, work on these eight basic cues with your pup

A man with long brown hair playing tug -of-war with his Golden Retriever dog outside on a wet tennis court

Behaviour correction, Mary Poppins style: turn a job into a game

Dog trainer reinforcing good behavior with a young boxer dog on a dog training field

Offering fewer treats can actually be a good thing

two small puppies play on a beach

Waiting until full vaccination to socialise can cause huge problems for your pup

Dog Completing Tricks During Training In Park

Almost all new puppy parents fall at the first hurdle. Here are a pro’s tips for picking yourself up

Greyhound puppy sitting on her bed on the bedroom floor

Using platforms are favourites with pro dog trainers – here’s why you should add them to your training to-do list

Woman training small dog.

It turns out ‘shake’ is good for more than just impressing other dog parents

Old Great Dane dog sitting in grass and looking up at the hand of his owner during a training sessions

Pro Karen London, PhD shares the most common dog training errors and how to correct themz

fluffy brown dog climbs a staircase

Tips on how to train your dog to go down stairs

a dog held on a leash sits calmly

Spoiler: it’s not about the breed. But these pups are pretty brainy

How she taught Turtle to ring a bell, open a door, count to four and walk with a limp

The creative multi-hyphenate and dog rescue advocate is mum to three large pups and one tiny human

Person with two small dogs that won't poop in snow

Snow days are fun – until your pet needs to do their thing outside

man teaches dog to back up from him

There are plenty of benefits to teaching your dog this cute trick

Boston terrier being stubborn

When it’s time to call in reinforcements

A red haired woman dog trainer kneeling in front of a Shepherd mixed breed dog with one finger raised that the dog is looking at in an outdoor training course.

Look behind the advertising language when picking a dog trainer

A woman kneeling down while smiling at her dog.

In The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves, the dog cognition expert maps her puppy’s early development with empathy and insight

A dog wearing a colorful striped sweater staring at a decorated christmas tree in a living room.

Five steps to prevent your pup from ‘decorating’ your tree

A woman sitting outside of a tent wearing a fedora and headphones shaking a dogs paw.

Uh, who else got that memo?

Heading on a UK break? Here’s how to help your pup (and you) survive that stressful train journey

A person walking a dog on a paved road in a park.

Your neighbours will thank you

Owner and black dog running outside against blue backdrop

A few minutes – or even a few steps – are all you need to add joy to your dog’s day

Greyhound dog biting and pulling his leash held by a woman in a red dress in the grass

Most dogs love walking, but some love chaos a little bit more

Pet parent training large dog in yard

What to do when your best-laid training plans are sabotaged

Brown dog with merle coat running towards the camera on a forest path with a woman standing in the fall distance calling out to him

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for getting a stubborn pup to listen up

A woman with two playful dogs running after her.

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s pro tips for getting a hyped-up dog to chill out

Black puppy chews on a frozen Kong treat

Two words: endless entertainment

A woman holding a dogs paw and smiling.

Go beyond the basics

Tan Chihuahua dog laying on aqua rug looking down shamefully

How to re-housetrain a dog of any age

Dog chewing spiked orange toy at home

Don’t hit pause on your pet’s playtime – these solo activities will help 9–5 fly by for them

Kinship_Editorial_Puppy-grooming-tips_Hero_1000x750_v01.jpg

Professional dog groomer Jess Rona’s puppy grooming tips

Woman sitting in a cafe with her dog.

With patience and positive reinforcement, you can do a lot to make up for lost time with socialisation

Guy sitting with his dog at his desk at work.

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann shares his tips for how to teach your pup to be your favourite co-worker

Person walking their dog in the street

Don’t let your dog walk you

Smiling Welsh Corgi Pembroke dog sitting inside an open crate

Effective techniques to crate train your dog with ease

girl with blue hair starting puppy training with white dog

You and your cute classmate have lots to learn

mom and daughter playing with puppy

They’ll always remember their first childhood pet – this intro is just the beginning

A woman wearing a yellow headband and a white off-the-shoulder shirt with blue jeans and platform black flower boots kneeling next to her black Poodle mix dog on the lawn outside

Your dog might not know your name. Don’t take offence – just play this game

Dog gently takes treat from owner's hand

And save your skin

A cute puppy looking up at the camera

Dog behaviourist Tiffany Lovell on how to treat and prevent confinement anxiety

Two Golden Retriever puppies playing with a large blue tennis ball outside in the grass

A dog behaviourist schools us on why puppy classes are more about socialising than getting straight As

Three dogs on leashes meeting and sniffing each other on a walk on the summer grass with owners

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for getting a shy pup to go from wallflower to social butterfly

Big dog sniffs little dog in greeting

There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts

A Pomeranian dog sitting on the floor beneath a table looking at a treat awaiting permission to eat it

This simple dog training skill could save your dog’s life

woman gives small black dog treat for sitting

It’s like your 30-day yoga challenge – except with way more training treats

A blonde woman wearing a black t-shirt and striped overalls playing tug with her tan dog using an orange basketball squeaky toy

The basics of the tug game and how to trouble-shoot common problems

Pet parent Victoria Cheng and her partner in a skate park trying to teach their Corgi dog to skateboard with treats

They’ll be doing ollies in no time

Young blonde woman with a Jack Russell puppy during spring in the city.

A behaviourist reveals the most mouth-watering treats for training your pup

Two brown and white puppies leaning on fence

Double the trouble or double the fun?

Side by side screenshots of Tik Toks by Tik Tok trainers. Left most image shows a woman with a surprised face with text that reads, "If my dog has a bad day, I'm not a failure," in white with, "Reactive Dog Owner ANTHEM," in pink. The center image is of a woman standing in her living room entry way which reads "Teach your dog to STOP jumping." The right most image depicts a Nigerian man training a tan dog that reads, "TEACHING A DOG TO WALK WITH ME."

Get expert, entertaining dog training tips while you scroll

man unleashing dog in a park

Teach your pup a perfect recall so you can be sure they will come back, no matter what

Woman and dog sleeping together in bed

It’s a personal preference, but here are the pros and cons

Man walking his dog in the city

Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT) will keep your dog calm in any situation

Two boxer dogs playing with a ball together in the park

Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk

Dog walker walking with her pet on leash on the sidewalk

From the safest gear to training recommendations

Dog walker crossing a street with three dogs

Set your pup up for success

A senior Retriever/Terrier mixed breed dog shaking hands with its owner.

Your senior dog might move slower these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new things

White dog laying on the couch looking guilty

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell on how to keep your dog from using your living room as a toilet

Dog looks up at owner on a walk through the city

If your dog tries to wolf down literally everything in sight, you need this advice

Puppy laying in torn up paper on the couch

The beginning of puppy parenthood can be rough, but it does get better – especially when you implement this advice

Small tan dog on the lap of a woman in a protective stance

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for dealing with a protective dog that’s taken their duties too far

Border collie dog and a woman on an agility field

Five reasons to get your dog in the agility game, from burning energy to building confidence

Cognitive science professor Dr Federico Rossano on how Bunny, TikTok’s ‘talking dog, is sparking change in how we communicate with our pets

Two hands holding a very young tan and white puppy up in front of a lake landscape

Everything you need to know to get your new addition off to a good start

An angry kitty swatting at a barking puppy.

A common (if not silly) question with a complicated answer

Dog with martingale collar and girl with blonde hair

It prevents escape, works as a training tool and is recommended by dog rescue workers

Male Alaskan Malamute dog stands in the yard between the plants

Why pet parents should think twice before installing one

Woman walking her dog in a park

Your dog may need more exercise than you think, according to three pet experts

Big dog sniffs little dog in greeting

There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts.

Woman trains with a young husky on a dog training field

The questions to ask and credentials to look out for to find the right trainer for your dog, according to a pro.

Two hands holding a very young tan and white puppy up in front of a lake landscape

Everything you need to know to get your new addition off to a good start.

dogs at dog park drinking water and playing in pool

New kid on the block? Follow this trainer’s tips before letting your pet run wild.

Person walking their dog in the street

Don’t let your new dog walk you.

A woman with curly black hair playing with her white labradoodle dog outside

Cue the Schoolhouse Rock! because learning can be fun.

Just like your friends do with their infants on Instagram (ahem).

Dog playing fetch with tennis ball in long grass

For some dogs, it’s not as simple as just throwing a ball

A woman sitting on her bed, holding her dog's paw in her palm.

Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for teaching a pushy pup that there are friendlier ways to get what they want.

nicole ellis with two dogs

Everything you need to keep your pup safe and engaged (so you can focus on that Zoom meeting).

Pit Bull dog wearing a coat on leash with person in the snow

Chilly pup refusing to layer? Here’s how to train them to love their winter wardrobe.

Woman in yellow wide leg pants standing next to a man with jeans holding the leash of their small adult dog in a grassy area

The Wildest Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for helping an adult dog learn to go outside in a new environment.

Woman in athletic clothing jogging up stairs in a tropical city with her two dogs on leashes running with her

You — yes you! — can be one of those fun people who runs with your dog. Just be smart about it.

A border collie playing Treibball with an orange ball.

If your dog needs a job, trainers recommend Treibball.

A couple laying on a bed with a dog.

Renowned animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, PhD, on what it takes to be a great therapy dog.

A dog jumping in the air next to a woman smiling.

If your pet’s got moves, canine freestyle is the dog sport you didn’t know you needed.

Two Pomeranian dogs in an orange stroller in the city

Older dogs can still enjoy the benefits of a long walk — even without using their legs

A dog playing with  The Tennis Tumble toy in lilac from Wild One while wearing a harness of a matching color

The cult favorite brand’s first-ever enrichment toy is the ticket to a productive day for remote working pup parents.

A Pomeranian dog sitting on the floor beneath a table looking at a treat awaiting permission to eat it

This simple dog training skill could save your dog’s life.

A cute dog hiding in a garden.

Stop your dog from digging up your favorite plants with expert advice from animal behaviorist Karen London, PhD.

Two guide dog puppies in training for Guide Dogs for the Blind

A volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind shares her experience.

Blind man with walking stick walks with Golden Retriever guide dog

From puppy to partner, guide dogs are a special breed.

Dog wearing harness sitting in the sand outside next to her owner waiting for a training command

Boost your pup’s heel work with this flourish.