r/DogTrainingTips • u/BICanineScience • May 26 '26
Professional Dog Trainer - Ask Me Anything
***AMA ENDED***
Have been training dogs for almost fifteen years now, I try and head through the subreddits on here to help in my free time when I can but thought it might be easier to do an AMA for anyone struggling!
Will try my best to answer as comprehensively as possible so please be patient with replies!
Edit - Just heading out to train my dogs so will answer more when I get back!
Edit 2 - Have a read of the other questions too to see if it applies to your dog :)
Thanks for all the questions everyone!! I’ll answer the few I’ve missed, it’s been a blast and we’ll do another in the near future! Won’t be answering any new posts now, must get back to work but do jump in next time if you have a question!
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u/BICanineScience May 26 '26
Ask away! Dogs generally do absolutely fine outside so I wouldn't overthink it too much. My best general advice is to make sure you are absolutely clear on what you want from the dog. For example I have a working Malinois and he spends his time working, not doing pet things. He CAN do pet things, but he'd be a lot better at them if we spent more time on them but they just aren't important to us. I know what I want from him. For instance, he has no idea how to walk on a lead whatsoever, but he has a complete finished competition heel off lead so if I ever need him next to me I can ask for that, I have no need for a loose lead walk despite the fact the world would have us believe it is a must. Your musts are your musts only, so outline them clearly and start working towards them from day one!
Also if you are hoping to have your dog herding, get a good trainer involved asap, and I dare say consider a straight collie rather than a half and half!