'I'm a dog trainer - do these 3 things if your pet behaves badly'

Daily Mirror

01-06-2025

Will Atherton, a canine expert from Derbyshire, boasts years of experience in this field, having trained countless pups with various behavioural issues
A canine behaviourist has outlined three key things you must do with your pet if you want them to be a 'dream' in the home. Will Atherton, a canine expert from Derbyshire, boasts years of experience in this field, having trained countless pups with various behavioural issues, including aggression and biting problems.
In a recent TikTok, he issued crucial advice to anyone whose pup is a nightmare to live with. Whether they tear up your beloved possessions or jump up at any guest who enters the home, three key tips may help.
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He said: "If you want to have a dog that is perfect in your home, that isn't destroying all your hard-earned items, isn't a nightmare to live with, isn't embarrassing to invite people over to your home, these are the three things that you need to make sure you are doing with your dog."
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First and foremost, Will drew to crate training - a 'mandatory' skill for any dog he ever works with. This involves teaching a dog to view a crate or kennel as their retreat where they can sleep or relax whenever they need downtime.
Although some owners may assume it's 'cruel' to leave a dog in a crate, Will actually said it's a good way for a pet to learn boundaries while understanding how to be independent. "It prevents and resolves 99% of problems within the home," Will continued.
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"Second is then place training. That's an evolution on, for me, for crate training where we can start having a similar level of control and boundary, but we place it on something where the dog can be with us more.
"So, we can have guests over but the dog knows they have to stay on the place board so they are not jumping up them or being obnoxious and annoying. And, last but not least, I'm then working on my sit, stay, break drill.
"[This] helps the dog understand that if they want anything good in life, to get it, they have to sit calmly, relaxed with good manners, looking up to me for guidance and direction and to wait. Those few things combined mean that your dog will just be a dream within the home."
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Beyond this, it's also worth noting that some canines more commonly experience specific issues. In a separate video, Will said that while all pets have the potential to be well-managed and safe, certain breeds are especially 'riddled with extreme behaviour problems'.
He said: "As a clinical canine behaviourist, I see the breeds that come through here to my centre that are riddled with extreme behaviour problems, and the reality is that for the vast majority of dog owners, they just shouldn't bother having that kind of dog."
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Interestingly, the Border Collie was among the dogs that topped his list. His views echo those of other experts, including Niki French at PupTalk, who recently told the Mirror that their inherent sheep herding skills may carry over into the home environment.
"Genetics plays a huge role in how a dog will behave in any home in the future," she said previously. "If both of a puppy's parents are calm and relaxed around children, there is a much greater likelihood, in a lovely home, that the puppy will grow up to be the same.
"People need to be aware of certain breeds' traits, like a Working Collie may want to try and herd and nip at the heels of people in the home. This may be harder to manage with an excitable toddler compared to when your nan comes over to visit."