Most people overlook the most natural learning system for dogs: pressure and release. It’s simple, powerful, and when you master it—training becomes effortless. Here’s the framework I use: 1️⃣ Apply Pressure This could be: - A gentle leash cue - Stepping into the dog’s space - A low-level e-collar stim Pressure isn’t punishment—it’s just a signal that says, “Try something different.” 2️⃣ Release Instantly The release is the reward. - Dog stops pulling → leash slackens - Dog yields to space → you step back - Dog responds to stim → it turns off Clarity comes from the timing. The release tells the dog, “Yes, that was the right choice.” 3️⃣ Add Accountability Once the dog knows the behaviour, ignoring it can fairly bring more pressure.This is where pressure becomes: - Negative reinforcement → pressure goes away when they comply - Correction or Punishment → pressure is added for ignoring a known command (this can scale up from a correction all the way to positive punishment) 👉 Together, this creates calm, reliable dogs that understand their choices control the outcome. That’s why pressure and release isn’t just a method—it’s a language. And the trainers who master it are the ones who make training look easy. Ollie

Most owners focus on “doing” with their dogs — sit, down, heel, recall, tricks, play, fetch, training drills. And while all of that has huge value, the most underrated skill you can ever give your dog is the ability to simply… do nothing. Why? Because life isn’t constant stimulation.Your dog needs to learn how to switch off, settle, and be calm in everyday environments. If you skip this, you’ll end up with a dog that demands attention, struggles with over-arousal, and can’t relax unless they’re being entertained. Think about it: - Waiting at the pub or café. - Hanging out while guests are over. - Resting during downtime in the house. - Staying calm in the car. A dog that can “do nothing” in these moments is a dog that’s easy to live with. It’s not about teaching them another fancy behaviour — it’s about giving them the ability to self-regulate. And that only comes through practice. Structured place work, longer duration leash work, and rewarding calm behaviour are where this starts. So don’t just train action… train stillness.That’s the secret to a balanced, adaptable dog. Ollie

When Jax first came to us, he was reactive to every single dog he saw. Distance didn’t matter — if there was a dog in sight, he was locked on and ready to explode. Walks were stressful, outings were impossible, and his world was very small. Instead of just trying to “stop” the reactivity, we focused on giving Jax the skill set he needed: - A reliable recall - A clear “no” & “yes” - A place/down - A perfect leash walk - Plus, good outlets through structured play and tug work Once those foundations were in place, we began to bring those skills into the presence of dogs. We layered in the remote collar for clarity and communication, and Jax started to thrive. Now? Jax can walk through town centres surrounded by hundreds of dogs, relax at cafés, and enjoy a much bigger world. His “bubble” has grown, his freedom has grown, and his life is far more fulfilling. This transformation happened because he his owners invested in: ✅ Teaching skills, not just suppressing behaviour ✅ Setting clear boundaries ✅ Learning how to communicate effectively with him Jax’s story is proof that reactivity isn’t a life sentence. With the right structure, tools, and communication, you don’t just stop the problem—you unlock a whole new level of freedom for both dog and owner. Ollie

Let’s cut straight to it—there’s a lot of noise online about e-collars. Some people hate them, some swear by them. But here’s the truth: when used fairly and correctly, an e-collar can literally save a dog’s life. Imagine this… your dog bolts toward a busy road, or chases after livestock, or slips a lead in a dangerous area. In that split second, your voice means nothing . But a reliable recall with the support of an e-collar gives you a safety net. That tiny button press can stop disaster from happening. It’s not all about punishment. It’s about clarity, consistency, and giving your dog the freedom to live a fuller life—off-lead, exploring, safe, and under control. The e-collar is not a shortcut. It’s a tool. You need to lay foundations, build understanding and do everything everyone else would be doing first (building motivation, shaping the movement, using a long line etc etc) Just like a seatbelt doesn’t drive the car for you, the e-collar doesn’t train your dog for you. But it can make sure your hard work hold up when it matters most. Used responsibly, it’s not just a training aid—it’s peace of mind. 👉 I’ll dive deeper into how to use the e-collar fairly and humanely in future posts, but I want you to understand this: it’s not cruel, it’s a lifeline. Ask any questions below ! Ollie

Hey team, Quick heads up – starting Tuesday 23rd September at 20:00 UK time, I’ll be running a weekly Zoom call. These sessions are your chance to jump on live, bring me any questions, challenges or wins, and I’ll walk you through them in real time. Think of it as your weekly pit stop to clear roadblocks and get clarity. 👉 No question is too big or too small – if it’s on your mind, bring it. Save the date: 📅 Every Tuesday 🕗 20:00 UK time 📍 Zoom link will be shared in the group. I want to make sure you always feel supported and never stuck – so use these calls to your advantage. See you there, Ollie