When it comes to dog training, the world of advice can feel like the Wild West—everyone has an opinion, and they all seem to contradict one another. Whether it’s a social media influencer claiming their way is the only way or conflicting techniques from different trainers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you’re getting nowhere with your dog.

In this week’s episode of Found It, Fetched It, LWDG founder Jo Perrott and experts Jemma Martin and Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor tackle the confusion head-on, discussing how to find clarity, embrace common-sense strategies, and approach training in a way that works for you and your dog.

The Overwhelm of Social Media Advice

Scrolling through social media for training tips can feel like falling down a rabbit hole. You’ll find endless posts, reels, and videos telling you what to do with your dog, but they often contradict each other. One trainer insists on one approach; another says the exact opposite. For new dog owners—or even experienced owners with a new dog—it’s incredibly confusing.

As Gemma explained, social media often prioritises what grabs attention over what’s actually helpful. Posts are designed to spark debate, gain likes, or provoke reactions. This “clickbait culture” creates frustration for dog owners who try various tips without seeing results.

The takeaway? Approach online advice with a critical eye. If it doesn’t feel right or make sense, trust your instincts and dig deeper.

Why One Size Does Not Fit All

One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is assuming there’s a universal “best” way to train all dogs. In reality, every dog is unique, and the best approach is always the one that suits the individual dog in front of you.

Sam shared how even dogs of the same breed can differ drastically in temperament, drive, and response to training. For instance, while some dogs thrive on physical praise like petting, others may become overstimulated by it. Similarly, a reward that works wonders at home might lose its appeal in a more distracting outdoor setting.

The key? Tune into your dog’s needs, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach based on their personality and preferences.

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The Power of Foundations

It’s tempting to jump straight to flashy tricks and advanced behaviours, but as Jo, Jemma, and Sam highlighted, mastering the basics is essential. Recall, heelwork, and calm behaviour form the foundation of good training—and these skills are far more valuable than any fancy trick when it comes to creating a harmonious relationship with your dog.

Jo likened this approach to teaching children to read: you start with the alphabet before progressing to books. Similarly, getting the foundations right with your dog sets you both up for success.

As Jemma explained, skipping the basics can lead to frustration. Owners may get bored of practising recall and move on to tricks or games, but the root issue—poor recall—remains unaddressed. By focusing on the fundamentals, you create a strong base to build upon.

Common-Sense Corrections

At LWDG, we believe in positive reinforcement and empowering owners to train with kindness. However, as Jo pointed out, this doesn’t mean ignoring undesirable behaviour. Sometimes, a firm, constructive correction is necessary to show your dog what’s expected.

For example, if your dog is counter-surfing or barking excessively, simply ignoring the behaviour won’t solve the problem. Instead, it’s about teaching your dog what you do want them to do—whether that’s sitting calmly on their bed or staying quietly by your side.

Clear, consistent communication is key. Dogs aren’t mind readers; they rely on us to guide them with straightforward instructions and reinforcement.

Consistency Is Key

The most important takeaway from this week’s episode? Consistency is everything. As Jemma and Sam explained, every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to reinforce good behaviour. It doesn’t have to be a dedicated hour of training each day—practising a sit-stay while you answer the door or heelwork around the kitchen can make a big difference over time.

Inconsistency, on the other hand, can leave dogs confused and uncertain about what’s expected. If your rules change day to day, your dog is less likely to trust or follow your guidance.

Gundog Training for All Dogs

Many of the techniques we discuss at LWDG are rooted in gundog training, but you don’t need to have a gundog to benefit from these methods. Gundog training focuses on high-level obedience and using your dog’s natural instincts in a positive, structured way.

From recall to retrieving, these skills are valuable for any active dog. Whether you’re training on the field, at the beach, or in your local park, these techniques build engagement, trust, and a strong bond with your dog.

Final Thoughts

Dog training doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on the basics, tailoring your approach to your dog, and maintaining consistency, you can achieve incredible results—without the overwhelm.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, LWDG is here to help. Join our community to access expert-led training, practical resources, and the support of women who understand the joys and challenges of training active dogs.

👉 Take the first step today: Bulletproof Your Gundog Training with our free 90-minute class and discover how to build strong foundations for success.

Let’s do this together—because no woman should have to train her gundog alone. 💛


What’s Your Gundog Goddess Style?

Who’s ready for some extra fun? Discover your unique approach to training with our “Which Gundog Goddess Are You?” quiz. You don’t want to miss this one

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