How to teach a dog tricks, by expert trainer Ben Randall
If you want to teach a few party tricks to your pup you'll need to tread carefully, explains Ben Randall.
Ben Randall is an award-winning dog trainer based in Herefordshire, who uses positive, reward-based training methods to help dogs learn patience, steadiness and drive.
Ben has been named Dog trainer of the Year three times (in 2011, 2012 and 2017), and is a Kennel Club-approved A Panel Judge, who made history when winning the British Cocker Championships back-to-back in 2011 and 2012 — the first time the feat had been achieved in nearly 40 years — with Field Trial Champion Heolybwlch Fatty.
Irrespective of your dog's breed or whatever behavioural issues you might be facing, as a self-taught dog psychologist, Ben employs only the most up-to-date training methods in order to get the best out of any dog in a short time.
Having honed his own highly effective Beggarbush (BG) training foundations for more than 30 years, Ben helps owners to understand how their dogs think, so they can achieve a much better relationship and bond. His aim is for everyone to have a happy dog that will walk to heel, sit, stay and ignore distractions, as well as come back when it's called and be relaxed in the home.
Known for his proven, positive and reward-based methods, Ben has trained the dogs of many celebrities, including David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay. Find out more about him and his methods at ledburylodgekennels.co.uk.
If you want to teach a few party tricks to your pup you'll need to tread carefully, explains Ben Randall.
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This week's reader is at his wit's end: his dog lessons are not working, and his canine companion seems to take two steps forward then three steps back. Our resident expert dog trainer Ben Randall has the answer.
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Enjoying a drink in a lovely country pub with your dog snoozing quietly at your feet is one of the great pleasures in life for those with four-legged friends... so long as they stay well-behaved. Ben Randall explains how to take your dog to the pub without things going horribly wrong.
Dogs begging for food around mealtimes can be adorable up to a point — but what happens when the charm wears off? Ben Randall explains how to stop your dog begging for food at the table.
'The full scale of awfulness' is the memorable phrase used by this week's beleaguered correspondent, who is desperate for an answer from Ben. But perhaps not quite as desperate as her long-suffering mother is...
There are plenty of dogs who'll run all day playing fetch, or who'll do anything for a bit of kibble. But how can you motivate a dog who doesn't seem too bothered about food or toys when it comes to playing fetch? Ben Randall shares his advice.
The heartbreaking whimper of a puppy calling for you will tug on the heartstrings like few other things, but you don't have to suffer — and you don't have to leave it crying either, as Ben Randall explains.
We know they mean well, but few things are more grating for dog owners — or more disconcerting for dog owners' visitors — than a dog barking at the door every time someone knocks or rings. Award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall explains how to stop it from happening.
Introducing the lead to your dog can be tricky, but with a consistent routine you'll build positive associations that will last a lifetime. Dog training expert Ben Randall explains how as he shares his dog lead training routine.