Welcoming a Puppy or Rescue Dog? Start with the Right Trainer

Bringing home a new puppy or adopting a rescue dog is exciting. However, it can also feel overwhelming. This feeling is not just for you but also for your dog!

One of the best ways to set yourself and your dog up for success is working with a good trainer. But here’s what many new dog owners in Hampshire don’t realize:

👉 Not all dog trainers use the same methods.

Some trainers still rely on outdated punishment-based techniques. Others, like everyone listed on Mutterly Hampshire, use kind, reward-based training, which is backed by science and supported by veterinarians and behaviourists.

So, how do you know who to trust?

🌍 Imagine You’re in a Foreign Country

Imagine arriving in a country where you don’t speak the language and don’t know the rules. You might accidentally offend someone, drive on the wrong side of the road, or break a local custom—not out of defiance but because you don't know any better.

Let's take an example. You're on holiday in Thailand (lucky you!). A really sweet child comes up and smiles at you. You reach out and ruffle their hair. Their parent storms over and starts yelling at you. Why? Because in Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and to touch a stranger's head is considered highly offensive. But if nobody has explained that to you, how would you know?

For your new puppy or dog, their whole world with you is full of pitfalls like this. They can chew some things but not others (but how do they know which is which?). They can toilet here but not there. It's really confusing for them!

It’s not their job to know the rules. It’s your job to teach them clearly and kindly.

📚 What Happens When Dogs Are Punished?

Let’s consider a simple example:

A child is learning to read. They stumble on a word. You have two choices:

Option A: Reward-Based Teaching

You say, “Try that one again—you almost had it!” When they get it right, you smile and say, “Brilliant!” You might even give them a gold star. They beam with pride.

✅ They feel safe, supported, and they want to keep learning.

Option B: Punishment-Based Teaching

You frown and say, “Wrong again.” Maybe you raise your voice or even take the book away. The next time they try reading in front of you, they might be even more hesitant. If they get shouted at again, what happens?

❌ They might stop reading—because they’re afraid of getting it wrong.

🐾 Now Imagine That’s Your Dog

Your dog jumps up at someone. You can respond in two ways:

• Reward-Based: Teach them that sitting calmly earns a treat or praise.

• Punishment-Based: Shout "NO!" or yank their leash.

  
  

Both may stop the jumping, but only one teaches what to do instead. Only one builds trust and confidence.

The Darker Side of Negative Training

Let's say the person they jumped up at had a beard. In the dog's mind, they may associate that painful yank on the leash with the man with the beard. From then on, men with beards are something to be afraid of. But that wasn't what you wanted to teach them. Now you have a whole other problem to deal with.

This is the downfall of punishment based training - you cannot always control what associations your dog might make.

✅ What Is Reward-Based Dog Training?

Also known as positive reinforcement training, this approach is based on modern learning theory—not outdated ideas about “being the alpha.” Reward-based trainers:

• Reinforce behaviors like sitting calmly, walking nicely, or coming when called.

• Use treats, toys, praise, and play.

• Avoid anything that causes fear, pain, or confusion.

• Help your dog feel safe, confident, and eager to learn.

  
  

Many reputable organisations recommend this training, including the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association. Leading trainers like Chirag Patel, Sarah Fisher, and Victoria Stilwell also support this method.

🚫 What About Punishment-Based Training?

Punishment-based methods include:

• Shock or prong collars.

• Lead yanks or “corrections”.

• Shouting, water sprays, or “alpha rolls”.

• Talking about being a “pack leader”.

  
  

These techniques might temporarily suppress behavior but often lead to:

🚩 Fear

🚩 Anxiety

🚩 Aggression

🚩 Damaged trust

In fact, shock collars (sometimes called e-collars) are banned in Wales due to the risk of psychological harm.

⚠️ What’s an e-collar?

It’s just another name for a shock collar. Some use the term “e-collar” to sound more technical or gentle, but the effect is the same—it delivers an electric shock to stop unwanted behaviour. But remember the example earlier with the dog jumping up at a man with a beard? It is really, really easy for your dog to associate the shock with something random, and not with the behaviour you were trying to stop.

On top of that, shock collars are highly unpleasant for your dog and can even cause burns. If you wouldn't use one on a toddler, don't let someone use one on your dog.

🔍 What to Look for in a Dog Trainer in Hampshire

Whether you’re searching for puppy training in Petersfield, a dog behaviorist in Winchester, or 1:1 sessions near Basingstoke, consider these questions:

✅ Do they use reward-based training only?

✅ Are they qualified (e.g., IMDT, APDT, Victoria Stillwell Academy)?

✅ Do they explain things clearly and kindly?

✅ Are their methods backed by science and supported by vets?

✅ Do they tailor sessions for puppies or rescue dogs?

🚩 Avoid anyone who uses aversive tools or talks about “dominance.”

📍 Trusted Local Trainers — Already Vetted for You

At Mutterly Hampshire, we only list qualified, kind, science-backed dog trainers in Hampshire. Whether you’re looking for:

• Puppy classes near Alton

• Fear-free dog training in New Forest

• Help with recall, pulling, or separation anxiety

  
  

You’ll find trusted professionals in our directory.

👉 Find a dog trainer in Hampshire

🐶 The Importance of Communication

One crucial aspect to remember is the importance of clear communication. Ensure you are consistent in your commands and body language. Dogs thrive on routine and understanding.

Why Is Consistency Key?

Dogs learn through repetition and consistency. If you mix up commands or use different words for the same action, your dog will be confused.

For example, you have taught them "Sit" and "Down" (lie down). Your partner then says "Sit Down". Now your dog doesn't know what he should do, should he sit, or should he lie down?

A prime example of this is when my dog, Bella, had been sitting on a guest's lap at the table and then decided to climb onto the table to clean the plates. My guest said to her, "Get down", so Bella did as she was asked, she lay down on the table, because she knew Down meant "lie down"!

Make sure everyone in your household uses the same words and gestures when interacting with your dog.

Positive Reinforcement at Home

Integrating positive reinforcement at home can significantly enhance your dog’s training experience. Celebrate small victories with treats or praise and ensure training sessions are filled with fun. This method will not only make your dog eager to learn but also strengthen your bond.

💬 Final Thought

Training should be a joy, not a battle. Choose a trainer who helps you understand your dog, builds trust, and supports both of you with kindness and clarity.

It starts with a kind word and a whole lot of treats.