New Puppy or Rescue Dog? How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer in Hampshire

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

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

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

👉 Not all dog trainers use the same methods.

Some still rely on outdated punishment-based techniques. Others (like everyone listed on Mutterly Hampshire) use kind, reward-based training, backed by science and supported by vets 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 confusion.

That’s exactly what your new puppy or rescue dog is experiencing.

They don’t understand your language yet. They don’t know what’s expected. And just like you’d hope for patient, kind guidance in that situation, your dog needs the same from you.

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 take 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 take the book away.

❌ They might stop reading — not because they understand, but because they’re afraid to get it wrong.

🐾 Now Imagine That’s Your Dog

Your dog jumps up at someone. You can:

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

• Punishment-Based: Shout “NO!” or yank their lead.

Both might stop the jumping in the moment. Only one teaches what to do instead. Only one builds trust and confidence.

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Also known as positive reinforcement training, this approach is based on modern learning theory — not outdated ideas about “being the alpha.”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

It’s recommended by the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association, and leading trainers like Chirag Patel, Sarah Fisher, and Victoria Stilwell.

🚫 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 may suppress behaviour temporarily, but they 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 — delivering an electric shock to stop unwanted behaviour.

🔍 What to Look for in a Dog Trainer in Hampshire

Whether you’re searching for puppy training in Petersfield, a dog behaviourist in Winchester, or 1:1 sessions near Basingstoke, here’s what to ask:

✅ 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 

💬 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.