Our Resource Center

At Freeland K9, we’re here to offer you a positive approach to pet training that incorporates a variety of training styles to match the needs of your pet. Browse below at some of our available resources and keep an eye out for updates in the near future!

Online Resources

We're lucky in that there are plenty of amazing online resources for dog training. From Facebook groups to online forums and Youtube pages dedicated to dog training. I'll list some of my favourite below.

Dog Training Advice Scotland is a facebook group I run in my spare time. It's a brilliant place to ask questions, for free, and engage in discussions centred around dog training:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dtascotland

A favourite dog trainer of mine is Zak George. He's published several great books and

has youtube playlists showing you the reality of dog training. His positive approach to training is something I personally believe very strongly in:

https://www.youtube.com/c/zakgeorge

If you navigate this website, you will find our very own forum section, be sure to check back for updates!

Janice Gunn is a multiple time world champion in Obediance and Field Trials and posts free youtube videos aimed at obedience training in dogs:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLjhnUSXzC0F1WU70uQoYcA

The Whole Dog Journal is a brilliant resource for general information on canine care. This is a link to a particularly good article on the myth of the "alpha" role in dog behaviour and training:

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/alpha-dog-myths/

Best Pet Brands

I am often asked what the best equipment is for our canine companions and the answer will always be the same, it depends on what you and your dog's needs are. Saying that, here's a few go-to brands I can always recommend.

Juilius K-9 pride themeselves on making robust, high quality equipment and are known for their walking accessories, such as leads, collars and harnesses. It's a first choice for many professionals and will last a lifetime:

https://julius-k9.co.uk/

When it comes to tough toys and canine enrichment, there aren't many companies out there that compete with Kong. The Kong classic is an iconic tool for slow feeding and enrichment during meal sessions, it can also be used as an excellent training aid. The rest of their range will not dissapoint either, brilliant toys for heavy chewers:

https://www.kongcompany.com/en-uk/

If you're looking for general training aids, then Company of Animals is a good place to start. They do, however, stock some items that could be classed as aversive. I'd stay away from any products that cause pain or discomfort:

https://companyofanimals.co.uk

Training Tips

Usually when people find out I'm a dog trainer, or they attend their first training sesions, I'll get one simple question. Any tips?

I won't go into any specific behavioural issues here, but I'll outline a few things that should elevate your training sessions and set you up for long lasting results:

Praise. Praise is perhaps the strongest tool you can have in your training arsenal. Praise enthusiastically and often when your dog is doing something you like.
Avoid punishment. Every time you tell off your dog, you risk creating an aspect of fear or anxiety in that situation. You'll often find that agressive dogs were the ones that were heavily punished for things like growling and barking. This only compounds the fear, of whatever that situation was, in the dog.
Exercise often. An exercised dog is an easy to train dog. They'll be calmer and less distracted by the environment.
Set your dog up for success. Start slow and simple and build complexity as your dog's confidence in the task grows.
Finally, make it fun! A dog will always give you more if they are enjoying the activity. If you're being boring then the dog will get bored. Do your best to keep them involved.