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‘I’m a dog trainer – there’s one habit I’d teach every pet owner’

A seasoned dog trainer revealed the “number one” habit he wishes every owner would adopt, irrespective of their pet’s disposition.

Dogs are a firm favourite option as a pet for countless people due to their consistent sense of loyalty, affectionate nature, and the companionship they offer.

It’s hardly surprising that millions worldwide opt to bring a canine companion into their homes. However, owning a dog is a significant commitment that demands ongoing attention to the pet’s health and happiness.

Many dog owners turn to social media for guidance, where a plethora of experts and animal enthusiasts share their insights.

Numerous dog trainers have cultivated a strong presence on social media platforms, using these channels to share their expertise to a broad audience.

Ross Macnamara, a dog trainer with over a decade of experience, has garnered more than 2.6 million likes across his TikTok videos, showcasing common pet issues and his strategies for addressing them.

In a particularly well-received video, he divulged the “one skill” he’d like to impart to “every dog owner”.

The footage shows him strolling alongside a dog while voicing his advice. He states: “I’m a dog trainer and if I could only teach one thing to every reactive dog owner out there, or just dog owners in general, it would be this.

“You see, dogs have this annoying habit of sometimes doing the exact opposite of what we want them to do.”

The footage switches to a Beagle straining against the lead, keen on heading in a different direction than what the owner intends.

Trainer Ross advises: “To stop this, I want to teach dogs that every time they feel tension on that leash, if it ever goes a little bit tight, that’s a cue to come back towards me and, when they come back to me, that tension is going to go away.”

He demonstrates by deliberately tightening the leash and then easing off entirely when the dog turns to him, reinforcing that engagement with him removes the tension.

Ross emphasises: “By actively dropping all that tension, I’m helping the dog understand that it was when they engaged with me, that’s when all that tension goes away.”

In the video’s description, he added: “For reactive dogs, remember that adding extra tension to the leash can create more frustration.

“We need our dogs to have a positive relationship with the leash and also to the feeling of restraint.

“Going through this process of teaching your dog leash pressure will show them that they can release that feeling of tension all by themselves and give them the opportunity to make a decision that can better their situation.”

On his website, Ross declares: “My goal at this stage in my life is to help owners understand what their dog is trying to tell them.

“To assist where I can in building a relationship based on trust. I want all dogs to be a source of love, relaxation, and joy with no more anger, stress, or despair.”

Prior to acquiring a dog, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. It’s also important to remember that training is vital, and not all pets are appropriate for new or inexperienced owners.

If you’re contemplating bringing a dog into your household, think about the advantages of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter, rather than purchasing from a breeder.

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