When you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour—whether that’s pulling on the lead, reacting to other dogs, or ignoring recall—it can feel overwhelming. Many owners wonder: do I need a dog trainer, or is it time to bring in a dog behaviourist? Let’s unpack the difference—and how the right tools and techniques can transform even the trickiest challenges.
What Does a Dog Behaviourist Do?
A dog behaviourist looks beyond simple training cues. We explore why your dog is behaving a certain way, whether that’s aggression, anxiety, reactivity, or overexcitement. At Fresh Start Dog Training, we focus on understanding the emotional drivers behind behaviour and then tailor your training plan to address those needs gently and effectively.
What’s the Difference Between a Dog Trainer and a Dog Behaviourist?
In short:
- A dog trainer teaches specific skills like sit, down, recall, or lead walking.
- A dog behaviourist addresses underlying emotions and behavioural patterns like fear, aggression, or frustration.
That said, at Fresh Start we blend both worlds. Our training is always skills-based and behaviour-informed—ideal for those dealing with complex dog behaviour problems.
How Do Training Leads and Leashes Help with Dog Behaviour?
Used properly, dog training leads and leashes are more than just equipment—they’re communication tools. A well-chosen lead gives your dog clarity and gives you influence without force.
✅ For reactive dog training, we often use long lines to manage space while giving the dog choices.
✅ For obedience training, a short lead allows precision during heel work and boundaries.
✅ For dogs with anxiety, a slip lead might feel too intense—whereas a double-ended harness setup gives gentle feedback.
The key isn’t just what you use, but how you use it.
Let me give you an example. One of my clients came to me feeling completely overwhelmed. Her dog would pull, bark, and lunge on walks—and she dreaded every outing. What we uncovered was that her anxiety was travelling right down the lead. Every time she spotted another dog, she’d grip tighter, shortening the lead and holding her breath. That tension was telling her dog there was something to worry about.
Just learning to relax her shoulders, breathe, and soften the lead made a noticeable difference—within minutes. Her dog started checking in with her instead of scanning for threats. They both walked away from that session feeling calmer.
And then there’s Trixie—my own feisty puppy—who’s currently learning her loose lead manners. Because she’s young and full of excitement, she sometimes can’t help herself and bounces ahead like she’s on springs. Rather than letting that become a habit, I manage the lead to ensure it stays relaxed for her. I gently guide her back into position without tension, rewarding her for choosing to walk beside me. I’m not expecting perfection yet—but I am preventing the rehearsal of pulling. We’re building the habit of walking on a loose lead by keeping that lead soft and relaxed right from the start.
And I’ve been there too. When I first started working with Izzy, I realised my shoulders were creeping up every time I saw another dog or person—anticipating a reaction before anything had even happened. And wouldn’t you know it, Izzy felt that tension straight away. Her body would stiffen in sync with mine, and we’d spiral into a reaction. But once I deliberately relaxed my shoulders (sometimes I had to physically force them down at first), took a breath, and kept the lead soft, the reaction zone changed completely. Almost overnight, the distance between us and the trigger before a reaction was cut in half. That’s when I truly learned that loose lead walking is as much about the handler’s mindset as it is the dog’s skills.
💡 So if you’re wondering what the best training lead for reactive dogs is, remember it’s not just about the kit—it’s about the connection.
👉 Book a behaviour consult to get personalised advice
How Obedience Training Improves Dog Behaviour
Sometimes, teaching basic obedience is the best way to shift a dog’s mindset. Here’s why:
- Clarity reduces stress: Dogs love to know what’s expected of them.
- Skills replace chaos: “Sit” at the door replaces jumping. “Middle” during walks replaces barking.
- Repetition builds confidence: Especially helpful for anxious or confused dogs.
For nervous or reactive dogs, learning achievable tasks—like touch, middle, or even down on cue—gives them a way to succeed. Every time they get it right, they earn a small win. That “I can do this” moment starts to build confidence where there was once uncertainty.
And sometimes, the biggest change is in the relationship. For many owners of reactive dogs, it’s easy to fall into a cycle where everything becomes about managing explosions, avoiding situations, and feeling judged. The bond gets worn down. The fun disappears.
But when we introduce positive, structured training—whether that’s obedience, trick training, or even gundog-style games—we give owners and dogs a way to enjoy each other again. You stop just managing the bad stuff and start building good stuff. That’s often the beginning of real rehabilitation—not just for the dog, but for the whole relationship.
Why We Include Gundog Training in Behavioural Work
Reactivity, frustration, and other behaviour struggles are especially common in working breeds—think Labradors, Spaniels, Shepherds, and Collies. These dogs were bred to think independently, make quick decisions, and work all day in partnership with people. That kind of drive doesn’t disappear just because they’re now living in a suburban home.
Many of the dogs I work with are incredibly intelligent—but that intelligence becomes a problem when their daily routine doesn’t offer any mental stimulation. A quick walk and a bit of fetch just doesn’t scratch the itch. So, what happens? They create their own fun: chasing shadows, barking at every sound, guarding objects, or going into overdrive the moment they step outside.
It’s no different to how we feel when we’re under-stimulated. Think about a time in your life when you were doing something dull, repetitive, or not testing of your abilities—maybe a job that didn’t challenge you, or a class that moved too slowly. Remember that frustration, that restless energy? That’s what these dogs are feeling every day.
That’s where gundog training and other dog sports come in.
These structured, skill-based activities tap into your dog’s instincts in a controlled way. They’re learning focus, recall, self-control, and teamwork—all while doing what they were born to do. It gives them an outlet for that pent-up energy and a productive way to channel their drive.
- Recall? Built in.
- Self-control? Essential.
- Engagement with the handler? Absolutely.
👉 Structured activities like gundog training can be a valuable part of a dog behaviourist’s toolkit.
Common Dog Behaviour Problems We See
As a dog behaviourist, I regularly work with:
- Dog aggression training (towards dogs, people, or both)
- Dog anxiety training (separation anxiety, noise phobias, fear-based behaviour)
- Lead pulling and frustration
- Impulse control and jumping up
- Chasing wildlife or livestock
If your dog’s behaviour feels unmanageable or unsafe, don’t wait.
When Should I Contact a Dog Behaviourist?
Here are 5 signs it’s time:
- You’ve tried training but the behaviour keeps coming back.
- Your dog shows aggression, fear, or excessive excitement.
- Walks are stressful—for you and your dog.
- You’re stuck between avoiding situations and losing confidence.
- You want a plan that makes lasting change.
I know how that feels—because I’ve lived it. When I first brought home Izzy, she was deeply reactive, and I didn’t have a clue how to help her at first. Walks were a nightmare. Every time I saw another dog, I’d hold my breath, shorten the lead, and hope for the best. She’d lunge, bark, and spin—and I honestly thought I’d failed her.
But that experience is what led me to study behaviour in-depth. I realised that traditional obedience alone wasn’t enough. Izzy needed emotional support and thoughtful training. So I became the dog behaviourist I once needed—so others don’t have to go through it alone like I did.
Now, I work with owners to turn panic into progress and help their dogs feel safe, confident, and understood.
Practical Tip: How to Stop a Dog Pulling on Lead
Start by looking at why your dog pulls. Is it excitement? Stress? Poor lead technique?
Then:
- Use a two-point harness and double-ended lead for better control.
- Reinforce calm walking with positive reinforcement training.
- Practise in low-distraction environments before heading out.
And remember—dogs pull because it works. Let’s change that together.
Final Thoughts
Being a dog behaviourist isn’t about fixing dogs—it’s about helping people understand them better. With the right tools, like training leads and tailored obedience strategies, we can turn confusion and chaos into calm, focused connection.
It’s also about teaching the dogs that there is a better way. A way that’s calmer, more rewarding, and easier for them to navigate. We show them how to make better choices—and they learn to trust that good things come when they do.
And that? That’s where the magic happens.
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