Dog Training & Behaviour Advice from Local Specialists
Helping dogs and owners with practical advice, training support, enrichment ideas and recommended products.
Meet Our Local Behaviour & Training Partner
Sharon West
IMDT Accredited Dog Trainer & Behaviourist
At For the Love of the Dogs, Sharon has spent years helping owners build happier, calmer and more confident relationships with their dogs.
Based in Enniskillen, Sharon provides:
- Puppy Training Classes
- One-to-One Dog Training Sessions
- Reactivity Courses
- Trick Training
- Behaviour Support
- Confidence Building & Enrichment
Through years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all breeds, ages and temperaments, Sharon has tested hundreds of pet products, training tools and everyday essentials.
After years of trial and experience, she has carefully selected the products she believes every dog owner should have from the very beginning.
Sharon’s Recommended Dog Essentials
Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or looking to improve your dog’s daily routine, these trainer-approved essentials are designed to support:
- Positive reward-based training
- Calm behaviour and confidence
- Safe and enjoyable walks
- Mental enrichment and stimulation
- Everyday comfort and wellbeing
Every recommendation has been chosen based on real-world use in training classes, behaviour work and everyday life with dogs.
Perfect For:
- New Puppy Owners
- Rescue Dogs
- Nervous or Reactive Dogs
- Family Pets
- Active Dogs
- First-Time Dog Owners
Why Pet Owners Trust Sharon
Sharon’s approach focuses on kind, practical and reward-based training methods that help dogs and owners succeed together.
Her recommendations are not based on trends — they are products she personally uses, trusts and recommends through years of professional experience.
Start With The Right Essentials
We’ve created this collection to make choosing the basics simple and stress-free for dog owners.
Browse Sharon’s trusted recommendations and give your dog the best possible start.
Recommended by Our Training Specialist
Urine Off Dog & Puppy Stain & Odour Neutraliser
Choose your option
Pulling on the Lead & Poor Walking Behaviour
Enjoy More Relaxed Walks Together
Does your dog pull on the lead, lunge towards distractions or struggle to walk calmly beside you? Walks can quickly become stressful when your dog seems more interested in getting everywhere at once than listening to you!
Pulling can develop for several reasons. Your dog might be excited to explore, distracted by other dogs and people, or simply haven't learned how to walk comfortably on a loose lead yet.
The good news is that with patience, consistency and the right approach, you can help your dog develop better walking habits.
Tips for better walks:
- Reward the behaviour you want: Use small, tasty training treats to reward your dog whenever they walk on a loose lead or check in with you.
- Start somewhere quiet: Practise in a familiar, low-distraction environment before progressing to busier walks.
- Give them opportunities to sniff: Walks aren't just about exercise. Allowing your dog time to explore and sniff can make outings more rewarding.
- Choose suitable walking equipment: A comfortable, well-fitted harness and an appropriate lead can help you manage walks more comfortably.
- Be consistent: Keep training sessions short and practise regularly. Progress may take time, particularly around exciting distractions.
If your dog regularly lunges, barks or becomes distressed around other dogs or people, give them more space and consider seeking advice from a qualified, reward-based trainer or behaviourist.
Cocopup London Dog Treat Pouch Caramel Latte
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Cocopup Foldable Travel Dog Food Bowl, Black
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Tailer Scoopit Pet Poop Bags, 8 Rolls (112 Bags)
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Cocopup NAKD Poop Bag Holder Liquorice
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Cocopup Crossbody Crescent Dog Walking Bag Onyx – Hands-Free, Quilted
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Cocopup London 8.5 x 9cm Black Nylon Clip-On Dog Treat Pouch
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Royal Canin Dog Training Treats, 110g
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Red Mills Leader Train Me Chicken Dog Treats
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Red Mills Leader Train Me Salmon Dog Treats
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Royal Canin Dog Training Treats, 110g
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VetIQ Healthy Treats Nutri Booster Puppy Treats, 50g
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Anxiety & Stress in Dogs
Helping Your Dog Feel Safe and Secure
Dogs can experience stress and anxiety for many reasons, from loud noises and unfamiliar environments to changes in routine or being left alone.
Sometimes the signs are easy to spot, such as barking, pacing or trying to hide. Other signs can be more subtle, including excessive panting, lip licking, yawning or avoiding certain situations.
Understanding what your dog is communicating is an important first step towards helping them feel more comfortable.
How can you help a stressed dog?
- Recognise their triggers: Notice which situations make your dog uncomfortable and look for patterns in their behaviour.
- Provide a safe space: Give your dog a quiet, comfortable place where they can retreat and rest without being disturbed.
- Keep routines predictable: Consistent feeding, walking, play and rest times can help some dogs feel more secure.
- Introduce new experiences gradually: Avoid overwhelming your dog. Let them approach unfamiliar people, places and situations at a pace they can manage.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour and help your dog build confidence through positive experiences.
Never punish your dog for showing signs of fear or anxiety. If they are struggling, give them space rather than forcing them to confront what worries them.
Tip Top Animal Sherpa Fleece Dog Crate Mat Sizes 1–5
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Kong Comfort Kiddos Bear Dog Toy, Large
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Scruffs Cosy Blanket, Grey | Reversible, Machine Washable, 110 x 72.5 cm
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Kong Comfort Pups Goldie Dog Toy, Medium
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Savic Dog Cottage Dog Crate, 76cm Black
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KONG Shakers Honkers Duck Plush Dog Toy Small & Large
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Kong Classic Dog Toy
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Kong Extreme Dog Toy
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Kong Flyer Frisbee Dog Toy, Large
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Nobby BrainBoard Star Interactive Dog Puzzle Toy, 25cm
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Nobby Garden Interactive Snuffle Mat for Dogs & Cats
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Nobby BrainBoard Circle Interactive Pet Puzzle Toy, 23cm
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Roolo Interactive Treat Dispenser Dog Toy
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LickiMat Classic Buddy Dog Treat Mat, Green
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Kong Signature 20" Dual Knot Rope Dog Toy
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Recall, Barking & General Training
Build Good Habits, One Step at a Time
From coming back when called to learning to settle and barking less, training helps your dog navigate everyday life and strengthens the bond you share.
Dogs learn at different speeds, so don't worry if your dog takes longer to master a skill. Short, enjoyable training sessions and consistent rewards can make learning easier for both of you.
Recall: Teaching Your Dog to Come Back
A reliable recall is an important skill that helps keep your dog safe.
Start practising indoors or in a secure garden, using an upbeat voice and a reward your dog loves. Once they're responding reliably, gradually practise in more distracting environments, using a long training line where appropriate.
- Choose a consistent recall cue.
- Reward your dog generously when they return.
- Make coming back to you a positive experience.
- Avoid calling your dog only when playtime is ending.
- Don't let your dog off lead in unsecured areas until their recall is reliable enough for the situation.
Barking: Understanding Why Your Dog Barks
Barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate, but excessive barking can become difficult to manage.
Dogs may bark because they're excited, alerting you to something, feeling frustrated, seeking attention or experiencing fear.
Try to identify what triggers the barking before deciding how to address it. Rewarding alternative behaviours, reducing exposure to overwhelming triggers and teaching your dog to settle can help.
Avoid shouting, as this can increase excitement or distress rather than resolving the cause.
General Training: Keep Learning Fun
Training isn't just for puppies. Adult dogs can continue learning throughout their lives, whether you're practising basic cues, improving manners around visitors or teaching new tricks.
- Keep sessions short: A few minutes of focused practice can be more productive than a long session.
- Use rewards: Small training treats, favourite toys and praise can motivate your dog.
- Practise consistently: Ask everyone in the household to use the same cues and expectations.
- Build up gradually: Start with easy exercises before introducing distractions.
- Celebrate progress: Reward the small improvements as well as the finished behaviour.
KONG Shakers Honkers Duck Plush Dog Toy Small & Large
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KONG Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy, Extra Small to Extra Large
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Kong AirDog Squeaker Dumbbell Dog Toy
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Kong Assorted Sports Balls Dog Toy
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Cocopup Pup of Tea Dog Toy
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Tuffs x Dog Life Peanut Dog Toy
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Hem & Boo Floating Ring Dog Toy
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Hem & Boo Fruit Latex Dog Toy
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Dog & Co Fire Hose Stick Training Dog Toy
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Kong Classic Dog Toy
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Kong Goodie Bone Extreme Dog Toy
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Tip Top Animal Dog Tennis Ball Toy, 1 Pack
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Royal Canin Dog Training Treats, 110g
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Red Mills Leader Train Me Chicken Dog Treats
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Cocopup London Dog Treat Pouch Caramel Latte
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Cocopup Black Dog Training Whistle
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Nobby "ClickPfiff" Dog Clicker & Whistle Training Tool
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When to Seek Extra Help
If your dog's barking, recall difficulties or other behaviours are persistent, difficult to manage or affecting their wellbeing, a qualified trainer or behaviourist can help you understand the cause and develop a plan suited to your dog.
For behaviour involving significant fear, anxiety, aggression or a sudden change, consult your vet as a first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I train my puppy?
How often should I train my puppy?
Short sessions work best: about 5–10 minutes, 2–5 times a day. Puppies have short attention spans, so frequent, bite-sized training beats one long session.
You can also weave training into daily life (e.g., “sit” before meals or “wait” at doors).
What treats are best for training?
What treats are best for training?
Use small, soft, high-value treats that your puppy can eat quickly without losing focus. Think tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercial “training treats.”
The key is variety and motivation—what counts as “high value” depends on your puppy. Keep them small so you’re rewarding often without overfeeding.
Are harnesses better than collars?
Are harnesses better than collars?
For most puppies, a well-fitted harness is better, especially early on. It reduces strain on the neck and gives you more control during walks.
Collars are still useful for ID tags and basic leash manners, but harnesses are generally safer for learning loose-lead walking.
How do I stop pulling on the lead?
How do I stop pulling on the lead?
The main idea is to teach that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go. Stop walking the moment the lead goes tight, and only move forward when it slackens.
You can also change direction frequently so the puppy learns to pay attention to you. Reward them for walking beside you with a loose lead. Consistency is what makes this work.
What age should puppy training start?
What age should puppy training start?
Training can start immediately—basically from the moment you bring your puppy home (often around 8 weeks old).
At this stage, it’s not about perfection, but about building foundations: name recognition, recall, basic cues like “sit,” and gentle handling.
Early socialisation during the first few months is especially important.
