Edinburgh dog owners most confident with training

Edinburgh dog owners are most confident with training, new research reveals.

The poll by PetPlan reveals Brighton (93%), Sheffield (90%), Southampton (88%), Liverpool (85%), London (84%), Norwich (83%), Newcastle (83%), and Cardiff (83%) lead the pack when it comes to confidence in dog training.

In addition, the research reveals the most common training issues are lead pulling (32%), jumping on people (26%). Separation anxiety (24%), not listening to command (21%), problems socialising with other dogs/animals (17%), toilet training (14%), territorial behaviour (11%), destroying furniture (11%), biting (9%), aggression (8%), and excessive sexual behaviour (5%).

Petplan’s Dog Behaviourist, Nick Jones, said: “The findings from Petplan’s survey confirm what many of us already know: training a dog, regardless of age, is not only possible but can be highly beneficial.

“As our furry friends grow older and our own lifestyles change, it’s crucial to adapt our training methods to ensure our pets remain happy and well-behaved. From addressing common challenges like lead pulling to utilising positive reinforcement techniques, effective training can significantly enhance the bond between owners and their dogs, which helps lead to content owners and happy dogs. Too much change, too quickly, can be stressful for older dogs, so using age-appropriate training techniques is essential.”