Why it’s important to invest in training your dog

• We don’t expect our children to be born and know how to read and write. It is no different for your new puppy or dog. They need help to learn how to behave appropriately.

• We don’t want our dogs to jump up on people, or bark constantly - annoying our neighbours. A dog that doesn't come back when called could cause a traffic accident or get hit by a car, and your dog should be able to travel safely in a car and not be jumping around, which could also cause an accident. An untrained dog can get you into all sorts of difficult, embarrassing or even dangerous situations.

• It is against the law for your dog to be dangerously out of control, where they injure someone or make someone worried that it might injure them. And the same applies if your dogs attacks another animal.

• And with the rise in dog thefts you need to be able to keep a close eye on your four legged friend.

• So training is not optional, it is a necessity. A badly behaved dog can destroy your home, impact on your relationship, injure your children, and ruin the bond with your dog. Poorly trained dogs are also a lot more likely to be given up to rescue centres.

• A well trained dog is a joy to share your life with. They are stimulated and fulfilled, and listen to you. Reward-based training is scientifically proven to work, whereas aversive training methods may work short-term but can lead to fear-based behaviours. Rewards-based training focuses on the good behaviour and helps dogs to learn to make the right choice themselves without being told what to do.

• Karma Dogs concentrates on life skills and tricks that have a core purpose, rather than obedience training where the dog is simply told what to do.