Hi folks, my latest Dog Listener training TV clip has just been aired on Channel 7 in Australia where I tackle the age-old problem of barking dogs.

As you will see, with some dog behaviour problems, it doesn't take long for them to get the message when you use dog listener methods.

Click on the link below to watch it (to get to the right clip on the Morning Show site, scroll until you see the photo below).

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/24697721/catwalks-cranky-canine/

Don't tell anyone, but there I was with model and designer Gail Elliott and her husband - two high fashion designers, who know all kinds of a-list stars (AND Simon Le Bon!), and while I was adjusting the microphone I noticed a food stain on my  T shirt!  You can't buy class...

Anyway, back to the dog training.

Once you add patience and consistency, you actually find the results come quicker than if you rush things.

Ever noticed that the time you are in a hurry and you take a shower, is when the soap becomes extra slippery? Once you relax, things go much more smoothly.

That is the same for walking the dog to heel too. There are some people who say that the dog's nose must not go in front of he owner's knee, which results in not looking where you are going and constantly jerking the dog around. Not great or practical. When walking the dog, it can be slightly ahead, as long as the lead is relaxed. As Mum says, when the lead is smiling, you are Happy and in Control. 

Here's to less dog barking and happier dog walking. Cheers. Tony Knight

Hi folks, as usual I had more dog training questions to answer than time available at the Dog Listener talk I gave in Gothenburg, Sweden last Monday night.

As I hate to disappoint anyone, I'm answering the last few I couldn't squeeze in to the Dog Listener talk in a Youtube video called Stop Dog Barking At Doorbell

It was great to see a full house and also a relief that they understood MOST of my jokes (when they don't work I always have the excuse that the British have a different sense of humour... although when I'm in England the same excuse doesn't work...).

So, if you want to know how to:

• Stop your dog barking at the doorbell
• Deal with dog anxiety on the walk
• Stop your dog jumping up on you

Click on the following link: Stop Dog Barking At Doorbell to listen to my answers on this Youtube video.

I looked for a Swedish flag online, and the one I chose stood out. What can I say? We British have a special sense of humour... Cheers, Tony

Last weekend I did a dog listener consultation for a couple with a highly intelligent dog who had a list of phobias as long as your arm - literally (so my arm really).

The wife had written down all things that freaked this dog out, and as I scanned the multitude of problems, one jumped out at me. You see, I am used to seeing "phone", "laughing", "thunder" etc, and although the list contained some more interesting articles, such as "Salad spinner", or "cutting bread", my eyes stopped at the name "Andrew Marr".

Now, for those who are unaware of this man, he is a political reporter for the BBC, and I am sure he's a very nice man. However, the mere sound of this man's voice on radio or TV would send this dog into a fit of panicked barking. Basically, we simplified the whole list by condensing it down to one word "ANYTHING".

A dog is in a world it does not understand, so don't be surprised if something that seems to you completely harmless is seen as a threat to the very existence of the dogs and its pack. The benefit of Dog Listener Training is that it takes a consistent approach to all threats which allows the dog to calm down.

The key of course if to get the dog to realise that you are the decision maker of the pack, not him (or her).  You can also create the environment for the dog to learn by (without making a fuss) using the salad spinner, ringing the phone.... or even inviting Mr. Marr round for dinner?   Tony Knight