Your dog jumps on a guest the moment they walk in. Your first move?

Calmly ask for a "sit", then reward the moment all four paws are down

A firm "No!" and guide them back with the lead

Apologise to the guest and hope the dog settles on its own

Think about why they are over-aroused and manage the doorway next time

How do you usually reward good behaviour?

Treats, and plenty of them — timing matters more than quantity

Praise and a clear release word; treats only sometimes

Cuddles and a happy voice whenever the mood strikes

Whatever that dog values most in that moment — food, toy or freedom

What does your daily routine look like?

Short training sessions folded into walks and meals

Same times, same order, every single day

Fairly loose — we go with the flow

Structured, but I adjust it as I learn what works

Your dog ignores a recall at the park. You...

Make yourself more exciting than the distraction and reward heavily when they come

Go and get them, then practise recall on a long line before off-lead again

Wait — they will come back when they're ready

Note what beat me this time and lower the difficulty next session

Where does your dog sleep?

Their own bed — they were rewarded for settling there

A crate or a designated spot, consistently

Wherever they like. Usually my bed.

It changed as they matured — whatever suits them now

How do you handle a behaviour you don't like?

Reward the behaviour I want instead, and manage the environment

Interrupt it clearly and consistently, every time

Mostly ignore it unless it's a real problem

Work out what the dog is getting out of it, then change that

Where do you get your training information?

Positive-reinforcement trainers and force-free resources

A trainer I trust, and I stick to their method

Mostly instinct and whatever friends suggest

Books, courses, podcasts — I compare sources constantly

Your dog is anxious in a new place. Your instinct?

Create distance and pair the scary thing with something great

Stay calm and matter-of-fact so they take the cue from me

Comfort and cuddle them until they relax

Read their body language and decide whether to stay or leave

How much formal training does your dog get each week?

Little and often — a few minutes most days

It varies — I train toward whatever we're struggling with

What matters most to you in the relationship?

That my dog enjoys working with me

That my dog is reliable and safe in public

That my dog is happy and feels loved

That I keep getting better at understanding them

What's Your Dog Training Style? Find Your Dog-Parent Archetype 🐕

Dog training style quiz — golden retriever puppy on a leash

Every dog owner trains their dog — even the ones who swear they don't. 🐾

This 10-question dog training style quiz reveals your dog-parent archetype: how you set boundaries, how you reward, how you handle the hard days, and where your instincts help or quietly hold your dog back. You'll get your archetype plus one concrete thing to work on this week.

Takes about 2 minutes. For serious behavioural issues — aggression, severe anxiety, or sudden changes — speak to a qualified trainer or your vet.