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Hey! I’m Ali Smith, the Positive Puppy Expert.
I’m a multi-award winning professional dog trainer. I’ve helped to train over 1200 dogs, and I’m the proud owner of the worlds top pet blog!
I’m here to help you and other puppy owners to make the very best out of that little bundle of fluff (and teeth!) so that you can raise a fun, capable, confident and fun member of your family – in the easiest and most reliable way possible.
And to do that affordably.
![Why You Shouldn’t Use Punishment in Dog Training [2026]](https://rebarkable.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/why-we-dont-use-punishment-in-dog-training-1080x675.png)
Dog training is an essential aspect of owning a dog. It not only helps to develop a strong bond between you and your furry friend but also ensures that your dog behaves well in various situations. Traditionally, dog training has involved the use of...
I got sick of the so called "best" harness recommendations for german shepherds online - they're trash I'm sorry. I knew you guys deserved an accurate list of stuff that's actually been tested on a German Shepherd, who's tested some of the biggest names on the market,...
This question comes up so regularly, and I really want to take a moment to debunk this. Some people claim that having a flat collar around your dog's neck can give better control, others will claim that front-clip harnesses are the best solution, some even claim head...
Professional dog trainers use something called "Operant conditioning" when training dogs, it sounds quite complex, but it's quite easy to understand. In dog training, it's the base of where a lot of the labels trainers give themselves come from. Like "Balanced"...
So you want to train with positive reinforcement, but do you want to use a clicker, or a marker work? If you're venturing into the world of positive reinforcement training (Great choice! Did you know it increases optimism in your dog[5]?, it might be a case that...
Escape proof harnesses, you have a houndini too, huh? Finding a no-escape harness can be tough, but I've done all the leg work for you in this best harness list. If your dog has already learned to slip equipment, pair the right harness with the management in my...
I compare the dog winter coats I’ve actually used on my German Shepherd and coonhounds, including Ruffwear Furness, Non-stop Glacier 2.0 and ToppaPomppa, with honest notes on warmth, fit, movement and durability.
Updated for 2026: dog GPS trackers have changed a lot. Whistle has shut down, Jiobit is no longer a practical current buy, and several newer options have arrived. After long-term, real-world use, Fi Series 3 is still my number-one dog GPS tracker. Tractive comes next...
Welcome to the world of tactical dog harnesses! You've started doing some research, but you want to know which is best! This buyer's guide to tactical harnesses is here to help. I've personally tested all of these, and put them through their paces to get a decision...
Hiking is one of the most fun things you can do with your dog, hands (and paws) down. But one of the things that can really inhibit your ability to enjoy that hike is having the wrong equipment. Whilst I'm not going to be able to cover the human equipment for you, I...