Telling Tales! Why You Should Say “No Thank You” to Park Trainers in Belfast

We all love a good catch-up. I have regular conversations with a brilliant friend and mentor where I ramble on about my daily experiences as a dog trainer in Northern Ireland. She loves the stories, but she thoroughly enjoys my sudden interpretation of events entirely from the dog’s perspective.

I adore my job. I get to meet wonderful new people every day across Belfast and County Antrim. In fact, I have many clients that I now consider friends—including the one who inspired this post. Oh, and of course, I get to hang out with dogs all day. I have absolutely no complaints when it comes to my work!

The Blessing and Curse of Canine Communication

Having a clear understanding of canine communication is vital for me to do my job as a Behaviourist. However, it can be a bit of a curse when I am just out walking with Chester, watching videos on social media, or constantly analyzing potential dangers in everyday encounters at the local park.

Welcome to the TELLING TALES section of my blog. This is where I share the crazy dog stuff that goes through my brain, whether it is fun, frightening, or just completely fabulous.

This first post is about something that deeply concerns me. If it can help just one local dog owner, I will be incredibly happy.

The Mystery "Park Trainer"

I recently worked with clients who had been approached by a stranger in a Belfast park who wanted to help them with their dog. This person stated they were a dog trainer. My clients watched on, frozen, as this stranger took their dog’s lead and proceeded to "train" them on the spot.

The owners admitted they knew nothing about modern training methods at the time. However, they felt deep down that their dog was really not enjoying the encounter. They just wanted this person to go away.

Thankfully, we later embarked on a proper training journey together. I got to witness them fall in love with reward-based training just as much as they loved their dog. But that initial park encounter left a mark.

⚠️ NEVER hand your dog's lead to a stranger in a park, no matter what credentials they claim to have.

"You Need to Show Him Who the Boss Is!"

We all know that when it comes to dogs, everyone has an opinion, right? Passersby just love to comment:

• "Oh, you have a barker!"

• "Who’s walking who?"

• "Aw, is he a rescue?"

• "You need to show him who the boss is!"

• "They’re just trying to dominate you!"

The last two are my personal favorites. I mean, I couldn't be Chester’s boss even if I wanted to!

I make his food. I bath him, brush him, and cut his hair. I pick up his poop, drive him to his favorite walking spots around Northern Ireland, and I even kindly request that random humans don't touch him. He is literally a little Prince, and I am his maid, chauffeur, and personal security detail.

As for dominating me? He has very little control over his own life. I choose when, where, and what he eats. I choose where he sleeps. I decide where and when he walks. I pretty much control most aspects of his day-to-day existence. Many would call him spoilt. Yes, he is completely demanding of my time and attention, but that is entirely okay because I LOVE having a dog!

The Real Risks of Unregulated Training

Am I rambling? Let's get back to the self-proclaimed trainer in the park. There are several reasons this scenario deeply concerns me:

• Emotional Fallout: This stranger used forceful training methods the owners would never choose, leaving them feeling intense remorse and concern for their dog’s well-being.

• Fear and Trauma: For the dog, being subjected to a complete stranger suddenly taking physical control of their lead is an extremely frightening experience.

• Zero Risk Assessment: Where was this person's risk assessment? Are they qualified? Do they have insurance?

• Liability Issues: What if this now-nervous dog bit this person, or worse, a passerby? Would they punish the dog? Would they try to claim off the owner?

• Financial Cost: Harsh, outdated training methods cause psychological trauma. This ultimately costs the owner a lot of money in future behavioral rehabilitation sessions to undo the damage.

There are simply too many things that can go wrong. Please do not allow anyone to train your dog unless you have formally booked a professional session with them.

Why Generic Advice Fails

You should only take advice on your dog’s training needs from a certified, professional dog trainer or Behaviourist. I will never dismiss people who have years of experience owning dogs—of course not. But every single dog and family setup is entirely unique. What worked for one family will not necessarily work for another.

Generic advice rarely takes into account breed-specific traits. What worked for Tommy-down-the-road’s Pug is not going to work for your high-drive Border Collie.

Furthermore, training science has evolved rapidly. Someone who trained dogs 40 years ago may still use methods that are now proven to be unethical, unnecessary, and damaging to the human-canine bond.

The Reward-Based Approach

As a certified, reward-based trainer and qualified COAPE Behaviourist

I would never approach an owner in a public park, grab their lead, and start training their dog.

To be honest, I never look at a dog "misbehaving" and think they are trying to give their owner a hard time. I am certain that, for some reason, the dog is having a hard time. My job is to find that underlying reason.

To safely work with a dog, I need to know every details of their life:

1. Sleep patterns

2. Nutrition and diet

3. Overall health and pain levels

4. Daily routines

   
   

I need to meet the family properly and build a secure relationship based on mutual trust.

Trust Your Instincts

So, I guess what I am trying to say in my long ramble is this: say "No thank you"to strangers who want to train your dog in the park! Say a polite "thank you" to the everyday people who are just trying to be friendly, but remember that you know your dog better than anyone else.

Also say “NO thank you” to any trainer or Behaviourist you have hired if you don’t like the methods they are going to use on your dog.

Always speak to a qualified professional to ensure you get scientific, ethical advice that is tailored specifically to your situation.

A Safe Haven From the Social Media Noise

This exact frustration—the constant bombardment of unsolicited, outdated, and wildly conflicting advice—is precisely why I founded the Dog Training NI Facebook group. Now, I’m not taking away from the fact that this advice is often incredibly well-meaning. Most people genuinely want to help! But well-meaning advice can still be incorrect, and on social media, it can quickly become a dangerous minefield of training myths. I wanted to create a safe, supportive online sanctuary where Northern Irish dog owners can escape the noise. It is a space dedicated entirely to modern, reward-based training, where you can access reliable advice, learn the science behind your dog's behaviour, and get trusted guidance on certified reward-based trainers across NI. No judgment, no old-school force—just a community that puts the welfare of our dogs first.

Need Certified, Professional Support?

Don't rely on park advice. Let's get your dog's training sorted safely, ethically, and without the stress.

• Based in Belfast, Antrim, or County Down? Book a tailored [1-2-1 Adolescent Package or Behavior Consultation for dedicated mobile support.

• Have a young pup? Join our local, science-based Puppy Classes in Carryduff to build confidence the right way.

Check out our service at http://www.teachingtails.co.uk