Battersea’s approach to training a dog centres on positive reinforcement: notice the behaviour you want, mark it clearly, and reward it promptly. Choose rewards that motivate your individual dog, practise in manageable steps, and use a clicker or a marker word to identify the right moment.
What Battersea’s training approach involves
Battersea describes its training guidance as positive reinforcement. The practical idea is to help your dog understand which action earned a reward by marking that action and then delivering something the dog values, such as food or play. The reward should suit both the dog and the situation; there is no single reward that works equally well for every dog.
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Timing matters. If the reward arrives after a different behaviour, your dog may connect it with that behaviour instead. For example, rewarding too late when your dog barks at the door can accidentally reinforce the barking. Prepare what you need in advance so you can mark the behaviour you want and reward it promptly.
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- Choose one clear behaviour. Decide what you want your dog to do, rather than trying to teach several things at once.
- Set up for success. Practise somewhere manageable and remove distractions where possible. Have rewards and any equipment you need ready before you begin.
- Break the behaviour into small steps. Make each step achievable, then build gradually toward the complete behaviour. This helps your dog succeed rather than leaving them to guess what you mean.
- Mark the desired action. Use a clicker or a consistent marker word such as “yes” at the moment your dog performs the action you want.
- Reward promptly. Follow the marker with the chosen reward so your dog can connect the action with its consequence.
- Repeat consistently. Practise the same clear steps, adjusting the reward or setup if your dog is not engaged or the environment is too distracting.
How to reward your dog
Start by noticing what your dog finds rewarding. Battersea gives food and play as examples, but the useful choice depends on the individual dog. Use a reward your dog wants in that moment, and deliver it soon after the behaviour you are marking.
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Keep the sequence clear: desired action, marker, reward. If you wait too long, your dog may associate the reward with something else they did in between. When training around a distraction, make the setup easier if you cannot reliably reward the behaviour you want.
How to clicker train your dog
A clicker is an optional marker. Its distinct sound signals the behaviour you want and predicts a reward. Battersea’s clicker guide recommends building the click-reward association first, then using the click to mark a familiar behaviour before shaping new behaviour in small steps.
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- Pair the click with a reward. Click and then give a reward so your dog learns that the sound predicts something positive.
- Mark a familiar behaviour. When your dog performs an action they already know, click at the desired moment and reward promptly.
- Shape a new behaviour gradually. Mark and reward achievable steps toward the behaviour, then gradually raise what you ask for.
The click itself is not the reward; it is a clear marker that tells your dog which action earned the reward. If the click worries your dog, use a marker word such as “yes” instead, or soften the click. A marker should help the dog focus, not make training uncomfortable.
What happened to Battersea’s online dog-training classes?
Battersea says it ran online training classes from 2020, led by its Canine Behaviour and Training team, and that more than 1,000 dogs and their owners attended. That attendance figure is not evidence of training outcomes. On its page updated 30 June 2026, Battersea says it has redirected resources from those online classes to its Behaviour and Advice Line; it does not say the classes are currently open or promise that they will return.
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Battersea says its training videos and free pet care guide remain available, and invites people to register interest in future classes or support its work. See How to train your dog The Battersea Way for its current information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a dog trainer
If you want hands-on help, Battersea advises looking for a trainer who uses positive, reward-based techniques. It suggests asking prospective trainers about their experience, qualifications, insurance and methods. Those questions can help you understand how a trainer works before deciding whether their approach suits you and your dog.
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