With around 13 million dogs now sharing our homes across the UK, we’re officially a nation of canine lovers. But with this boom in four-legged family members has come a surge in online advice – and not all of it is helpful. In fact, some of it could be doing more harm than good.

From viral TikToks promoting outdated training tactics to well-meaning but misguided blog posts, owners can quickly find themselves caught in a confusing tangle of contradictory information.

That’s why Jo Middleton, ethical dog trainer and founder of the learning platform Canine Principles, is urging dog owners to pause before acting on anything they scroll past.

“Misinformation online isn’t just unhelpful, it can harm your relationship with your dog and even compromise their welfare,” Jo says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog is an individual, and the best guidance will always be rooted in kindness, science, and understanding.”

While she welcomes the rise in dog ownership, Jo says it’s vital that people access trustworthy, evidence-based advice.

“We all want the best for our dogs,” she adds. “And that starts with tuning out the noise, and listening to what truly matters – the wellbeing of our canine companions.”

Jo’s Top Five Tips: How to Sniff Out Sound Advice Online

1. An Opinion Is Not a Fact

A confident tone or large following doesn’t make advice accurate.

“Lots of advice online is anecdotal,” Jo explains. “That means it’s based on one person’s experience, which might not apply to your dog, or anyone else’s.”

Instead, she recommends looking for sources that reference scientific studies, use positive reinforcement, and are delivered by those with formal qualifications in canine behaviour or veterinary care.

2. Be Wary of ‘Dominance’ Talk

The outdated idea that dogs need to be dominated still circulates, often dressed up in modern language.

“Dogs are not plotting to take over your home,” Jo says. “The dominance myth has been thoroughly debunked by modern science, yet it still shows up online in the form of harsh, punitive advice. If anyone tells you to pin your dog down, shout at them, or starve them to get compliance, scroll on by.”

3. Listen to Your Dog – Their Behaviour Is the Best Feedback

No one knows your dog like you do. Pay attention to how they respond.

“You know your dog better than anyone,” Jo says. “Watch how they respond. Are they relaxed? Do they look to you with trust and joy? That’s the sign of a good approach.”

She also encourages owners to learn canine body language. Signs like lip-licking, yawning or turning away can signal stress, offering vital insight into how your dog is feeling.

4. Fear Has No Place in Training

If a technique causes your dog to flinch, cower or shut down, it’s not the right path.

“The goal is a relationship based on mutual respect, not control,” Jo says.

Avoid aggressive trends, quick-fix tools like prong or electric collars, and high-pressure social media training fads. The best training strengthens trust.

5. Check the Credentials Behind the Claims

Online fame is not the same as professional credibility.

“Best practice in dog care and training evolves with science,” Jo says. “So it’s vital to check who’s behind the advice you’re reading, and whether their knowledge is up-to-date.”

Look for trainers qualified through regulated providers – their knowledge has been independently assessed and meets established professional standards.