Will you train my dog for me?

While I won’t train your dog for you, I will teach you the skills you need so that you and your dog can learn together. So much of the training that you’ll do with your dog will happen between formal training sessions, practicing what you learn at home, on walks, at the vets, etc.

How long does dog training take?

Dogs, like humans, all learn at different paces and are better at some things than they are at others. Like so many new skills, training your dog requires consistency and patience to improve - practice makes perfect, as they say! I work on the principle that we should always see progress, and therefore, work more on milestones than specific timelines. Training, after all, is a lifelong process for you and your dog, rather than something you do for a few months and then complete it. There are also lots of variables that contribute to successful training. I offer blocks of five and 10 week training sessions, during which I expect to see improvement on the specific issues and importantly, equip you with the skills you need to continue training.

What methods do you use to train dogs?

The training methods that I use are rooted in positive reinforcement, which essentially means rewarding the dog for the behaviour we want in order to make it more likely to happen again! As a proud member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), I follow a code of ethics that puts the wellbeing of the dog at the heart of training and actively discourages the use of punishment, force, or any other aversive methods or equipment.

Why don’t you offer group classes?

I have previously ran several successful group classes and very much enjoyed doing so - there are many benefits to group training. However, my one-to-one work with clients has always felt the most rewarding as I’m able to tailor training in a way that isn’t possible in a group environment. As such, I currently only offer private training on a one-to-one basis. If you are specifically looking for group classes, I would highly recommend Anna Balch Dog Trainer and Smart Dog Academy.

Will my dog get to meet other dogs during private training?

Yes! I match up my one-to-one clients to arrange supervised doggy play dates, which usually take place in a secure field so the dogs can enjoy off-lead play with one another. During these sessions, we look at dog body language, what appropriate play looks like, as well as working on some training skills such as recall and loose lead walking.

What should I wear?

Dog training most definitely isn’t the time to get on your Sunday Best! There’s likely to be plenty of fur, slobber, mud (if training outside) and all sorts of fun stuff when attending training. Wearing practical, comfortable clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty is always a safe bet. You’ll be asked to move around with your dog a lot during classes, so sensible footwear is also a must. In the case of training outside in the rain, a hood is always recommended over an umbrella so you have both hands free.

Will we be training outdoors or indoors?

Both! Training will usually start at home so that we can work in the least distracting environment for the dog. We’ll then move into the garden or just outside and then move into increasingly distracting environments, such as the dog’s normal walking route.

What if the weather is bad?

Better get those waterproofs on! Unfortunately, the great British weather is just one of those unpredictable things we all have to contend with! As a rule of thumb, I’m happy to train in all weathers as long as it’s safe to do so. This helps your dog get used to training even with the distraction of rain, so your rainy walks can be as enjoyable as possible. That said, the beauty of private training is that we can be more flexible with our schedule, so if you really would prefer not to train in bad weather, we don’t have to.

How often will we have appointments?

The nature of private training means that we can be flexible. However, my recommendation is that appointments are no longer than two weeks apart. Once a week is ideal.

Got any questions that haven’t been answered here?
No problem, just get in touch and I’ll be happy to help!