Training can begin as soon as you bring your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. Early socialisation and basic obedience are key at this stage. Note that it is important not to confuse socialisation with puppies meeting every dog or human they see which creates issues further on. For older dogs, it’s never too late to start training – dogs are very smart, so whether you're working on obedience or addressing behavioural issues, dogs of any age can learn new skills!

The timeline for results varies depending on the dog and the behaviour you're working on. Puppies may show progress quickly with basic training, while more complex behavioural issues like, strong leash pulling, resource guarding, separation anxiety, or aggression, will likely take more time and consistency. Patience and regular training are key to long-term success, however, in some cases quick results do happen, and that's fine too! I do not string clients along or take their money to keep them around once an issue is resolved and they are confident and capable in handling their dog.

Each dog has a unique personality, so I tailor my training to accommodate that and your own handling skills as an owner. With behavioural problems, my focus is firstly on identifying the emotion behind the problem. Cases involving trauma will take longer to resolve while your dog starts to change their perception of the world and feel better about themselves. Your dog's wellbeing is my top priority and I'm experienced in a range of training approaches, but prefer not to use labels or a 'one size fits all method'. Rather, I focus on strengthening the bond between you and your dog and helping them learn the desired behaviours through guidance, encouragement, and establishing clear boundaries inside and outside the home. My training is effective, enjoyable, and firm but fair, incorporating play-based methods, productive exercise, and makes the words YES and NO clear so your dog can understand them!

For training sessions, I recommend bringing any treats or toys your dog particularly enjoys. It is likely that I will recommend a change in equipment such as leash and/or collar, but I will need to see what you've been using to date and check the fit. If you're struggling with a specific issue, such as reactivity on walks, let me know beforehand so we can tailor the session appropriately. I will always suggest a phone call first so I can get some further details.

Yes! I specialise in helping dogs with behavioural challenges such as aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and excessive barking. The key to resolving these issues is pinpointing the emotion underlying the behaviour and then implementing a protocol that involves exercise and play to release pent up feelings and energy, and then working with calmness, consistency, patience, and a structured training plan. I’ll work with you to address these concerns in a way that’s tailored to your dog’s specific needs. All breeds, all ages, are welcome.

Sessions typically last from 1 hour to 90 minutes, but the duration of teaching moments can vary depending on your dog’s attention span and the complexity of the training. Sessions include time to talk and explain things to the owners, so do not involve intense drilling the dog in commands which is counterproductive and ineffective. In your own home training, I recommend shorter, more frequent sessions to keep your dog engaged and ensure they don’t become overwhelmed.

Fair question! So, while dog walking is something quite a lot of people can do and requires some skill in reading canine body language, it does not require an understanding of how dogs learn, canine psychology, or canine behaviour. Dog training and behaviour modification are specialised fields that require advanced knowledge of different dog breeds, genetics, physiology, prey drive, and various needs for biological fulfilment. Important skills for a trainer also include being able to teach the human who is handling the dog, which may be harder for some people than others! Dogs are part of our families and, in the same way we pay dentists to do complex work we cannot do ourselves, trainers come to your home (or you might go to them) to help you achieve a more harmonious relationship with your family member. Situations involving dog/human aggression can be extreme and emotions tend to run high, so I would strongly recommend you invest in a series of training sessions to help you and your family's dog get things on track and have professional support while you all learn together.

Absolutely! I offer flexible, bespoke training sessions that can fit around your schedule. If you work full-time, we can arrange sessions at times that work for you. I also provide ongoing support and advice between sessions, helping you manage your dog’s training while balancing a busy lifestyle. I should note that RSPCA and vets strongly recommend NOT leaving your dog alone for longer than four hours and certainly not in a crate for that length of time. There are dog walkers and/or sitters you can hire to check in on and walk or play with your dog, and this should be a priority for you if working an 8 hour day outside the home.

Yes! I offer video consultations for those who are unable to attend in person, live outside my service area, or need quick advice. This is a great way to get initial guidance and ensure we're on the right path before starting in-person sessions.

Booking a session is easy! Simply give me a call on 07555 377827 or use the online booking system to schedule your consultation or training session. If you're unsure which service is right for you, feel free to get in touch, and I’ll be happy to help you choose. I offer bespoke packages that include some obedience work and deal with behavioural issues and these will usually be 4-6 sessions with follow ups as needed.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible, ideally at least 24 hours in advance. This allows me to offer the slot to another client and ensure your training plan stays on track. There may be a small fee for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session.