Help/FAQs

What happens in one-to-one dog training?

It makes sense to train your dog where they will need it most – at home, and on your familiar walks. One-to-one training with me is a brilliant way to get your dog listening to you and working with you. It helps you to understand them too. I will help you strengthen the bond between you and your dog

Can my children join in?

This depends on what you are teaching, and how capable your kids are. Never leave a child unsupervised with a dog. The best bet is to teach the dog yourself first, then involve other family members. Kids and dogs can work together very well but studies have shown that children do not always make good judgements of what may or may not be safe when with a dog. Dogs can also be upset or frightened by children just acting – well, like children! These training guides are designed for you, the adult, to be in charge. The techniques are simple but you should exercise extreme care when involving younger family members.

I have mobility problems – can I still train my dog?

Most aspects of dog training are adaptable for all. There may be specific exercises within the guides that are not suited to a person with reduced mobility. I invite you to contact me by email directly and I will do my best to help you adjust the techniques wherever possible.

I have more than one dog – can you help?

Yes! Often you may need to teach your dogs separately at first, but bringing them together to train can be an extremely rewarding part of dog ownership.

Can you train a dog at any age?

Yes! As long as you know how to motivate a dog, you can train them no matter how old they are. Just pick and choose the chapters you need on this site, and don’t worry about age – you will soon be an expert on your dog no matter what their age.

I’ve tried everything already. How do I know this will help?

Well, to be honest, you don’t know for certain. I know that the learning principles in these guides are based on sound, scientific learning principles without any mumbo jumbo about pack leadership. If you follow the guides to the letter, you will be successful. Sometimes, you may need a one-to-one session to get you on the right road – don’t forget you are learning too!

Do I need to see a Vet first?

You should ensure that your dog is fit and healthy before commencing any dog training so I do advise that you get your dog checked out by a Veterinary surgeon before commencing.

Can I try this at home?

Yes! I get annoyed with dog trainers that tell you ‘Don’t try this at home’. Why not? I want you to be the expert on your own dog. The guides are designed with safety, kindness and success in mind. If your dog is fit and healthy, and you don’t shout, yell or confront your dog physically or otherwise, you should not be worried. If you are fearful of your dog’s reaction, then a consultation with a qualified APBC behaviourist should be your first step.

Will this ‘fix’ my dog forever?

It’s helpful to look at all dog training as a lifetime process. It is thought that dogs will always do what is in their own best interests, and this may not always suit what humans want!

Are you a dog whisperer?

I am not sure what exactly a ‘dog whisperer’ is – the world is rife with catchphrases and it’s hard to know who to trust. I don’t call myself anything fancy – I am an experienced and qualified dog trainer and an accredited member of a highly regarded international behaviour organisation.

What if I try something and it doesn’t work? What then?

Always look at what you have done – and whether it was right for your situation. Did you choose a time when your dog was finding it hard to concenrtate? Go back and train at a time when there are less distractions – work your way up. Make it really easy at first and you’ll soon be succeeding with the trickier situations!

I have a specific breed of dog – can you help with their individual needs?

All dogs are different – a specific breed can show similarities for behaviour as well as looks. Dogs were of course bred for purpose before showing increased in popularity. You will find that building your own dog training guide here helps you deal with the specific behaviours most closely related to your dog’s breed.

I have a question about training that is not on this site – can you still help?

Send me an email! I will do what I can to help guide you in the right direction.

I need one-to-one help. Where do I go?

I provide one-to-one consultations and personalised training plans – please visit here. If this is not suitable I can put you in touch with someone who can help.

Should I take my dog/puppy to classes as well as following your guides?

Yes! Come to my class where you can train your dog or puppy in a friendly and fun environment. Contact me for details. You must also socialise your dog or puppy regularly, every day if possible. A class once a week is not enough for this. If you are not in my local area, check out your class and see that the trainer is a member of the APDT or BIPDT and check that they only use kind methods. Ask them about their experience. Owning your own dog is not suitable experience for a trainer! Clicker training or food lure classes are the best, as their trainers are required to understand the essential principles of learning. Don’t be afraid to ask – and walk away – if the trainer is not registered with the APDT or BIPDT. Well meaning and friendly does not mean they are going to help! After all, you would not leave your child in a nursery without an Ofsted report.