Frequently Asked Questions

As a dog trainer, I get asked asked many questions! I love this, it’s incredibly important to ask questions in order to learn; it also demonstrates your commitment to your dog to making training as positive, long-lasting and effective as it can be.

So, here are some of my most asked/answered, I do hope you find them helpful. If there’s anything I’ve not covered please contact me, I’d love to hear from you.

1. How many sessions will my dog need?

The number of training sessions truly does depend on the dog. There is no magic number. We take into account so many factors (this fact-finding mission begins at the consultation stage) which have lead the dog to us, at this very moment, and we work with the dog we have in front of us. Dog training is a lifelong skill – for an owner to improve and bestow on his/her dog and for the dog to continually evolve and remain in balance throughout its adult life.

2. What happens if I have to cancel a training session at short notice?

Please do have a read of our Terms and Conditions. I aim to be as flexible as I can be for my clients. I understand we all have busy lives and appointments do, for reasons beyond our control, have to be rescheduled. If possible, I do ask that any sessions be cancelled with at least 48 hours notice. If this isn’t possible, please do contact me with as much notice as you can and we can try to rearrange. However, as per Terms and Conditions, please bear in mind we do reserve the right to charge for late cancellations/no-shows.

3. Does the whole family need to attend all training sessions?

I think there is great value in having the whole family on board when it comes to training. This doesn’t mean all family members need to be present at all sessions. In fact, having an entire family interacting within the session at once can be counterproductive. I do love to meet the whole family and watch the dynamic all members have with each other and the dog as this gives me a huge insight into the environment in which the dog learns. Sessions can take place with the main caregiver or we can alternate, it very much depends on the behaviours we are addressing and the impact of these variables on the dog’s ability to focus.

4. Where do sessions take place?

I offer training sessions in a variety of environments. I travel around north west London visiting doggy families in their homes but I am equally happy to meet in a local park (unless, upon assessment, I feel training would be better suited elsewhere). Most puppy sessions take place in the home/garden until the puppy is confident and comfortable learning in more public spaces.

5. Are you insured?

Yes, fully. I’m also DBS-checked. And to maintain my Certified status, I attend year round training.

6. What methods do you use to train?

I am a Certified trainer, what this means is that my approach is force-free, fear-free and pain-free and I abide by a Code of Conduct which is incredibly important to me and the dogs in my care. I focus on positive reinforcement (the act of rewarding the dogs for behaviours we wish to see repeated). I am also a huge fan of games-based training – giving the dog positive, run training experiences, which in turn keeps them coming back for more games!

I stay clear of any aversive/harmful training techniques or equipment and use initiatives to build on the bond between you and your dog(s). Whilst this approach may take longer to, nothing can compare to having a bond with your dog built on trust, and an ‘opt-in’ attitude to training.

7. Can you train my dog for me?

Would be great, wouldn’t it? But sadly not. I am however with you every step of the way, to help you train together with confidence.

8. Do you train dogs of any breed, age and size?

Yes, we also train people of any age, breed and size.

9. Do you run group classes?

No. I offer my services on a 1:1 basis only. This is partly because group environments don’t suit all dogs and I feel that I would rather give dogs and their owners my full attention. Working this way also allows me to pick up on personalities and behaviours quickly and tailor my approach accordingly.

10. Can you advise on dog nutrition?

I can advise if I feel your dog could benefit from seeing a canine nutritionist, veterinarian other other canine professional, but I am unable to advise on specific changes to your dog’s diet or treat injuries etc.

11. What’s your number one dog training tip?

Breathe. Easier said than done when walking with a dog who thinks he/she is a bull seeing red. But often, these are the moments where we ought to be kind to ourselves and take a time out. Find a bench, a driveway wall, a bollard… and just stop, BREATHE, relax our grip on the lead, ask the dog to come close, refocus. And then, think… what’s best for us both? Should we continue with the walk or abandon it for today/right now? Remember: dogs do not need a daily walk – I can advise on the many ways we can enrich our dogs’ lives at home if a walk isn’t possible. Wipe away any ‘sorry, no walk right now’ guilt and get creative with other outlets for that energy - where there’s a will, there’s a way!