Whilst my main work is in helping people with behaviour related issues, like many behaviour consultants my roots are in training dogs as a starting point in my career.

 My own dogs need to know the basics first such as the sit, down, stay, recall and walking to heel for starters, then we can continue to refine those basic skills ready for more fun such as agility, working trials, and say attending a school with me for a talk. I consider the first two to three years as being crucial in the process of setting up a calm well behaved dog that is well socialised and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

It’s not unusual for people to call me looking for classes, though after a few questions it invariably becomes clear that in actual fact the best place to resolve the issues are in the owners home or outside where the behaviour is occurring.

Classes can be noisy and stressful for both dog and the owner, and indeed some behavioural issues have their roots in the local church or town hall. In many ways classes are not a natural way to meet and socialise with other dogs and people, and the ratio of instructors to dogs can be inadequate. Many people go to classes to resolve issues that are more often than not being displayed primarily in the home or at the local park. Therefore this is where these behaviours should be studied and addressed!

The above points are intended to throw some light on the situation you may be finding yourself in at present. There are good training classes out there, and they can help, but when you have specific issues in the home, or when you are out with the dog I would steer you away from classes and into one to one training where we can work together to resolve the behaviour that concerns you in a calm thoughtful manner free from the pressures of a small room, and other stressed dogs around you.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your concerns free of obligation.