I believe both working and pet dogs are a significant part of our family and deserve our respect. In return, we should give them the care and boundaries they need to be well-mannered and stress-free.
1-to-1 training - an initial consult and first lesson (Lumphanan Pet Hotel) £50.00
In private individual lessons, I aim to demonstrate, and help you learn, that we can communicate effectively with our dogs during our daily lives. For dogs we primarily do this with reward-based training and the use of resources and consequences of actions, for both the dog and yourself.
We will also discover that it is ok to ask the dog not to do certain things, but in a non-aggressive way, to help the dogs understand what we don’t consider acceptable. We will further find that we can either encourage or suppress certain behaviours with positive and negative reinforcement and affirmatively communicate with dogs.
The initial 1-hour consultation and lesson will usually occur at my premises near Lumphanan, so we can discuss and practice in a neutral, controlled environment.
During this session I take the time to understand you, your dog and your needs. I also conduct training and address any behavioural issues. We often solve many of the common problems in this initial session. If needed, subsequent training can take place at my premises or a location that suits the issues - such as your home or a public place.
The types of issues that I commonly help with are;
Pulling on the lead
Reactive behaviour when walking your dog on a lead - either over excitement or fear aggression
Dog recall issues.
Jumping up and bad manners with visitors and family members Excessive barking.
Toilet training problems.
Excessive 'mouthing' or biting.
Stealing food or other objects.
Anything else!
1-to-1 training - initial consult and first lesson (Thursdays in Banchory) £50.00
In private individual lessons, I aim to demonstrate, and help you learn, that we can communicate effectively with our dogs during our daily lives. For dogs we primarily do this with reward-based training and the use of resources and consequences of actions, for both the dog and yourself. We will also discover that it is ok to ask the dog not to do certain things, but in a non-aggressive way, to help the dogs understand what we don’t consider acceptable. We will further find that we can either encourage or suppress certain behaviours with positive and negative reinforcement and affirmatively communicate with dogs. The initial 1-hour consultation and lesson will usually occur at my premises near Lumphanan, so we can discuss and practice in a neutral, controlled environment. During this session I take the time to understand you, your dog and your needs. I also conduct training and address any behavioural issues. We often solve many of the common problems in this initial session. If needed, subsequent training can take place at my premises or a location that suits the issues - such as your home or a public place. The types of issues that I commonly help with are; Pulling on the lead Reactive behaviour when walking your dog on a lead - either over excitement or fear aggression Dog recall issues. Jumping up and bad manners with visitors and family members Excessive barking. Toilet training problems. Excessive 'mouthing' or biting. Stealing food or other objects. Anything else!
1-to-1 training - initial consult and first lesson (Tuesdays in Alford) £50.00
In private individual lessons, I aim to demonstrate, and help you learn, that we can communicate effectively with our dogs during our daily lives. For dogs we primarily do this with reward-based training and the use of resources and consequences of actions, for both the dog and yourself. We will also discover that it is ok to ask the dog not to do certain things, but in a non-aggressive way, to help the dogs understand what we don’t consider acceptable. We will further find that we can either encourage or suppress certain behaviours with positive and negative reinforcement and affirmatively communicate with dogs. The initial 1-hour consultation and lesson will usually occur at my premises near Lumphanan, so we can discuss and practice in a neutral, controlled environment. During this session I take the time to understand you, your dog and your needs. I also conduct training and address any behavioural issues. We often solve many of the common problems in this initial session. If needed, subsequent training can take place at my premises or a location that suits the issues - such as your home or a public place. The types of issues that I commonly help with are; Pulling on the lead Reactive behaviour when walking your dog on a lead - either over excitement or fear aggression Dog recall issues. Jumping up and bad manners with visitors and family members Excessive barking. Toilet training problems. Excessive 'mouthing' or biting. Stealing food or other objects. Anything else!
1-to-1 training - initial consult and first lesson - (client's home address) Travel fees will apply £50.00
In private individual lessons, I aim to demonstrate, and help you learn, that we can communicate effectively with our dogs during our daily lives. For dogs we primarily do this with reward-based training and the use of resources and consequences of actions, for both the dog and yourself. We will also discover that it is ok to ask the dog not to do certain things, but in a non-aggressive way, to help the dogs understand what we don’t consider acceptable. We will further find that we can either encourage or suppress certain behaviours with positive and negative reinforcement and affirmatively communicate with dogs. The initial 1-hour consultation and lesson will usually occur at my premises near Lumphanan, so we can discuss and practice in a neutral, controlled environment. During this session I take the time to understand you, your dog and your needs. I also conduct training and address any behavioural issues. The types of issues that I commonly help with are; Pulling on the lead Reactive behaviour when walking your dog on a lead - either over excitement or fear aggression Dog recall issues. Jumping up and bad manners with visitors and family members Excessive barking. Toilet training problems. Excessive 'mouthing' or biting. Stealing food or other objects. Anything else!
Drop-In Class is designed for anyone who has been to me for workshops or 4 weekly courses. It's a fun, affordable and convenient way to maintain and polish what you've learned so far as well as move on to intermediate, off-leash obedience. "Drop-In" means you can show up whenever you want…every week, once a month…whatever you want. Obviously you will advance faster by coming regularly but people love the flexibility.
These fun, upbeat practice sessions are my favourite to teach. If Basic Obedience was a nursery, then this is middle and high school.
Now that you and, hopefully, the dogs know the basics, we can practice and improve the socialisation and training in fun and creative ways with real-world applications. The goal is to train your dog to be happy and reliable in any and all real-life situations…and have fun doing it!
Whether you are looking to keep your dog "tuned up" by coming out once a month or looking to turn your dog into a "Rock Star" by coming out every week, the Drop-In practice sessions are here to accommodate your schedule.
Here are just a few of the things you can expect:
Really, Really, Really Reliable Recalls
Really, Really, Really Reliable Stays
Elimination of Lead Pulling or Lead Reactivity
Complete Off-Leash Obedience – this takes commitment on your part
Pack Walks and Off-Leash Hikes – heeling, loose-leash walking and running free with the pack (optional – depending on the group)
Distractions – people, dogs, bikes, skateboards, bouncing balls, etc
Off-Lead Heeling
Load Up – teaching dog to get in car from a distance and stay in, even with windows down and doors open.
Drop On Recall – down command from a recall
Cafe Training – dog holds a long down at your feet around a table of other dogs doing the same. Dogs, skateboards and other distractions are provided, along with coffee and doughnuts.
Follow-up and continuation 1-to -1 session (Lumphanan Pet Hotel) £35.00
If you have already visited me for any training, including an initial 1-to-1 session, workshop or course within the last 9 weeks and would like to come for a Follow-up, then please do book an appointment
Support includes reinforcing and strengthening new skills and concepts for you and your dog and helping set new strategies.
Follow-up and continuation 1-to -1 session (Westhill) £35.00
If you have already visited me for any training, including an initial 1-to-1 session, workshop, or course within the last nine weeks and would like to come for a Follow-up, please do book an appointment. Support includes reinforcing and strengthening new skills and concepts for you and your dog and helping set new strategies. This may incur travel costs
If you have already visited me for any training, including an initial 1-to-1 session, workshop, or course within the last nine weeks and would like to come for a Follow-up, please do book an appointment. Support includes reinforcing and strengthening new skills and concepts for you and your dog and helping set new strategies.
This may incur travel costs
Follow-up and continuation 1-to-1 session (Thursdays in Banchory) £35.00
If you have already visited me for any training within the last 9 weeks, whether thats in Alford, Lumphanan or Westhill, and would like to come for a follow-up, please book an appointment. Support includes reinforcing and strengthening new skills and concepts for you and your dog and helping set new strategies.
Follow-up and continuation 1-to-1 session (Tuesdays in Alford) £35.00
If you have already visited me for any training within the last 9 weeks, whether thats in Alford, Lumphanan or Westhill, and would like to come for a follow-up, then please do book an appointment. Support includes reinforcing and strengthening new skills and concepts for you and your dog and helping set new strategies.
Four Weekly Basic Communication & Manners Course £60.00
We will discuss and practise basic manners and behaviours and how to attain those through primarily reward-based training, the timing and types of rewards, and setting boundaries using distraction, redirection and appropriate correction for unwanted behaviours.
The behaviours we will primarily cover will be;
• Loose lead walking, including desensitisation to exciting triggers such as other dogs
• Recall - ensure this is a positive, fun behaviour, for both you and your dog, and to ensure your dog doesn't learn to ignore your recall.
• Sit, stay and wait
• Impulse control games.
We will also discuss and practice, where possible, manners and long-term aims for a well-mannered family dog, such as meeting strangers and other dogs, visitors to the home and unwanted barking or nervousness.
Other issues as needed by individuals that arise in the group discussions
Training pack walks are an ideal opportunity to socialise and train your dog with other like-minded dog owners in a real-world environment.
During the pack walk, that has a maximum of 3 client dogs plus two of mine, we can work on desensitisation and dog neutrality, help you build engagement and focus with your dog, and give you advice and tips on everything you need to implement a calm, happy, and well-balanced dog.
The pack walk is open to everyone who has been to me for previous training, and the whole session is approx. 1 hour long. Fixed leads, or long lines for more advanced dogs, only; please bring poo bags and high-value treats for your dog.
This is another of our popular one-off sessions for those who cannot commit to a series or need specific help in a group environment. There are a maximum of 6 dogs in this workshop. In this workshop, you will learn how to walk your dog on a loose lead around distractions and other dogs.
Master the art of walking your dog to heel and on a loose lead by acquiring a comprehensive set of skills, techniques, processes, and commands. By understanding the root cause of your dog's pulling, you'll be equipped to prevent it from happening even after the workshop.
Bring the family so that they also understand how to engage with your dog.
The Recall Workshop suits owners looking to develop a reliable recall with their dogs. In this workshop you'll learn the following: How to teach basic recall to our dogs. Make recall fun for your dog and build a solid bond What not to do, so that you don't inadvertently teach your dog not to come when called. How to progress recalls to cues around distractions Emergency recall protocols. A real-world training session with lots of explanations and support in a controlled environment Maximum of 6 dogs.
Attend as a spectator, without your dog as we discuss and practise basic manners and behaviours and how to attain those through primarily reward-based training, the timing and types of rewards, and setting boundaries using distraction, redirection and appropriate correction for unwanted behaviours. The behaviours we will primarily cover will be; • Loose lead walking, including desensitisation to exciting triggers such as other dogs • Recall - ensure this is a positive, fun behaviour, for both you and your dog, and to ensure your dog doesn't learn to ignore your recall. • Sit, stay and wait • Impulse control games. We will also discuss and practice, where possible, manners and long-term aims for a well-mannered family dog, such as meeting strangers and other dogs, visitors to the home and unwanted barking or nervousness. Other issues as needed by individuals that arise in the group discussions
A spectator spot without a dog for this popular class for anyone with a very young puppy, anyone thinking about getting a dog or those with an aggressively reactive dog that isnt able to be around other dogs yet
