Want to begin the right way and have a pup grow into a pet you can be proud of?

Or your dog has a certain behaviour you’d rather it didn’t have?

Maybe you’ve adopted a “Rescue” that needs sympathetic help?

Start here…

Dog Training for Polden Hills (Puriton – Bawdrip – Woolavington – Cossington – Stawell - Sutton Mallet - Moorlinch – Chilton Polden – Edington – Catcott – Shapwick – Ashcott – Walton – Street) and surrounding areas.

A trained dog is a HAPPY dog!

Our Classes

“Every dog’s needs are unique and will be treated in a bespoke way. With over 25 years experience in training, rehabilitation, aggression and reactivity, we have the skillset to help dog AND handler to progress with kindness.”

Puppies and Youngsters Class

6 week course - Wednesday Evenings - Stawell

From your pup’s first “Sit” to learning to interact with other dogs, our classes are safe, friendly and fun!

They will keep both pup and handler entertained while you BOTH improve, as well as looking forward to learning more about each other, including some exercises that could potentially save your pet’s life in emergency situations!

The “3 Rs” Class (Rescues, Rehab and Rebels)

6 week course - Wednesday Evenings - Stawell

While you build confidence and trust in each other, learn how to turn training into something you both enjoy, find out why your dog has behavioural issues and ways to alleviate them, or teach your dog to respond well to recall - then how to continue training at home and while out walking.

All in a safe, friendly environment - and hopefully have some fun on the way…

Courses are paid 6 weeks in advance. You may attend as many times as you wish and missed days may be carried over to the next available Wednesday. Many members have been attending for years with their happy dogs!

Advanced/Individual Lessons

£ P.O.A. - Times to suit - At home

Ideal if you want our behavioural specialist to go into more detail and work individually with you and your dog to correct a behaviour.

Or just to make going for a walk with your pet fun and “hassle free”. Maybe show you how to walk multiple dogs safely.

We have even taught dogs, previously unable to swim or get into a car on command, to do it happily by identifying the fear or behaviour originally preventing them doing so.

Want to know more?

Have questions?

Want to see one of our classes?

Call and tell us about your lifestyle, your pet’s origins and background and especially your aspirations for your pet.

Let us know if you’d like to come and watch one of our classes.

We can help you to tap into your dog’s individual abilities.

With just a few pointers from us, your relationship will blossom!

Will a little time and effort, working together can make all the difference, and it starts here…

Some of our curriculum includes:

Unclear rules and inconsistency

The dog becomes confused when rules are unclear and constantly changing. This leads to insecurity and unwanted behaviour, as the dog just doesn’t know what’s right or wrong. We show you how to set clear, consistent rules that we encourage you to have the entire family follow when interacting with your pet.

Lack of socialization

The dog doesn’t get enough exposure to new people, animals, and environments in its early weeks. This can lead to fear, nervousness, and aggressive behaviour later in life. We teach how to introduce the dog to different settings and experiences in a safe and controlled way from a young age, or how to work positively with older dogs not given early training.

Excessive punishment

Harsh punishment creates fear and distrust between dog and owner. It hinders learning and can result in stress or aggression. Learn how to use positive reinforcement instead of punishment.

Lack of patience

Unrealistic expectations put pressure on both dog and owner. Frustration can lead to inappropriate training methods. We show how to accept that learning takes time and adjust the pace to suit the dog’s level.

Rewarding unwanted behaviour

The dog gets attention or treats when behaving inappropriately. This reinforces that behaviour and makes it harder to change. Our classes show how to ignore unwanted behaviour and reward only what you want to encourage.

Lack of mental stimulation

The dog gets bored without tasks or challenges. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviour and restlessness. We teach how to give daily mental tasks such as scent games, tricks, obedience practice or problem-solving, even when out on walks.

Insufficient physical exercise

Too little exercise results in excess energy and restlessness. This can lead to barking, hyperactivity, and other behavioural problems. We discuss how vital adequate daily walks and physical activities are, suited to the breed.

Humanizing the dog

The dog develops expectations it cannot fulfil. This causes frustration and confusion for both dog and owner. We show you how to see the dog for what it is – an animal with its own needs and instincts that you can both fulfil and utilise.

Too many commands at once

The dog doesn’t know which command to respond to. This leads to confusion and reduced obedience. Learn patience and how to give one clear command at a time and wait for a response.

Inconsistent training

The dog doesn’t learn when training is sporadic. A lack of routine makes it hard to maintain learned behaviours. We make our sessions fun, informative and encourage you to use what you learn regularly to make it a consistent part of daily life.

Ignoring body language

Many people overlook signals of stress or discomfort. This leads to misunderstandings and potential conflict. We show how to learn to read and respect your dog’s body language.

Not teaching the dog to be alone

The dog becomes dependent on constant company. This can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviour. We can show how to gradually train alone-time from puppyhood or, again, how to re-educate older dogs.

Mistakes in treat usage

Poor timing can reward unwanted behaviour. Treats given at the wrong moment confuse the dog. We show when and how to give the reward precisely when the desired behaviour occurs.

Underestimating breed-specific needs

Some breeds require more activity and stimulation than others. Lack of understanding leads to frustrated and restless dogs. Our trainers help you learn about your breed’s needs and adjust training and activity accordingly.

Problems grow when ignored for too long, but with the right help you will both be much happier!

The longer a behaviour continues, the harder it is to change.

Whoever you go to, we sincerely encourage you to seek professional help early if you’re unsure how to handle a problem with your dog!