I always get asked how my dog training courses work, because I do things a little differently to other training courses. Hopefully this article will help you picture how the dog training works, and what to expect from it.
A session will last approximately two hours and usually you will only need to book one session with me as I work with both you and your dog(s) and give you the tools that you need to continue to train independently. I do recommend that you plan for me to be with you for anything up to 3 hours though, as I will stay with you for as long as it takes for you start to feel comfortable and you know how to continue with the training by yourself. I won’t leave until you are seeing results and a training plan is in place to address the behaviours.
I work on Monday – Friday and am based in North Devon, but of course I can also travel to provide bespoke dog training. If you can be flexible you will get an appointment more quickly.
Bookings tend to run 6 weeks in advance. I do keep emergency slots for those cases that need to be seen quickly and I run a cancellation list for those that can be flexible. Please say at the time of booking if you would like to be considered for a cancellation slot.
When you get in touch I will work out what the best approach is. If the behaviours are in and around the home environment then it is a lot more useful for me to come to you. Wherever possible we are considerate of the financial implications that a home visit has and we will always offer for you to come to me if that is possible. If you would prefer me to come to you anyway, that is also not a problem, as I frequently travel across the UK (and sometimes overseas) to provide training.
A session with me at our facilities is £200 and includes a £20 non-refundable deposit. Home sessions start at £220 and is dependent on your location. A quote will be provided before the booking, which will include travel and expenses.
I will only take payment after a session when you are happy, have seen results and have a training plan in place. No deposit is needed for a home visit.
Don’t worry if I am not bang on time for your training session. Frequently I will be travelling from another appointment and this can be up to two hours or more away. I always leave plenty of time for the session, then add on time for an overrun, then add on travel time, then a bit of traffic time as well for good measure! With all the planning I do, sometimes lateness can’t be avoided. I always make a commitment that I will be with you as long as you need and I do not rush off. So, if I am late for your session take comfort that I am staying true to my commitment of not rushing off. If I am late to you, I will not cut you short, nor rush off from you.
If you take my arrival time as a rough guide then you won’t go far wrong. Always leave 3 hours for a session. If time is critical for you, please do say at booking as then I will make sure that my schedule is adjusted so that I can get to you on time.
After the training session you can stay in touch with me to ask any questions and for reassurance, and for me to repeat of any information/instructions that you may feel haven’t stuck. I am always available on email or on a call. Any follow up information is free of charge. You can, of course, book another session but am aware that dog behaviourists can be a large outlay so I will provide as much help as I can free.
This is not unheard of and that is why I am available for follow up questions.
First thing to ask yourself (and answer honestly!) is are you doing everything exactly per the training. If yes, then do get in touch. If no, go back to basics and give it a go. It might be the smallest thing you are forgetting.
Mostly importantly, remember that one ‘behaviour episode’ is not complete regression. That might just be a one-off. Put it behind you and approach afresh the next day. Your dog will have forgotten the incident, so you must too.
When you check out there will be an option to view or download the video. Our suggestion is to download as this will then save the file to your tablet or phone. You do have multiple downloads per purchase so you have a few goes at downloading. Please be patient, they are large files.
After you have downloaded, the file will be found in the Download folder on your device (for Apple in the Files app in download, for Windows, in OneDrive in Downloads). If you google “how do I find my downloaded file on my <device>?” there are a lot of helpful articles/videos.
If you still have problems, please do get in touch.