Group Training Classes              

From L to R: Denise & Shukka, Dave & Jak, Krista & Otto, Howard & Lui, Amanda & Busby, Brad & Chloe with Beau.

I hold group training classes for those dogs that can cope with learning in the presence of other dogs or who need the presence of other dogs to overcome their issues. My obedience classes are held outside at my own private training venue between Maidstone and Sittingbourne at South Green about 1 mile from the A249 near Stockbury.

I do not offer any of the kennel club awards or other certificates or prizes to say that your dog is 'trained’. You will be the judge of that as you are the one who lives with your dog every day and will know if it’s trained. I have several dogs in my classes who have already achieved these awards with other trainers, yet they still need training where it really matters, outside and off lead with other dogs and this is a focus of my classes.

One of the main differences of my classes to most other classes offered by other trainers is that your dog will be off lead with at least one other dog ( but usually many more) during part of the class. This provides your dog the opportunity to develop it's skills with other dogs whilst improving the recall when it is enagaged off lead with other dogs. If you are considering joining any class and your dog has recall problems or socialisation issues with other dogs, you should ask the trainer how they intend to help you overcome this because if your dog is not going to be let off the lead with other dogs, how are you ever going overcome the issues?

I do not employ or use assistants or helpers to train or instruct you, if you come to my classes, you only receive training and coaching from me.
The classes are geared towards providing you and your dog with the training that will enable you to fulfil your goals and provide your dog with a happy and fulfilling life. The main objectives of the classes are to train your dog to:

• Sit & Stay with Recall (Gradually building in distance)
• Down & Stay (with owner out of sight for 5 minutes)
• Sit, Down & Stand at Distance
• Walk to heel off lead, incorporating sits, downs and stands, leaving the dog in the sit or down and recall to heel
• Walk past other dogs without pulling on the lead & without showing aggression, fear or excitement
• Develop off-lead play/socialisation skills during an off-lead session with other dogs
• Achieve a recall off-lead and whilst engaged in play with other dogs
• Introduction to basic agility exercises
• Individual needs can also be addressed where appropriate

From L to R: Ellie & Boots, Rita & Juno, Pippa & Macey, Paul & Dexter, John & Scrappy, Annie & Moss, Cheryl & Poppy.

The classes are kept to a maximum of 8 owners per session to enable me to provide you with focused and individual coaching and so places may be limited in some groups. As your dog may be behind some of the other dogs with some of the exercises when you first join, you and your dog will be given the time and instruction to progress at the rate suited to you and your dogs’ individual needs. 

From L to R: Henry & Rachael, Candy, Tracey & Blue, Caroline & Bailey, Wendy & Henry, Charmain & Meg, Boycey & Theresa, Vanessa & Molly.

Classes are on Saturdays (all day) and Thursday afternoons and each class lasts for one and a half hours. 
My venu offers the perfect opportunity to train your dog in a safe and secure environment that reflects the ‘real-world’ where you really do need and want your dog to respond to you. Because the venue is private, there is no chance of your training being interrupted by other dog owners who may not have control of their dogs or other members of the public who may just ‘get in the way’ and it is the perfect place to let your dog off lead to interact with other dogs during classes.

From L to R: Debbie & Misty, Nigel & Paddy, Diane & Archie, Rita & Juno, Laura & Sadie, Lynda & Daisy, Cheryl and Poppy.

The classes are open to dogs of at least four months of age and all dogs are welcome including dogs with aggression issues and these will be carefully integrated within the group as soon as possible.

From L to R: Kozka & Kate, Natalie & Lexi, Nadia & Dylan, Adrian & Jed, Millie, Vicky & Minty, Alfie & Lewis.

Agility sessions form part of the classes and can build confidence and strengthen the bond between owner and dog. They also provide physical exercise and mental challenges and stimulation for your pet and of course, they are good fun for both dogs and owners. Participation in agility during the obedience classes is purely voluntary and young dogs and puppies will be limited to what they are allowed to do due to their age etc. 

My training classes are an opportunity for you to work with your pet in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment and they are a great way to meet like minded people. I am well aware that many owners feel nervous and apprehensive about the thought of taking their dog to a training class and certainly, when they first attend will be even more anxious at the thought of handling their dog infront of other people. However, I am very confident that during that first session, any fears and apprehensions will be forgotten and that along with your dog, you will really enjoy the experience and want to come back. 

Please note: All owners and dogs must have a 1 to 1 Pre-Class Introduction Session with me BEFORE they can attend a group training class.