Frequently Asked Questions
Please select one of the options below to find answers to our frequently asked questions.
Location | Coming to my first class | Bookings | Do I need a behaviourist or a trainer?
Location
How do I find you?
Our face-to-face training is at our paddock which is located at Farrowby Farm, New Inn Road, Hinxworth SG7 5EY, easily accessible from the A1 travelling south. The turning is a hard left turn just after a lay by.
We are the first paddock with the dog agility equipment as you come up the drive and into Farrowby Farm.
Do you have a viewing area, toilets, or café?
We have no toilets in the paddock however Farrowby Farm itself has a lovely tea room, cafe, toilets and shop so if there are friends and relatives with you they are very welcome to visit the cafe and have a look in the shop and around the farm.
We also train in all weathers so come prepared for both you and your puppy, remember that various waterproof, warm, or cool coats are essential for some breeds in certain conditions.
Where do I park?
Our car park is next to our field, so please ignore the signs to the main car park. Instead follow the signs to the Soggy Dog Co and drive past our paddock, then past a small pen of goats and chickens and then slow right down and turn right up the farm track. There will be maintenance sheds on your left and chickens and goats on your right. At the top of the track our car park is on the right. This car park is new and just wide enough. The bays are now marked so we suggest you turn around and reverse park on the diagonal up against a ‘Park Here – Harmony Dog’ sign ready to leave.Coming to my first class
What should I bring?
First, you must bring with you your dog’s vaccination record to your first class to prove that they are properly vaccinated.
The equipment that you will need to bring for each class will vary. As a minimum please bring with you:
- A 1.5m training lead (no 1m leads or extendable leads please) and a closely fitted dog collar with identification tags.
- A couple of poo bags just in case.
- Lots and lots of your dog’s favourite treats (you will use a huge number on your first few sessions). Fresh treats like hotdog, liver cake, cheese or even carrot work well. Avoid large or dried treats as they will fill your dog up very quickly (especially no gravy bones) and are not as appealing as wet food that carries more scent. As a rule of thumb, you may want to bring at least half of your dog’s daily food allowance to your first training session.
- A mat for your dog to lay on (a piece of carpet or door mat or a dog mat from a pet store). We have spares, so don’t worry if you don’t have one, but if you work on one specific mat then your dog will learn faster.
- A favourite toy.
- A drink of water and a bowl for your dog.
If you have them then please can you also bring:
- A prey dummy or pencil case for searches and retrieves.
- A long lead, approx. 5m.
Do I need to wear anything particular?
We train outdoors in all weathers so check the weather in advance and come prepared. Gloves are essential in the winter and a sunhat and sunscreen in the summer. Please also wear sensible, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven or muddy ground. No open toed shoes are permitted. If it is raining you will need waterproofs.Do I need to wear a mask?
Yes – You currently need to bring and wear a mask for all activities onsite with the exception of when running in agility when you can remove your mask for your particular run and then put your mask back on again as soon as your run has finished.How do I know whether my dog is suitable for group classes?
Your dog needs to be fit and healthy in order to participate in training. Please don’t attend if your dog is poorly as they can infect others and it would be unfair to them. Dogs who are overly anxious or aggressive are not suitable for group classes and can only attend 121 training after an initial assessment or as part of an approved behaviour modification plan.
Will all the treats needed for training make my dog fat?
No – You need to ensure that your training uses your dogs carefully measured daily food allowance.
Can I bring an extendable lead?
No – Extendable leads are allowed on site due to their high risk of catastrophic failure and burn injury to legs and hands.
Are choke or half-choke chains permitted?
No – Choke or half-choke collars are not allowed on site.
Bookings
How do I cancel my booking?
Bookings can be cancelled with 48 hours’ notice. Refunds are not given but 121 bookings can be rescheduled. Course bookings cannot be rescheduled.
What sort of dog issues can you tackle online?
Online training and behaviour work is often an ideal starting point for anxious, reactive, or phobic dogs. Online can also be highly effective for initial puppy training before puppies are old enough to be out at the paddock.My dog is reactive, and I want help. I’m not sure if I should book in?
Yes – Please book an Initial Behaviour Consultation in our Dogs in Crisis section.
Can I claim training or behaviour consultations through my pet insurance?
Please check with your insurer. Some companies will cover behaviour modification work with a qualified behaviourist. Check Emma’s credentials as your insurer will need this information.
How can I find out about seminars, workshops, and socials?
Do I need a behaviourist or a trainer?
What is a dog behaviourist?
A dog behaviourist can help identify underlying causes of problematic behaviours as well as offer therapeutic interventions, management strategies and training protocols specific to you and your dog (s). A dog behaviourist isn’t the same as a dog trainer. They have studied to a higher level and will usually be part of a professional association requiring Continuous Professional Development and appropriate insurance. A behaviourist should be OFQUAL qualified to level 5 or 6.
What does a dog trainer do?
Do I need a dog trainer or a dog behaviourist?
A dog trainer is suitable if you and your dog want to work on specific skills such as loose lead walking, recalling or agility. Your dog will need to be free of anxiety and reactivity in order for them to be able to learn new behaviours and skills.
You will need to work with a behaviourist if your dog is suffering from emotional, social and behavioural problems such as anxiety, reactivity, phobias, impulsivity and compulsivity.
How many sessions will I need with a behaviourist?
All dog behaviour interventions start with an initial behaviour consultation. This allows us to identify the issues and agree a behaviour management plan. It isn’t possible to know in advance how many sessions you will need but a minimum of 6 to 12 sessions might be a good starting point in terms of planning your time and resources.
What quick fixes can you recommend for dogs with behaviour problems?
All dogs are different and it isn’t possible to recommend any quick fixes.
Is Emma the right dog behaviourist for me?
Emma is passionate about dog welfare and is highly qualified.
| Emma may not be right for me | Emma may be a great fit |
| I see myself as my dog’s OWNER | I see myself as my dog’s GUARDIAN and AMBASSADOR |
| I want help to FIX MY DOG and his/her problems | I see that I MAY NEED TO CHANGE my approach to managing and training my dog |
| I’m very short of time and resources, I’m looking for ADHOC help | I’m ready to COMMIT to a minimum of 6 – 12 sessions to help my dog |
| I have NO TIME or capacity to do training with my dog outside of my sessions with my behaviourist | I’m happy to learn new skills and learning more about my dog. I really enjoy doing HOMEWORK that helps me get more value out of my behaviour sessions |
| I’d like someone else to take my dog and sort out their behaviour problems for me at RESIDENTIAL TRAINING | I want to retrain and rehabilitate my dog MYSELF with Emma’s knowledge and support |