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?

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:

  1. A 1.5m training lead (no 1m leads or extendable leads please) and a closely fitted dog collar with identification tags.
  2. A couple of poo bags just in case.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. A favourite toy.
  6. A drink of water and a bowl for your dog.

If you have them then please can you also bring:

  1. A prey dummy or pencil case for searches and retrieves.
  2. A long lead, approx. 5m.
Dog leads & toys displayed on hay bales
Dog & owner with a dog training mat
Dog drinking from a water bowl
A prey dummy used in search and retrieve training
Do I need to wear anything particular?
Pair of muddy lace-up bootsWe 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.
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.

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?
A dog trainer will train you to use positive rewards to help your dog learn new behaviours and skills often using groups or 121 training and following a pre-written programme of training strategies. Dog trainers teach skills such as recall, loose lead walking, scent work and agility. Dog trainers are often part of professional associations and are qualified to OFQUAL level 4.
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