Welcome to Tom’s Basic Training
(For dogs and their owners)
Are you struggling to teach your dog the basic commands?
Training a dog can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time owner. It can be frustrating when your dog doesn’t seem to be learning, or even worse, when they seem to have forgotten everything you’ve taught them. And it’s even more embarrassing when you take your dog out in public and they’re misbehaving, while everyone else’s dog seems to be perfectly behaved.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many dog owners struggle with training at first. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right methods and a little patience, you can teach your dog the basic obedience commands in no time, and I can help you to learn how to do it.
Why Do I Think Can I Help?
If you have looked around my dog photography web site then you will know that I have a qualification in dog behaviour.
All of which means that officially I am:
Tom Horsley BCCSDip.DogBhv
But it’s okay, you can just call me Tom.
If you have met me while out with your dog or in the studio then you will know that I have a certain “way” with dogs.
I now want to help you get the best from your four legged friend. Put an end to that frustration you feel as your dog totally ignores you. So, okay, it’s actually more “dog owner” training than “dog” training, but the result will be both dog and owner being able to communicate and not get frustrated with each other – oh, and have lots of fun together.
Basic Puppy Training
I believe that once you have trained a solid training foundation of the basics, then the more complex behavioural issues are much easier to correct. But everything starts with the basics and a consistent way of communicating with your dog.
Getting a new puppy is an exciting time, but things can get quickly out of hand if your puppy doesn’t learn it’s boundaries.
I can offer one-to-one training of the obedience basics in your home – with no distractions. I will cover timing of commands and rewards, how to make sure you are the centre of your dog’s attention, and most importantly we will all have a lot of fun. Once the basics are sorted, then you have a great foundation to start looking at more advanced training.
The next step will be taking what you learn out into the big wide (distracting) world, and ensuring you know what to do to get the best out of your dog in a more challenging environment.
I will give you the tools to be able to work with your dog to ensure that you can get a consistent sit, down and recall. I will also look at loose-lead walking with you and maybe a few clever tricks if your dog is keen.
But the main thing is to keep it fun!
What Does The Puppy Training Cost?
You will not get a perfectly obedient dog over-night, so our basic training program consists of six lessons.
- A one hour initial visit and five half hour follow-up sessions costs £200, payable before our first session.
- Additional one hour sessions can be added at £50 each, if you feel you need more time or a little extra help with certain behaviours.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start early. The sooner you start training your dog, the easier it will be. Puppies are like sponges, they’re eager to learn and they’re more likely to retain what they’re taught.
- Be patient. Training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t seem to be getting it right away. Just keep practicing and be consistent with your commands.
- Use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog for good behaviour. This could be with treats, praise, or even just a pat on the head. Positive reinforcement will help your dog associate good behaviour with something positive, and they’ll be more likely to repeat it.
- Make it fun. Training should be fun for both you and your dog. If your dog is not enjoying themselves, they’re less likely to want to learn. So try to make training sessions short and engaging, and use plenty of positive reinforcement.
Dog Behaviour Consultation
If you have a specific issue you would like some help with then I can provide a one-off behaviour consultation. Firstly, I will come and visit you and your dog and discuss the issues with you. Then, together, we can work out a plan that can help prevent the unwanted behaviour. Finally you will get a report after the visit detailing the steps that I suggest you take to help with the unwanted behaviour.
These things can take a long time to correct, and require patience and consistency, as well as an agreement to try the steps detailed in my report, on the part of the owner.
My one-off consultations cost £45.00 for an hour visit, an extra visit can be arranged at £50 an hour.
If you would like me to come and work with you and your dog on basic dog obedience, or if you have a specific behaviour problem that you need help with, then please contact me using the form below:
Or call me on 07769 922933 for more information.