Dog Training and Dog Behaviour Support by 'A Dog Guy'

With over 40 years' experience of owning and rehabilitating dogs I can help you with all areas of training – from puppy socialisation to working with behavioural problems.

Dogs don't speak English, they communicate through 'dog' language.
It's much easier to teach a person how to speak 'dog' than it is to teach a dog to speak English.

I will teach you how to use your 'energy', 'expectation' and 'silence' (yes, saying nothing to your dog will work just as well, if not better!) along with reward-based training to help your dog to work with you. Shouting and getting stressed at a dog isn't going to get anyone anywhere. In fact, it will only make the situation worse. A dog needs to know what you want it to do in a way it can understand.

The method of Dog Training and Dog Behaviour Support I use is my own, well-proven, reward-based, '4Cs' method:

– Clear – – Calm – – Consistent – – Commands –

We will work together with your dog to teach you how to communicate effectively with him/her - the aim is for you to work 'with' your dog rather than 'against' it. Most dogs much prefer to know you're in charge and that they don't have to be - that, as a first step, can often produce a huge difference in your dog's behaviour. Once your dog knows that you are in charge they will often relax and let you 'run the show'.

1-2-1 Dog Training and Behaviour Support In Northampton

Here are a few questions I regularly get asked:

What do you do/what can you cover?

If you just want help with how to teach your dog the basics of sit, stay, come, etc I'll teach you how to communicate with your dog in a way which he/she understands so that training is easy for you both.

If you are looking to improve its behaviour or remove an unwanted behaviour, I'll help you to understand why your dog is doing what it is and teach you how to communicate in a clear, calm, consistent way that your dog understands in order to change that behaviour.

What do I, the owner, have to do?

You will need to put time and effort into being consistent with your dog so that the required behaviour becomes natural to the dog. This can sometimes be very quick, other times it can take a lot of work - it depends on the unwanted behaviour and the nature of the dog.

Is there a 5-minute fix?

Generally 'No'. There are a lot a techniques which can make an initial difference very quickly but you will have to keep working with your dog consistently over time. Every dog is individual so we (you and I) will work with the dog's needs to try to change a behaviour. Sometimes behaviours can be so deeply ingrained that we can only reduce the behaviour and work round the dog's behaviour to make your life easier.

Will you take my dog away and bring him/her back 'fixed'?

No, every dog will behave differently with different people. It's really important that the dog learns to listen to, and respond to, its owner - that's what I'll help you with. I can bring my dogs to you or will sometimes have a dog to come and stay during the day if I think that will help.

Dog Behaviour Specialist Northampton

What sort of things can you help with?

Do you come out to me?

Yes, I will come to your home as dogs often behave differently in their own, familiar environment so it's important to see a dog behaving 'normally' to be able to work with him/her.

What don't you do?

I don't give veterinary advice (e.g. should I have him/her neutered) and I don't give nutritional advice. These are specialist areas which require specialist input.

I don't promise that we can always sort out your dog's problem - it is rare but occasionally a dog may need specialist behavioural help.

What experience do you have?

I have lived with, and trained dogs, for over 40 years.

I have several dogs of my own as well as fostering German Shepherds. I often have seven dogs in the house or on a walk at any one time.

Most of my dogs have had several homes before coming to me because previous owners couldn't handle them - one had had 6. I've rehomed and rehabilitated several 'challenging' dogs over the years.

The photos on this website are all ones I've taken of dogs I own or have trained.

What do you charge?

This depends on where you are and therefore how far I have to travel. I am based on the Northampton side of Wellingborough.

I charge an initial consultation fee (during the consultation I can give you pointers to start helping straight away) and then we can decide how many sessions you think you'll need. We can usually have the first session straight away. Each session is charged individually at the time. All I ask is that if you need to cancel a pre-booked session, please could you give as much notice as possible.

Do you have any tips?

Yes, there are some very basic things you can do which will have a big impact on how your dog behaves and reacts to your commands. Have a look at the Top Dog Training Tips page for more information.