Frequently asked questions

I work across Perth and Perthshire. If you are further afield, get in touch and we can talk about options.

Request a call back using the form or send me a WhatsApp message. We will have a quick chat about your dog and work out the best next step.

I use positive, motivational training methods. You can expect to learn how to reward your dog effectively, with treats and toys, rather than correct his behaviour all the time. I'll teach you to communicate with your dog via your voice and body language, and how to be clear in your message, for a better relationship and everyday cooperation.

However, if you're coming with a different view of training, or you have used other methods in the past, you're also welcome and you'll not be judged for your choices. Likewise I'll not remove any equipment you're currently using unless you're ready to do so. Your confidence and safety are the most important factors in our training together, and I'll do my best to help you achieve your goals with your dog in a way that makes sense to you.

Yes, I have successfully worked with reactive dogs for over a decade. But I take only a small number of reactivity cases at any one time, so that each of them gets what they need. Tell me about him when we speak and I will be straight with you about whether I am the right fit.

Yes, and the earlier the better. A lot of what owners come to me about at ten months could have been headed off at four. If your puppy is still young we can put the groundwork in now, build the engagement and the self control early, and give you a much easier adolescence when it arrives. I keep only a small number of spaces open at any one time, so it is worth asking sooner rather than later.

Adolescence lasts a lot longer than most people realise, and this work is just as effective at eighteen months as it is at eight. Earlier is easier, but later is far from hopeless. I have never met a dog it was too late for.

Most of the owners who come to me have. Usually what went wrong was advice built for puppies, or for settled adult dogs, applied to a dog in the middle of adolescence. Different stage, different dog, different approach.

A fair amount, and I would rather say so now. There are no quick fixes. I will do as much as I can, but he is your dog and you are the one he lives with. What I can tell you is that most owners end up wanting to carry on, because once your dog starts answering you it stops feeling like work.

Mostly outdoors, on the walks and in the places where the problems happen. That way the training works in real life.

In most cases you'll see improvement in the first two weeks. But each dog and owner team is different and lasting progress comes from practising the plan in between sessions.

Yes, I am fully insured.