FAQ

Got questions? Good.

Here are the ones I get asked most. If yours isn’t here, just get in touch.

Everything you need to know

Your questions, answered.

No jargon, no waffle. Just honest answers about how this works, what to expect, and whether it’s right for you and your dog.

The Programme

Foundation to Freedom is a six-session, one-to-one dog training programme built around your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals. It follows a proven progression — from engagement and connection through to off-lead freedom — but the pace, focus, and depth of every session is shaped around your dog and what they need right now.

The goal is a dog who’s engaged, confident, and walking with you because they want to — not because they have to. We start with the basics of engagement and connection, and work progressively towards off-lead confidence and a reliable recall.

Almost certainly, yes — but the Discovery Session is how we find that out together. The programme works across breeds, ages, and starting points. Whether you have a bouncy puppy, a nervous rescue, or a teenager who’s decided the world is more interesting than you are, we can work with that.

If for any reason I don’t think the programme is right for your dog at this point in time, I’ll tell you honestly — and I’ll tell you why.

Yes. In fact, these are exactly the kinds of dogs I work with most. Pulling, reactivity, and zero impulse control are incredibly common — and they’re all addressable with the right approach and a bit of consistency.

The important thing is that you’re honest with me about where you’re starting from. The Discovery Session is a judgement-free zone — the more I know, the better I can help.

Sessions are typically around an hour, though the Discovery Session is usually a little longer — closer to 90 minutes — as we’re covering a lot of ground.

Sessions take place at your home or in your local environment — the places where the real training happens. Training in a sterile hall or studio is great for some things, but if your dog falls apart the moment you hit the street, that’s where we need to be working.

Not at all. Sessions are booked flexibly so you have time to practise and really nail each skill before we move on. Progress is rarely linear — life happens, dogs have off days, and rushing through doesn’t serve anyone.

That said, too much of a gap between sessions can slow momentum, so I’ll always let you know when I think you’re ready for the next one.

The Approach

It means we never use pain, fear, or intimidation to change a dog’s behaviour. No prong collars, no choke chains, no electric shock devices, no shouting, no alpha rolls. None of it.

Force free training works by making the behaviour you want more rewarding than the alternative. It’s not soft — it takes skill and patience — but it builds a dog who’s genuinely engaged and willing, rather than one who’s just complying to avoid something unpleasant. The results are more reliable, more durable, and far better for your relationship.

Nothing complicated. A well-fitting harness and a standard lead are the basics. I’ll let you know at the Discovery Session if there’s anything specific I’d recommend for your dog.

What you won’t need: choke chains, prong collars, slip leads used as corrective tools, or any kind of aversive device. If you’re currently using any of these, we’ll talk about transitioning away from them — gently and practically.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have everything you need to keep building on your own — a solid foundation of skills, a clear understanding of how your dog learns, and the confidence to handle new situations as they come up.

Some clients like to book occasional follow-up sessions as new challenges arise, or just for a check-in. That’s always available, but there’s no pressure and no upsell. The goal is for you not to need me.

Practicalities

I’m based in Hertfordshire and work across the surrounding area. If you’re not sure whether I cover your location, just drop me a message and I’ll let you know.

Life happens — especially with dogs. I just ask for as much notice as possible so I can offer the slot to someone else. More than 48 hours’ notice and we’ll always find another time at no charge. Less than 48 hours is trickier, but I’ll always be human about genuine emergencies.

Full details are in the Terms & Conditions, which you’ll receive before your Discovery Session.

Start with the Discovery Session — that’s where everything begins. Hit the button below, fill in a few details about you and your dog, and I’ll be in touch to arrange a time.

There’s no commitment beyond the Discovery Session itself. We’ll both decide together whether the full programme makes sense.

😴

That’s Roxy, by the way. Long-haired Chihuahua. Number four. Slightly anxious, absolute cuddle-monster, and apparently very opinionated about FAQ pages. She reviews every one.

Still got questions?

Just get in touch. I’m always happy to have a chat before you commit to anything.

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