Not sure which service you need or what to expect? You'll find answers to some of the questions I'm most often asked below, along with practical information about booking, payments and cancellations.
If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch.
Not sure whether you need dog training, Puppy School or a behavioural consultation? These are some of the questions I'm asked most often. If you're still unsure, you're always welcome to get in touch before booking.
What's the difference between a dog trainer and a behaviourist?
Dog training generally focuses on teaching practical skills, such as recall, loose-lead walking, settling, staying or polite greetings. A behaviourist looks more closely at why a dog is behaving in a particular way. Behavioural work considers the whole dog, including their learning history, environment, emotional state and physical health, before putting an appropriate plan in place. There can be some overlap between the two, which is why it's important to choose the service that best suits your dog rather than simply the behaviour you're seeing.
Do I need training or a behavioural consultation?
If you'd like help teaching or improving a skill, such as recall, loose-lead walking, jumping up or settling, a 1-to-1 training session is usually a good place to start. A behavioural consultation is more appropriate for complex or established concerns such as fear, anxiety, reactivity or aggressive behaviour, where we need to understand what is driving the behaviour as well as how to manage and change it. If you're unsure, please get in touch and I'll help you decide which service is most appropriate.
When should I start training my puppy?
You can start from the day your puppy comes home. Early training isn't about expecting a tiny puppy to behave perfectly. It's about helping them settle in, building good communication and gently introducing the skills they'll need as they grow. You don't need to wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated to start training at home. You can book Puppy School with me here.
What training methods do you use?
I use reward-based, force-free training and do not use aversive equipment or methods. Training is tailored to the individual dog and the family they live with, with a focus on helping your dog understand what you'd like them to do rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. I don't offer board and train programmes. I believe that working with you and your dog together is an important part of training. It helps you understand your dog's behaviour, build your own skills and make changes that work in everyday family life, rather than only in a training environment.
How do I book?
The easiest way to book is online. Simply choose the service you need and an appointment time that works for you. Appointments can be booked up to three months in advance. If you can't find a suitable time, please get in touch. I sometimes have cancellations and may also be able to accommodate an evening or weekend appointment.
Where do sessions take place?
Most sessions take place at your home or out on a walk in your local area. Where we meet will depend on your dog and what you'd like help with. For example, recall training is much more useful somewhere we can actually practise it!
Can you come to my home?
Yes. I cover Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding areas of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and can also travel further afield by arrangement. For puppies and some behavioural problems, working at home can be particularly useful as I can see your dog in their everyday environment.
Can my children be involved?
Absolutely. Dogs are part of the whole family, and where appropriate I encourage children to be involved so that everyone understands how to communicate and work with their dog. There's no pressure for children to take part, though, and we can adapt the session around what works best for your family.
What happens if I need to cancel or rearrange?
I understand that plans sometimes change. Please give me as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment. You can find full details, including notice periods and refunds, in my Payments, Cancellations & Refunds policy below.
Whether you're starting with a new puppy or need some help with everyday training, sessions are tailored to your dog, your family and the things you actually need to work on at home.
What is included in Puppy School?
Puppy School includes three one-to-one sessions in your own home, tailored to you and your puppy. Rather than following a set class programme, we'll focus on the things that are most useful for your puppy and family. This might include settling in, toilet training, biting and chewing, recall, lead walking, handling, socialisation and building good habits from the start. You'll also receive a homework folder with follow-up exercises, a puppy chew pack and WhatsApp support between sessions.
Does my puppy need to be fully vaccinated?
No. Training can start at home before your puppy is fully vaccinated, so there's no need to miss those important early weeks. We'll work within your vet's advice about when and where your puppy can safely go outside and find appropriate ways to introduce them to the world in the meantime.
What can we work on in a 1-to-1 training session?
Training sessions can cover everyday skills such as recall, loose-lead walking, sit and stay, settling, jumping up, greeting visitors, toilet training or taking your dog to places such as cafés and pubs. Sessions are tailored to you, so we can concentrate on the things that will make the biggest difference to everyday life with your dog.
What happens after my training session?
I'll send you follow-up exercises so you have a clear reminder of what we've worked on and how to continue practising at home. You'll also have WhatsApp support if you have questions or need help with the exercises afterwards.
Behavioural consultations are for more complex concerns where we need to understand why a behaviour is happening, rather than simply teaching a new skill. We'll look at your dog as a whole and develop a realistic plan for both your dog and your family.
What happens during a behavioural consultation?
Before we meet, I'll ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire about your dog, their history and the behaviour you're concerned about. You can also send me videos where appropriate. The consultation itself usually takes between two and four hours. We'll talk through what's been happening, assess your dog and their environment, and start working through practical strategies during the session.
Why might my dog need to see a vet first?
Pain and other medical problems can sometimes contribute to changes in behaviour. If I think there could be a physical or medical component to what we're seeing, I may ask you to speak to your vet before we continue with behavioural work. I don't diagnose medical conditions, but it's important that possible physical causes aren't overlooked.
Will I receive a report?
Yes. Following your consultation, you'll receive a personalised written report bringing together my assessment, the priorities we've discussed and a practical plan to work through at home. I send the report after the consultation rather than producing it during the appointment, so I can properly consider everything we've discussed and observed.
What support do I receive afterwards?
Behavioural consultations include phone and WhatsApp support for up to six months, so you can ask questions, let me know how things are progressing and discuss any problems that arise. If further hands-on training would be useful, follow-up sessions can also be booked separately.
How long does behavioural modification take?
Every dog is different. Some minor issues improve in a few weeks, while more complex behaviours (such as anxiety or reactivity) take months of consistent work. I provide tailored plans to support long-term progress but if you'd like more information on what a timeline might look like for your dog, please do reach out to me directly.
How much does a consultation cost?
Behavioural consultations are charged at a flat rate of £250, which includes a detailed assessment, a tailored behaviour plan and follow-up support. When booking, you'll be asked to pay a £50 deposit, which will be deducted from your final bill.
Can I claim the cost of a behavioural consultation through my pet insurance?
Some pet insurance policies include cover for behavioural treatment, so you may be able to claim some or all of the cost of your consultation. Please check with your insurer before booking, as policies and requirements vary. Some insurers require a veterinary referral before they will cover behavioural work. I have veterinary referral forms available and can arrange this with your vet where required.
Do you assess dogs for schools or workplaces?
Yes. I can assess dogs who are being considered for a school or workplace environment, looking at their behaviour, the environment and how they are likely to cope with the demands of the setting. Following the assessment, I provide a written report outlining my observations and any recommendations or measures that should be considered. The final decision about whether a dog is suitable for the setting remains with the school, business or organisation.
I completely understand that life can be unpredictable and sometimes appointments need to be cancelled or rearranged, particularly when you're juggling family life alongside your dog. Family Dogs is just me, though, and I reserve your appointment time specifically for you. A late cancellation or missed appointment means I often can't offer that time to another client, so I really appreciate as much notice as possible if your plans change.
When do I need to pay?
Payment is required in advance to secure your booking. Puppy School is paid in full when booked. Training is paid in full when booked. For behavioural consultations, a deposit is required to secure your appointment, with the remaining balance due before the consultation.
What if I need to cancel or rearrange a training session?
Training sessions can be cancelled or rearranged with at least 5 working days' notice. If you cancel with less than 2 working days' notice, 50% of the session fee will be retained. Same-day cancellations and missed appointments are charged in full.
What if I need to rearrange a Puppy School session?
Each of your three Puppy School sessions can be rearranged with at least 2 working days' notice. If less notice is given, or you miss an appointment, that session will be forfeited. Unused Puppy School sessions are non-refundable.
What if I need to cancel or rearrange a behavioural consultation?
Behavioural consultations require at least 5 working days' notice to cancel or rearrange. If less notice is given, your deposit will be retained. Same-day cancellations and missed appointments are charged in full.
What happens if you need to cancel?
Very occasionally, I may need to rearrange an appointment myself. If this happens, I'll offer you an alternative date. If we can't find a suitable alternative, any payment relating to the cancelled session will be refunded.
Do I have a right to cancel an online booking?
Nothing in this policy affects your statutory rights, including any cancellation rights that apply when services are booked online or by telephone.
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