Dog training questions, answered

Residential training starts from £850p/w (Standard Package, 1 Update Per Week). 1-2-1 training & behaviour help (one offer, for pulling, recall, puppies, reactivity, aggression or anxiety) and puppy training start with a 1.5-hour session: £160 at our Chelmsford field, or £190 at your home, then £100 an hour at the field (£120 at home). Day training is from £90/day. Protection training is priced after assessment.

Yes. Half of the fee (non-refundable) confirms the booking and the other half is paid before drop-off or collection.

Missed appointments, or any appointments changed, altered, moved or cancelled for any reason within less than 48 hours' notice, are charged the full fee.

Home visits cost extra because they account for fuel and travel time; Alex tells you the price when you enquire. At our secure Chelmsford field it's £160 for the first 1.5 hours, then £100 an hour at the field (£120 at home).

Yes, on the residential Standard Package and Puppy Package. Ask when Alex replies.

Most dogs stay around three weeks; for puppies and behaviour problems we suggest four. We agree the length with you when Alex has met your dog. We agree the length with you at the initial assessment.

Yes, if your dog has completed a residential course with us: past residential dogs can return for a holiday stay while you are away, with their training kept topped up. Price on request: put your dates in the form.

£850p/w for the Standard Package or Puppy Package (one update per week, discount available for returning clients) and £1250p/w for the VIP Package (three updates per week, In Home Stay).

Standard and Puppy Packages include one update per week; the VIP Package includes three updates per week.

There is a handover on collection day and you get follow-up advice on how to manage your dog's behaviour yourself, so the training carries on at home. Continuation 1-2-1 sessions are always suggested, and many dogs carry on with day training at the Big Dog Club.

Yes. We are based in Chelmsford and take residential dogs from across Essex, Hertfordshire, London and further afield. You only need to travel for drop-off and collection.

From the day you bring them home, normally at 8 weeks old. Training can begin in your home from day one; outdoor sessions at our field start once your puppy has had their vaccinations.

No. Instead of a group session you get 1-2-1 sessions with the trainer at our Chelmsford training field or in your home, tailored to your puppy. Group socialisation comes later through the Big Dog Club day training.

Keep the crate or bed beside your bed for the first week or two, feed meals in the crate with the door open, take your puppy out to the toilet once or twice in the night, and never shut them in while they are crying. Move the crate a little further away each night once they settle.

It depends on your goals and how ingrained the behaviour is. Results are often visible quickly, and after the first session Alex gives you an honest evaluation of how many follow-ups are likely.

At our secure, enclosed 1.5 acre training field on a 10 acre plot at Roxwell, west of Chelmsford, or in your home, local park or wherever the problem happens. You choose.

Yes. It is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, and 1-2-1 sessions suit all breeds and ages.

Your dog spends the day at our training field at Roxwell being trained, exercised and socialised by Alex, rather than simply looked after. It runs as the Big Dog Club, one supervised group for every size, including puppies once vaccinated.

Drop-off is roughly 7–8am and collection roughly 5–6pm at the training field at Roxwell. We can also collect and drop off your dog as an optional extra, quoted when you book; dogs travel in secure crates in our vehicle.

Yes. Alex assesses your dog first. Dogs that find other dogs stressful start with 1-2-1 work, and join the Big Dog Club group only when they're ready. Tell Alex about your dog in the form.

If we think pain or illness could be involved, we will ask you to see your vet as well.

Many do, a great deal. How far your dog can go depends on the cause and how long it has been going on, so we will not promise a result before we have met them. Residential training is an option for dogs that need daily work.

Wherever suits your dog best: our training field, your home, or where the problem happens, such as your street or the park. For separation anxiety we usually suggest your home.

Ideally everyone who lives with the dog, including older children, so everyone knows the first steps.