Big Dog Club: dog day training in Chelmsford

At the core of the club is socialisation. Dogs of different shapes and sizes come together, refining their manners and social skills with other dogs and with people, supervised by our team. Around that, every dog takes part in obedience training: fundamental commands, focus-building exercises and learning to switch off and relax. There are outings to the beach, country park and high street, so the skills are practised in real places with real distractions, and plenty of exercise and fresh air in the secure field for dogs with lots of energy.

Your dog may even come home with homework. We are always happy to pass on management tips and techniques for larger breeds, and you get valuable insight from a professional trainer at the end of the day.

• Large and energetic breeds that need more than a walk round the block: German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Malinois and other breeds we work with.
• Owners with busy schedules who want regular day training so their dog receives consistent training with an expert while they are at work.
• One-off days for a special event, appointment or trip; you do not need a regular booking.
• Dogs that find other dogs stressful start with 1-2-1 work, and join the group when Alex is happy they're ready.
• Owners who want a day off, whether to spend time with loved ones without worrying about your dog or to have a day out of their own.

Play alone doesn't teach anything. At the Big Dog Club your dog is trained, not just minded: obedience, focus, relaxation and manners are worked on every visit, and you hear how the day went at collection. Your dog comes home calmer. Book regular days while you are at work, or a one-off day when you need it.

The club runs in Chelmsford, and members come from Braintree, Brentwood, Basildon, Castle Point, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, Tendring, Thurrock, Uttlesford and Hertfordshire. Collection and drop-off are included in the day price; dogs travel in secure crates in our vehicle.

It follows on well from 1-2-1 training, keeping new obedience sharp in a group setting, and it often forms part of our residential dog training courses when social experiences are the next step in dealing with complex behaviour. Puppies graduate into the club after puppy training. There are opportunities to work on your dog's individual challenges while they enjoy time with the group, and the result is a happier, calmer, less anxious dog who has learned better manners with dogs and people.