Dog Training Classes in Stoke-on-Trent

There is a limit of two people per dog, and the main handler must be at least 18 years of age. Children over the age of 8 are welcome to join. Only the dog booked onto the session may attend, so other household dogs are not permitted. Dogs must be fully vaccinated and up to date on flea and worming treatment.

Dog behaviour problems are usually caused by an underlying negative emotion, such as fear, anxiety or frustration. On the other hand, dog training issues are usually caused by dogs not understanding what’s being requested of them, or they may not be motivated enough to perform the behaviour requested. Examples of dog behaviour problems include aggression towards people or other animals, appearing distressed when left alone, or appearing fearful of certain noises.

Our puppy training classes are aimed at those wanting to teach their puppies basic training and life skills, such as “sit”, recall, loose lead walking, and general patience. The classes are not suitable for addressing behaviour problems such as fear or reactivity. If you think your puppy may have a behaviour problem, please get in touch with us to see how we can support you best.

Contact us for a no obligation chat. You can phone us on 01782 982 688 to discuss the details and costs, or book online here.

There is no quick fix to any kind of training problem. The training plan advised may produce results very quickly, but often it will take time, effort and commitment from all of the family to produce the improved behaviour. It really varies from individual to individual. However, support from us is ongoing, as you need it.

Currently, in the UK anyone can practise as a dog trainer whether they have any qualifications and experience or not.  However, there are moves afoot to put pressure on the government to regulate the profession.  The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is one body that aims to be an umbrella regulatory body for the sector. The Council is made up of several professional trade bodies, representing animal trainers and behaviourists to the public. The ABTC sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills necessary to be an animal trainer or behaviourist. The ABTC maintains national registers of appropriately qualified and experienced practitioners.  A strict Code of Conduct and an annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirement is expected from the professional trade bodies who are members of the Council.

The Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) is an example of an ABTC practitioner organisation that assesses individuals who wish to be accredited as Animal Training Instructors (ATIs).

Zoe Demery, who runs Second Nature Behaviour, has a doctorate in animal behaviour and a first-class honours degree in zoology and psychology. She is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) in dogs, which means she is fully accredited with the ABTC and CCAB Certification.  She is very happy to be a Certificated Member of FAB Clinicians. Megan Richardson graduated from Harper Adams University with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, then grew her clinical behaviour practice with dogs and cats.  She has many years of experience and is an independently accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB in dogs).  Megan is an active member of various organisations, including FAB Clinicians, APBC and PACT.  Last but not least Megan is registered as a CAB and ATI with the ABTC.  We all work according to the Code of Conduct set by the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians.

Exemplary feedback from our clients indicates they are appreciative of someone having the time to listen to them and to deal with their pets’ problems. Second Nature Behaviour can offer years of experience, well-qualified, empathic behaviourists and dog training instructors along with great facilities. We are able to provide you with the tools and the time you need to develop thorough behaviour and training treatment plans that are suitable for your dog’s individual circumstances. We employ kind, reward-based techniques to resolve dog training problems.

A package of 6 classes costs £150.  Courses are rolling, so you can drop in and out to suit you over 6 months. Full details can be found here. You can also spread the cost in interest-free instalments with Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal Pay in 3 – see our payment options.

No — our classes are open to dogs of any age, from newly vaccinated puppies to adolescents and adult dogs. The key requirement is that your dog needs foundation life skills rather than support with a behaviour problem. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we’ll help you work out whether classes or a different service would suit you best.