Progressive Dog Training

Progressive Dog Training I am an IMDT qualified trainer, passionate about training dogs using Positive Reinforcement methods. Learning should be fun for both the dogs and their owners.

I am passionate about improving the lives of dogs and their owners through positive reinforcement. I have had my own dogs for many years and discovered the vast benefits of positive reinforcement when working with explosives and drug detection dogs. If you are enjoying what you are doing and find it rewarding, you are likely to do more of it. This is the basis of positive reinforcement.
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edited through the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) have diplomas in Canine Nutrition, Holistic Health and Dog Behaviour. I offer 121 training and consultation, group classes including the IMDT Partnership Grades, accompanied training walks and Zoom consultations. Come and join in the fun! All puppies and dogs welcome - you can even bring your owners! There is always time for a chat and a cuppa.

I love going to teach Alice Oppenheimer as there's always time for a bit of fun! Here Trifle and Cookie look on while A...
19/08/2026

I love going to teach Alice Oppenheimer as there's always time for a bit of fun! Here Trifle and Cookie look on while Alice teaches Ketchup the cat to 'spin' using the luring method!

I suspect Ketchup won't learn to retrieve from hand as well as Trifle, however his recall is coming on nicely!

It has been a lovely final week of training for the latest class of puppies to graduate! A lot of fun was had by all, n...
30/07/2026

It has been a lovely final week of training for the latest class of puppies to graduate! A lot of fun was had by all, not least in getting everyone in shot for the photo (thank you Emily)!

Well done to Baxter, Teddy, Lola and Daisy for bringing your families every week and keeping them under control! I will miss you all next week.

There is still a space available on my Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy class starting on Thursday 6th August from 6.30pm to 7.3...
27/07/2026

There is still a space available on my Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy class starting on Thursday 6th August from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Chawton Village Hall. Please contact me for further info.

Have you ever wonder why your dog keeps repeating bad habits, even when you try to train them not to? 🐾When customers as...
27/07/2026

Have you ever wonder why your dog keeps repeating bad habits, even when you try to train them not to? 🐾

When customers ask me how to stop behaviours like jumping up at guests or running up to other dogs uninvited, my first question is always: "What do you want them to do instead?"

Teaching a great alternative is the key to success. But here is the missing piece of the puzzle: you must prevent the unwanted behaviour while they are learning the new one.

If your dog keeps practicing the unwanted behaviour, the new training simply won't stick. This is where management tools like baby gates, long lines, and harnesses are essential. They prevent the wrong behaviours so you can focus on teaching and rewarding the right ones.

Think of it like a child addicted to a tablet. If you want them to read books instead, just handing them a novel while the tablet sits next to them won't work. Taking the tablet away with nothing to replace it just causes a meltdown.

The best solution? Put the device away, sit down with them, and guide them through an exciting book. Praise their effort and make it rewarding. Soon enough, the new habit takes over.

Dog training works the exact same way: manage the environment, teach the preferred behaviour, and reward the success! ✨

This big, beautiful girl is Freyja. Despite her size she is only 11 months old and is in the midst of adolescence. She...
22/06/2026

This big, beautiful girl is Freyja. Despite her size she is only 11 months old and is in the midst of adolescence. She is usually a real softie and a joy to be around, but can sometimes be a bit of a demon! Sound familiar?

This stage of a dog's life is often challenging for both the dog and their owners. Very much like human teenagers, there are a lot of hormonal changes going on and their brains are under development. This is both normal and necessary.

It may feel that they are playing up, deliberately ignoring you and generally giving you a hard time, but they are really HAVING a hard time. As trainers, we may suggest more focus training, a less distracting environment, higher value rewards etc, but in reality there will be times when none of this will help and you think you are failing. You aren't, this is all normal and although it doesn't feel like it now, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Take a deep breath, lower your expectations and perhaps do something different if you aren't getting the responses you want on a particular day. There's always tomorrow.

Many dogs don't get enough rest and this can contribute to behavioural issues (think over tired toddler). Keep putting the effort in and when that brain is fully matured, it will pay dividends.

Kya is very pleased to have graduated from puppy classes. She has been brilliant and I am sure she will go on to do ver...
05/06/2026

Kya is very pleased to have graduated from puppy classes. She has been brilliant and I am sure she will go on to do very well in the future.

It's always sad when a class finishes, but lovely to see the puppies learn, develop and grow in confidence over the 8 week course. Just adolescence to get through next!

Meet Bertie, a recent puppy class graduate. One of the things I enjoy most as a trainer, is seeing how the pups' person...
12/05/2026

Meet Bertie, a recent puppy class graduate.

One of the things I enjoy most as a trainer, is seeing how the pups' personalities develop over the 8 weeks. They usually start off a little quiet, but by the end their confidence grows and the playfulness emerges.

Just look at this little face!

Well done to Viki and Mark for all the great work. It has been a lot of fun working with you.

Greg is very happy to have graduated from puppy classes. Well done to Neal and Chloe for all the great work. Keep it u...
01/05/2026

Greg is very happy to have graduated from puppy classes. Well done to Neal and Chloe for all the great work. Keep it up! This is just the beginning 😀

I sometimes get asked "How long will it take to train my dog?" For me the answer is simple and that's "For as long as y...
21/04/2026

I sometimes get asked "How long will it take to train my dog?" For me the answer is simple and that's "For as long as your dog lives!"

Everything we teach our dog is what we as humans require for the dog to live in harmony with us. It's not generally natural behaviour for our dog.

Even for humans, learning a skill that doesn't come naturally such as playing a musical instrument or learning to dance, takes time and practice. If you stop practicing, you will eventually lose all, or most of, that skill.

While practice doesn't make perfect, it should make permanent.

Training is for life, not just for puppy class!

The photo of Stanley having rolled in a fresh cow p**p is just for fun and not teaching purposes 😁.

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