Whiteacre Dog Training Centre

19/10/2026

The Thursday evening class has dogs of all ages in it. It aims to encourage teams to consider competing in competitive obedience as they improve, but of course this skill takes time. I am pleased to say that all teams are coming on well and of course teaching the exercises involved gives both dogs and owners an enjoyable outlet together. During the summer we trained outside in the nice grounds but with the cooler months we train in the polytunnel which keeps us all dry. But of course, all who come to this class are free to join me during the day when I train my own dogs at various places most often at Sandringham if the weather is okay of which there is no charge. This helps with putting into practice the exercises we teach out in the real world. Work commitments etc usually mean most choose to leave most of the training to what we do in class. There are a few places available should anyone wish to take their training further especially if they are interested at competing. All who have done puppy classes with us are always welcome as they would already be familiar with the clicker training principles we employ. Although I used to work with reactive dogs the class situation is not usually the best place for this. To get the best results I always recommend that all try and do regular short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes as often as possible away from class of what we teach. We of course strive for consistency with our dogs and having them choose us, not other people or other dogs so probably not suitable for those who use dog walkers or doggy day care regularly. For me it is all common sense. Dogs don’t make mistakes but we do in how we choose to manage and train our dogs. As with all sport you only get back what you put in. Keep in mind that whatever a dog rehearses regularly whether wanted or unwanted is most likely to be repeated so it helps to think why and plan ahead or change what we do. Anyone interested in the Thursday class are welcome to come and see what we do by prior arrangement by messaging the page. Obedience used to have bad connotations when dogs were made to do things but taught the modern way our dogs choose in fact devices and the like are not used. To watch teams in tune with each other and the sheer joy for me is what it is all about.

18/10/2026

New Puppy Course commencing Wednesday 11 November 2026.
A few spaces may be available.
For more details please message.

25/09/2026

Anyone leave this hoodie outside ? Have left in tunnel for you to collet next time your in.

23/09/2026

Something a little different coming to us ☺️ hopefully will be holding some beginner classes soon too. Scent work is a great way to build a bond with your dog, using a skill that you dog uses everyday, just honing that skill to mark certain scents. Great brain workout too.

Booking Link in the comments

I’ve got two 1-to-1 scentwork days coming up at Emneth on 22 October and 3 November.

These sessions are completely about you and your dog. We can work on whatever will help your training most — whether that’s getting started, improving your searches, preparing for competition, working through something that isn’t quite clicking, or simply getting another pair of experienced eyes on what you’re doing.

No set lesson plan and no need to keep up with anybody else. We work at your dog’s pace and focus on what will help the two of you progress.

A few appointments are still available on both dates.

You. Your dog. My full attention.

17/09/2026

For Abbie and Matt to be able to send a friend request to be added to the Facebook messenger group for the Thursday competition class. My name should appear on the comment below for you to access

17/09/2026

Does your dog need to like everyone?

I don’t think they do.

And perhaps more importantly, I don’t think every dog needs to want everybody they meet to stroke them, fuss them or become their new friend.

We put an enormous amount of emphasis on “socialising” puppies, and quite rightly we want them to grow into confident dogs who can cope with the world around them.

But somewhere along the way, I think socialisation can sometimes get confused with interaction.

They’re not the same thing.

For me, a well-socialised dog doesn’t necessarily need to greet the person walking towards us.

They don’t need to say hello to every dog.

They don’t need to enjoy a stranger reaching over their head.

They don’t need to be delighted when somebody they’ve never met decides they’d quite like a cuddle!

Sometimes being able to notice something, feel safe around it and simply carry on with life is more than enough.

And I think this is particularly relevant with breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers and other large breeds.

They can be naturally observant dogs. They notice people. They notice changes. They can be discerning about who they want in their personal space.

I’ve certainly had differences within my own dogs.

Some have been far more naturally sociable than others. Some would happily interact with people, while others would much rather acknowledge someone and then get on with their day.

And that’s OK with me.

Of course, there’s a difference between a dog calmly choosing not to interact and a dog who is frightened, anxious or unable to cope with somebody being nearby. The latter may need our help.

But I don’t think the goal has to be turning every dog into a social butterfly.

Sometimes the goal can simply be…

“You don’t need to interact. You just need to know you’re safe.”

And perhaps we also need to become a little better at advocating for our dogs.

“No thank you, she’d rather not be stroked.”

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with saying it.

So I’m curious…

What is YOUR dog like with people?

Do they want to be everyone’s friend?

Do they have a carefully selected inner circle?

Or are they very much, “I’ve seen you. I’ve assessed you. That’s quite enough, thank you.” 😂

08/08/2026

Sorry taken so long but here’s some photos from this groups last puppy class and receiving there kennel club awards 😊💕🐶 well done fantastic group and all learnt so much.

08/08/2026

Few snaps from one of our fun agility sessions 🐶💕😊

08/08/2026

Recall practice for the puppy class 🐶💕😊

04/08/2026

New Puppy Course
Commencing Wednesday 05/08/2026
Unusually we have a couple of spaces available.
Please contact us for more information.