Frequently asked Questions

What happens during a one to one?

Claire will visit your home in person (or via Zoom if you have booked an online service) and bring various resources and equipment along to help teach you about your dog's overall needs. Claire will discuss all of the information that you provided in your booking form and ask any further questions to help establish a clearer picture about your dog's behaviour and needs. Discussions around realistic goal setting, management strategies and training recommendations will help to establish a plan of action. Training, management and overall well-being strategies will then be taught to you and practiced under Claire's guidance. The one to one's will be held in the environments required by you and your dog.

Is there follow up help provided?

Yes! You will receive a written or video report detailing all of the management strategies and training covered in your sessions. This report will be updated following each one to one so that you have links, notes and videos to help remind you what was covered. Email and phone support are also provided for the three months that your package lasts, to help answer any questions about the training and behaviour plan in place and to support your progress between in person one to one sessions.

How do I book one to one's and classes with you?

Once you have contacted us and Claire has established that she can help you, you will receive a booking link where you can purchase a package, complete a client information form, and check that you agree with Dog Matters' terms and conditions and privacy policy before booking your one to one's or classes.

How many one to one's do you recommend?

This is dependent on the help that you need. Most families are looking for help with a number of challenges which is why we work with clients for a minimum of 3 one to ones. This ensures that your learning and your dogs' learning can be broken down into manageable sessions and progress can be seen which helps keep you motivated to put in the training and management strategies long term.

Three sessions enables us to cover most of the basics and help families with laying the right foundations. If you need more you can book further follow up one to ones after an initial 3 package session, at a discounted price.

What do I need to have ready for one to one training?

One to one clients are advised to have LOTS of tasty treats cut up and prepared ahead of the session, making sure that these are treats that your dog gets excited about. It is also advisable to purchase 2 identical toys that your dog is likely to get excited about (rustling, squeaky, balls, ball on rope, sheep skin tugger etc), and keep them hidden until the one to one.

Do you charge mileage?

If you live within 10 miles then there is no charge. If you live further afield then charges incurred are set at 46p per mile from 10 miles outside of ?.

I have a health condition that may affect how you can help me and my dog, do you have experience of tailoring your services to support me?

Having worked for many years with children and adults of all ages who may need additional support to train and care for their dog(s), I am always happy to chat to you about your needs and come up with suggestions of ways in which I can help.

Can I bring my dog to workshops?

No, unless your dog is an assistance dog. If you would like to attend introductory workshops which may include demo dogs for training purposes, please speak to us ahead of attendance as we may have dogs with specific behavioural needs on site and will need to discuss how to manage the situation.

Where are your workshops held?

Finding the right dog and preparing your dog for your baby's arrival are pre-recorded webinars and are sent out to you as soon as you have purchased the service. The 20 - 30 minute live Q&A is held over Zoom and booked at a convenient time for you once you have watched the webinar and have your questions ready. You can live anywhere in the UK to access these.

Webinars will be held online and can be sent out as recordings if you cannot make it live.

Do you hold workshops in different locations?

If you would like to book Dog Matters to provide in person workshops then please contact us and we can discuss availability and prices.