TRAINING AND BEHAVIOUR

ST ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE

Committed and passionate about helping pet dogs and their people share happy lives together, we pride ourselves on being knowledgeable, professional and approachable.   We'd really love to work with you!

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

New Puppy?

Start things off right with your puppy ​and help to avoid having problems later on.

Behaviour Issue?

Struggling with your dog's behaviour?  From aggression to separation issues, we can help!

Basic Manners?

Choose from Life-Skills Training (group or private) or real-life 'Hound About Town' sessions.

Buying a Puppy?

We can help you in your ​search for the puppy that's just perfect for you.

Recall Problems?

If your won't come back to you when called, we can help! Available as group or private. 

Pulling on Lead?

Don't get dragged down the street by your dog!  ​Available as group or private training.

New Skills?

Teach impressive, fun skills
in our Tricks Sessions or
​Genius Dog Classes!

Online Learning?

From Puppy Life-Skills to structured Recall Guidance, take a look at our online courses.

Need Help Now?

Need expert advice without delay? Our telephone helpline service is perfect for you.

A QUICK INTRODUCTION

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

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​It is impossible to praise A Different Dog too highly!  It has been the very best start we could have given our puppy; ​the result is our well-trained, confident, relaxed, friendly and loveable dog, Albert.  ​ Exceptional, fast and reliable results with expert advice and assistance.

Caroline and Jennifer (with Albert)

Jennifer and Caroline
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Albert

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 A Different Dog - it does what it says on the tin!  
Our dog really did turn into a different (better behaved) dog, ​as a result of the training. Many thanks.....  The classes have taught us, as well as Alfie! ​​

Joan

Chris
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Alfie

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Amazing!  After each of the Puppy Package sessions, we felt more confident and were excited to go and put everything we had learnt into practice.  The fact that the whole family was involved was great.  ​We are amazed at what you have taught us and Winston - it has been a great experience. ​​

Natasha

Andrea
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Winston

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The help you have given me with recall has been just brilliant!  ​I have a totally different relationship with Max now, compared with before I had your help...
​​It's made me really enjoy spending time with him! 

Ceri

Ceri
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Max

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We have really enjoyed training with A Different Dog.  We have watched Arnie's puppy personality grow and we have benefited as first time owners from the training tips and exercises to help ensure Arnie remains happy and well-behaved!  The support and expertise in the One to Ones have also really helped us with his leash walking and given us confidence to let him off-leash. ​

Lizzie

Julie
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Arnie

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I cannot recommend A Different Dog enough; we have loved everything about our experience.
It has changed our relationship with our dog, we've met lovely people and we've loved learning about dog training!  The trainers are lovely and always on hand with advice and encouragement. The class sizes are small and the sessions are well-structured.  I would recommend to everyone!

Lynn

Hanna
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Byron

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Thank you so much.... I found your New Puppy Visit invaluable.  I have been putting into practise all the advice you gave me and it has worked wonders!  I think best of all was that it helped me to understand my puppy better. 

Andrea

​Louise
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Lola

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Thanks so much for the Behaviour Consultation..... It was so useful and gave me loads to think about and implement. Your behaviour plan is comprehensive and really good value for money. 
[10 weeks later] I just wanted to update you on Lottie; the change in her is pretty significant!  Thank you so much for your wisdom with her.  I am glad I waited to find the right person to work with.

Louise

Emma
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Lottie

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We have enjoyed the fun, kind, gentle learning at A Different Dog's classes.  The sessions were both informative and enjoyable because of the ​great teaching and understanding of dogs shown by Gretta and Claire.  There is good, personal support in the classes and via email to help with any issues that come up.  We would definitely recommend.

Anne
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Otto

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I am delighted with my dog's behaviour as a result of the teaching by A Different Dog - the trainers really understand what makes dogs tick!  The lessons were presented in a fun way and the time flew each week.  Bonno couldn't wait to get in there!  ​Thanks for a great experience.

Carol
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Bonno

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​Our puppy, Kane, was a real challenge - we put this down to him being naughty.  Gretta helped us understand why he was behaving as he was.  The practical advice and incredible follow-up showed us we had a nervous boy, not a naughty one!  Changing our behaviour has helped Kane become the lovely dog that he is.  Without Gretta this would not have been possible; she has been amazing!

Matthew and Moya
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Kane

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Since your visit and advice on reading Loki's behaviour and body language, we have had considerable improvement. We now have a much, much happier dog and a much, much happier human.  All in all, absolutely brilliant news and it's just great to have the happy, trusting ​dog/ human relationship that I was after.  Just brilliant!  Thank you again.

Chris
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Loki

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I am so happy that we found A Different Dog!  I love that the essence of A Different Dog's approach is building trust and a bond with your puppy.  Yogi absolutely loves going to classes, has learned so much and is growing into a really lovely, well adjusted and well behaved dog.  I am constantly amazed how your gentle approach is so effective with him.

Maya
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Yogi

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I attended A Different Dog's bronze and silver classes with Ted my cockapoo and we are soon to start on gold!  The information and support has been invaluable and I've learnt lots of new ways to interact with my dog.  Ted was very shy at first but soon came out of his shell!  He has now been accepted as an official PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog and I accredit this to the classes we attended.

Tracey
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Ted

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Today, I met someone whilst out with my dog, who said ‘Gosh, I’ve never met such a friendly terrier before’, which, before working with Gretta, would never, ever have happened!  The progress she has made has been almost unbelievable.  Gretta’s unwavering belief in her and connection with her has enabled her (and us!) to live a normal life and we are eternally grateful.

Rachel
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Flossie

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Tango and I would like to say a big heartfelt thank you.  After 5 months of training elsewhere, my decision to approach you was the best decision I have ever made!   You have been reliable and friendly and have (with a lot of dedication and enthusiasm) turned Tango's excitable and frustrated behaviours around.  He is now a joy to be with and it has all been accomplished in a kind, compassionate and humane way.  It’s a bit of a cliché but Tango really is ‘A Different Dog’! 

Hilary
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Tango

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What We Offer

We offer a range of services including Group Training Classes, Private Training ('One to One Training' - with you or 'We Train' - in your absence), Behaviour Support, Puppy Visits, Telephone Helpline ​​and Online Programmes... We have something just right for ​you and your dog.

Why Choose Us

Qualified, recommended by vets and clients, approved by Victoria Stilwell, registered as an Accredited Animal Behaviourist and Registered Trainer (ABTC), Certified Animal Behaviour Consultant (IAABC), member of INTO Dogs and the APDT, we are uniquely-placed to help you.​

How We Work

We use compassionate and scientifically-proven, reward-based methods which teach your dog what you want, without the need for fear or force​.  We specialise in working with pet dogs, helping both humans and dogs to lead happy lives. What can we do to help you?

PRAISE FROM VICTORIA STILWELL

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I can personally recommend A Different Dog.  Gretta is an accomplished training professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise, offering friendly support and clear guidance.  So, whether you are just beginning on your journey of dog ownership and want to start things off right or you have some issues that you need help with, get in touch with A Different Dog... and make a difference to your dog.

If you want to see a video of Victoria talking about A Different Dog, click here!

Victoria Stilwell

Acclaimed Dog Trainer
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Host of 'It's Me or the Dog' and 'Dogs Might Fly' 

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