Coronavirus Update - VIRTUAL CLASSES
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You can still benefit from our expertise as we are now offering virtual group classes. 
This way, you get all the same teaching input (and access to the online course/ video library) but from the comfort and safety of your own home.  

Worried the technology will be hard to manage or you won't get as much out of it? 
Here is some feedback from a client following their first virtual group class. 

 "It was really great to be able to do the lesson in the safety of our own homes. Thank you so much for your efforts in making it possible.  Also it was a bit of a landmark for us technophobes!  It was good to 'meet' Tala.... she's gorgeous - and very well behaved - a real credit to you!"

If you have any questions about our virtual classes, please just get in touch. 
Teach your puppy essential life-skills, strengthen your bond, socialise your puppy ​and avoid problems later in life with fun Puppy Classes with A Different Dog.
Good puppy training is not just about teaching your pup obedience cues ('commands').  If you want to have a well-behaved, confident and happy dog, it's vital to teach your puppy appropriate life-skills, just as we do with children.
The days of stuffy instructors, over-crowded classes, out-dated curricula and stressful assessments are over (or, at least they should be!).  We believe that dog training should be fun, bond-building and useful to real life.  
​Our in-person Puppy Course includes FREE access to our online Puppy Programme, worth £50!

CURRICULUM CONTENT

Our Puppy Training Course includes:
  • Exclusive access to more than 2.5 hrs of online content (videos + downloadable 1-page skill sheets)
  • 5 hour-long, small group classes*
  • ​Basic cues ('sit', 'down' etc)
  • Recall (coming when called)
  • Attentiveness to owner
  • Self control ('leave-it', 'wait', 'drop')​
  • ​Teaching your pup to settle/ relax
  • Confidence building
  • Handling and playing with your puppy 
  • Controlled greetings (not jumping up)
  • Puppy play (off-lead with other pups)*
  • Walking nicely on a lead (not pulling)
  • Tricks and games​
Once your puppy has completed this course, they can move on to develop their skills with our
​Teen/ Adult classes which are the perfect follow-on - please see here for more details.
​
A personalised certificate and the coveted 'A Different Dog' rosette is awarded on completion of the course*. 

* Only for in-person sessions.

PRAISE FOR OUR PUPPY CLASSES

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Before going to puppy classes, I had tried things at home but just couldn't quite get them right.  At classes every week, I (and my puppy) got each of the new skills from your explanation in the session.  The classes were excellent, relaxed and fun - we have loved it!

Sarah

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We have loved everything about our experience with A Different Dog.  It has changed our relationship with our puppy, we've met lovely people and we've loved learning about dog training!  We will absolutely recommend to friends.

Hanna and Rhodri

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We have just finished the Puppy Course.  Classes are kept small to ensure that full attention is given to every puppy and that each pup is involved.  We are definitely signing up for the next level.   Book ASAP... for a happy, trained pup you are proud of!'

Eileen

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A Different Dog was recommended by my vet.  The class size was great and we benefited from really passionate and experienced instructors.  The training exercises were varied and the additional online information was really helpful.  The classes have been enjoyable and really valuable - our puppy has come on masses since the start!

Carla

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I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Puppy Classes; we learned such a lot of important stuff.  I felt very secure in the class: the teaching was absolutely sound and you clearly have a very deep understanding of dogs and what makes them tick.

Carol

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​As complete puppy owner novices, we have been trained with patience, understanding and reassurance.... Puppy Classes with A Different Dog are a 'MUST'!

Karen

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We have loved your classes and loved getting to know the other puppies and their families.  Thank you once again for a great course and for today's party.
​We came away in high spirits; it was such fun!

Anne

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A Different Dog's online content has really complemented Puppy Training Course. It's an invaluable source of tools and techniques, including step by step guides and
​videos that help to reinforce the brilliant positive training approach.

Stephen

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Gretta is calm, pragmatic and truly loves dogs.  She understands the different breed temperaments and what 'works' with different dogs.  The videos and 'one-pagers' backing up the classes are great.  The course has been both reassuring and fun.

Diana and Steve

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​I love that the essence of A Different Dog's training approach is about building trust and a bond with your puppy.  Because of this, Yogi absolutely loves going to classes, has learned so much and is growing into a really lovely, well adjusted and well behaved dog.

Maya

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The instructions in class with Claire were easy to follow and there were great videos in the Online Training Programme to back up the learning we had done.  This has been an enjoyable way for the whole family to train, socialise and bond with our puppy.

Eamonn

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The training classes were very positive; we learned ways to train and how to train things we wouldn't have even thought of.  It was a friendly environment and we will definitely come back again when we get another puppy!

Amanda and Ben

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Everything on the Puppy Course with Claire was really useful.  It has been a such a positive experience for Winnie and myself - the perfect combination of teaching, experiencing, watching others and guidance, as needed. 

Irina

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We have loved every minute and now the puppy is (almost!) better trained than the children!  A very positive experience. 

Nick

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A friend recommended A Different Dog's puppy classes. Everything was well explained and demonstrated.  The classes were really informative. Claire (the trainer) and the assistants were attentive - they were happy to advise and provide help as needed.  We have loved all of it and would recommend to others. 

Sandra

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I loved the professional approach to training.  It was really positive to have a small group for the structured classes, brilliant online videos to support the sessions and our instructor, Gretta! I've been to other trainers with previous dogs and this was the best! 

Naomi

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​Claire is very knowledgeable and supportive in offering good advice.  We loved learning the techniques of rewarding positive behaviour and having the opportunity to develop our puppy's social skills. 

Suzanne

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A Different Dog was recommended by the local pet shop and this was also endorsed by our vet.  Good organisation, responsive, great videos and advice, professional and friendly.  All of it has been positive and I have already recommend to others. 

Sally

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We chose A Different Dog because of the great Google reviews.  We have really enjoyed the course and already recommended it to others.  All the help and advice with extra queries outside of the classes was appreciated and very positive too. 

Sarah

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We really appreciated the tailored, individual support and advice we were given with our puppy.  The classes were friendly and easy to follow and helped us not feel overwhelmed!  We would absolutely recommend... and already have!

Nicola and James

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The classes are a great pace, very friendly and relaxed.  The online content to go alongside the classes is also brilliant.   Our experience has been insightful, rewarding and invaluable.... we will definitely be back for more!

Emily

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Not only is everything clearly explained as to why you are doing things, it is also made a lot of fun.  Claire manages the class brilliantly and the hour flies by. 

Emma

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The puppy classes have been so supportive and helpful for us as new puppy owners.  We'd get pretty overwhelmed at home and then, each week, the day of the class would come along and it would all feel so much better!  

Julie

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This has been a great learning experience for us.  Having Gretta on hand for advice was invaluable and got us through our first few weeks as a puppy parent.  I would 100% recommend A Different Dog and have already done so.  Looking forward to the next level!

Lucy

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Monty really enjoyed all the classes. It gave us the confidence to fell like we are doing the right thing.  Gretta is really knowledgeable - we really liked her.  I would summarise our experience at the classes as: brilliant, enjoyable and very successful. 

Simone

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Gretta was fab!  I loved her sense of humour, tolerance, patience and the fact that I didn't feel judged.  I loved learning the small steps to get to a goal.  The classes were fun but informative. ​

Michele

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I chose these classes after doing some research and looking at the APDT website.  Recommendations from the local vet and pet shop reinforced that I had made a good choice.  The classes were informal, fun and friendly.  We learnt lots and feel more confident as doggy parents.  A Different Dog is a great team - we would recommend and look forward to continuing our training with them.

Nicola

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We have taken both of our cavalier puppies to training classes led by Claire and Dilnaz and the pups have loved attending. Their tails wag the moment they enter the room and realise it is training time. Everything is explained so clearly, the methodology is kind and reward-based and the instructors are lovely and encouraging.

Helen

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Claire was very engaging and knowledgeable: she gave great advice on any problems we were having.  It was good for the puppies to play together in a controlled environment. Overall, it was a really positive experience - I learned lots of tips to train and have fun with my dog.... we will definitely return for teen/ adult classes!

Naomi

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Thank you Gretta and the team for 5 weeks of valuable training for our new puppy. We found the sessions informative, helpful and fun. We made it a family event to ensure that we are all using the same commands and hearing the same message. You celebrate each dog for what they do well, whilst giving tips about what could be done even better. The graduation party and goodie bag was the perfect ending! Thank you.

Clare

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Just wanted to say how much we have enjoyed the classes with Dilnaz, we have learnt so much - he even did an immaculate Sit and Wait as I walked away from him in the tricks bit today, even with all the distractions of the other dogs... amazing!!

Honestly, I'm really impressed with the techniques you teach us, they're so kind and they work.  Dilnaz is so patient and helpful too.  I'm not worried any more about him being out of my control when he's fully grown and huge, it is possible for me to do this!

Philippa

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We chose A Different Dog becuase of the good reviews.  Everything about these classes was positive and we learned lots.  Dilnaz (the instructor) was friendly and there was a lovley, fun atmosphere. I would highly recommend.

Simon

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Dilnaz was a really great instructor who took the time to go through everything.  It was a well-paced, friendly and informative course with extra training materials to continue training at home. Our vet recommended A Different Dog and I would 100% recommend to others.

Harry

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Excellent professional training. 
This is my 4th puppy over the years and the best training classes I have encountered. 

Jill

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GOOD TO KNOW

A Different Dog's in-person Puppy Training Classes usually take place at three venues:

Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street (St Albans) - Tuesday evenings  (6:30-7:30pm)
St Julian's Church Hall,  Abbot's Avenue (St Albans) - Friday lunchtimes (11:45am-12:45pm)
Park Hall, Leyton Road (Harpenden) - Friday afternoons (1:45-2:45pm)
Colney Heath Village Hall (Colney Heath) - Sunday afternoons (various times - multiple classes)

Click on Book Now to find out the next available start date for your puppy training class.
Please note that the Puppy Course is only available to puppies up to 20 weeks of age at the start of the course.  
If your dog or puppy is older than this, get in touch and we will advise how we can help you.
Our online Puppy Programme (to which you have FREE access when enrolling on the in-person Puppy Course) consists of over 2.5 hours of online training and information videos with accompanying downloadable, one-page 'Skill-builder' sheets.  
You will have access to the online Pre-Course guidance as soon as you make your payment for classes so that you can get started before the classes even begin.  Then, throughout each week of the course, you will have access to a new page of videos covering everything that you were taught in class that week, as well as great bonus content.  
​Your access to the online programme will be available for one week after your final class. 
If you have any questions about your puppy's vaccination status, please see here for more information.
To book a place or to find out more, please contact us or click on 'book now'

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