Workshops

Three-hour, stand-alone sessions with a clear focus. No waffle. No pressure. Just practical, outdoor training that works in the real world.
Each workshop covers a single topic, so you can pick what matters to you. Come to one or come to all.

Small groups only — max 4 dogs per session.
For dogs 6 months and older.

Tuesday evenings 6 - 9pm at Stone Village Hall, Stone, GL11 9LR

18th November

The Art of Doing Nothing

Your dog doesn’t need more chaos. They need to know how to switch off — and be okay with it.

This workshop is about helping your dog settle and stay calm around distractions. We’ll teach them how to relax without needing 47 reminders.

We’ll cover:

  • Teaching a proper settle

  • Switching from movement to stillness without drama

  • Working calmly around dogs, people and movement

  • What to do when your dog just won’t chill

  • Rewarding calm without waking the beast

  • Building duration without nagging

  • Relaxing on-lead and off

Ideal for:
Dogs who can’t sit still, get overexcited in new places, or just don’t know when to stop. Also great if you’d like to one day enjoy a beer garden without hosting a meltdown.

2nd December

Watch First, Train Later
(Sarah Fishers Free Work)

Based on Sarah Fisher’s ACE Free Work

Slow down. Drop the pressure. Let your dog show you who they are.

This session uses Free Work - a structured, low-pressure approach to watching instead of rushing into training. You’ll learn more from observation than weeks of saying “leave it”.

We’ll cover:

  • How to set up a Free Work space

  • Observing posture, movement and sensory preferences

  • Spotting signs of stress and over-arousal

  • What real choice looks like

  • Reducing pressure and building confidence

  • Adapting your training to fit your dog

Perfect for:
Nervous, excitable, shut-down, overwhelmed or misunderstood dogs. Also great for owners who want to stop guessing and start noticing.

No drills. No lectures. Just time, space and a better understanding of your dog.

9th December

Gundog Games at Home

No fields? No problem. Bring gundog-style training into your living room, garden or that scruffy patch of grass outside.

This workshop is about using your dog’s brain - even when you can’t get out properly. It’s fun, practical and keeps your dog sane when the weather (or your mood) says no.

We’ll cover:

  • Retrieving games in small spaces

  • Hunting and searching for toys or food

  • Staying calm between games

  • Quick-fire sessions that burn brain energy

  • Making use of everyday household stuff

  • How to keep it fun without losing your mind

Who it’s for:

  • Dogs 6 months+ who love using their nose or mouth

  • People without access to big open spaces

  • Dogs who need more mental work but get easily overstimulated

  • Anyone prepping for gundog-style training

  • Perfect for rainy days, post-op dogs, or when you just can’t be arsed with the weather

You’ll leave with a toolkit of games and a dog who’s tired in the right way.

  • Not at all. Each workshop is standalone and tailored to the group. You don’t need any experience, just a dog who’s at least 6 months old.

  • No fancy kit required.

    Bring your usual lead, harness, some tasty food rewards, and a toy if your dog likes one.

    If a workshop needs anything extra, I’ll tell you beforehand.

  • That’s fine.

    Groups are capped at 4 dogs, so it’s not chaos. We’ll give everyone space and support. If your dog struggles with big classes, this is perfect.

  • The venue is indoors and outdoors. So I will plan sessions accordingly.

    If it’s genuinely unsafe (think storms, ice, or a heatwave), I’ll reschedule.

  • Yes.

    Each session covers a different topic, so you can mix and match or do them all. There’s no repeating the same material.

  • Nope.

    Just kind, science-based training with food, toys, and real-life rewards.

  • Currently, dates are on pause — but fear not!

    You can express interest now and be the first to hear when we open the next set of spaces. Just send us a woof (or an email) and we’ll pop you on the waitlist.

  • Yes, if they’re old enough to listen and not run laps during the session.

    Under-16s need an adult with them.

  • No.

    But they’ll get better at being their imperfect selves, and you’ll both enjoy the process more.

    1. Dog safety comes first. Always.
      If the Met Office says the weather is going to be so hot it could fry an egg on a Labrador (red or amber warning, or forecast above 28°C), your class will be cancelled faster than you can say “sizzling sausage”.

    2. Why the panic?
      Because this is Britain. We're not built for 30°C, and neither are your dogs. Most of them arrive in toasty metal boxes with no air-con, then get plonked in a sun trap and told to perform tricks. That’s not training. That’s a slow bake. And we're not into dog-flambé.

    3. What happens when your class gets the chop?
      If class is cancelled due to the impending fireball in the sky, and I can’t reschedule because I’m off gallivanting (also known as “annual leave”), you’ll get an online version of the session instead. Yes, it's not the same as rolling in the grass with your pup, but it's the next best thing.

    You’ll receive:

    • A short video guide (with my dulcet tones) explaining what to do

    • Written step-by-step instructions

    • The option to pester me by email or message if you get stuck

    1. No refunds, no sulking
      This isn’t anyone’s fault, unless you personally control the weather (in which case, we need to have a word). The replacement content covers what you miss, so no refunds will be handed out. Even if you do your best sad face.

    2. By booking a class, you agree to this policy.
      That means when the sky turns into a furnace, you won’t complain about missing your in-person session. You’ll pour yourself a cool drink, watch the online guide, and thank your past self for choosing a trainer who doesn’t cook dogs.

Fancy Hosting a Workshop? Private Hire for Trainers, Clubs & Chaos Coordinators

Got a group of like-minded dog people? Run a training club, rescue, or just know six people desperate for help with socks, spaniels, or sensibly walking their overexcitable sniff-monster?

You can hire me to run a private workshop - tailored to your group’s needs, space, and sense of humour.

Perfect for:

  • Dog trainers who want a guest specialist with a fresh (and slightly silly) take

  • Rescues and rehoming centres looking to support adopters

  • Groups of dog guardians who learn best in good company

  • Anyone who’s got access to a secure space and a shared love of dogs and biscuits

Options include:

  • The Ministry of Sensible Walking (long lines, loose leads, and dignity intact)

  • Recall, Retrieve & Revelry (sniffy gundog games for the pet dog masses)

  • Or something bespoke—we can build it around your crew

Price:
From £650 for a full-day workshop (up to 6 dogs).
Travel extra if you’re far-flung or surrounded by moats.

Get in Touch to Host a Workshop

Bring the field, bring the people. I’ll bring the long lines, props, and enthusiasm that probably should be rationed.