Learning About Dogs

LADs FAQs

Can I bring more than one dog?

Yes. Each session is best enjoyed by one dog at a time. If you are joining the Lifeskills class you make take Bruno for the lead walking session, but swap to Sheila for the Greeting and Meeting session. If you want both dogs to train at the same time, you will need to bring a second person and book 2 places.

Is my partner able to come too?

We encourage partners to come and participate in the training. You only pay for one dog place, but two people can train the one dog. If you partner simply wants to read the paper or take a snooze - no problem, we also have great pubs nearby.

Do I need to bring lunch for workshops?

Yes. We provide lashing of tea and coffee, but have no additional catering facilities. There is a CostCutter shop at the end of the road in the village, which carries sandwishes and usual snacks.

For those on the week course we can arrange for a picnic lunch to br delivered. This is £5 per person per day.

How many dogs will be on the workshop?

It depends on which workshop you attend. LifeSkills workshops can be up to 12 dogs and handlers. We allocate no more than 6 dogs per trainer. Some dogs will train outdoors or practice their recall and walk training whilst some are indoors.

For classes where the dogs require more individual attention we limit the numbers.

For “Discover” workshops there may be up to 16 handlers and dogs, with one lead Teachers and several assistant teachers and demonstrators.

Does my dog need up to date vaccinations to attend a workshop?

Vaccination is a personal choice. We recommend all pups are vaccinated before coming to class, but it is not a class requirement.

When will I receive confirmation of my booking?

When you book online you are sent a confirmation of your booking immediately. We will confirm this 2 weeks before the workshops. In certian circumstances we do not fill all the places for a workshop we will let you know 10 days before and offer you a refund or transfer to another workshop.

Can I just pay on the day for a workshop?

Yes, for evening classes only All other workshops are booked in advance.

My dog is old, will there be plenty of breaks for him?

You can take you dog in and out of the Barn as often as you like. If you feel the dog needs a rest, you can snuggle them into their own bed by your side in the Barn, or pop them into the car for a rest.

Is the barn accessible by wheelchair?

We have wheelchair access to the barn, but no wheelchair accessible toilets at present.

Secondhand and Rescue Dogs

We welcome all types of dogs whatever their background. We want the dog to be as comfortable as posssible in their learning environment. Some dogs will find this too stressful and we recommend Private Training.

Siblings. Two pups from the same litter

Very welcome to join the same puppy class, although they will be trained as individuals. If they live in the same house, then we recommend you start training as soon as possible - you’ll need it!

Private Training

Some dogs will be stressed coming into a new environment and coping with the company of other dogs and people. Private training can be arranged. This begins with an assessment session of 90 minutes (£45), followed by a recommended training schedule of a minimum of 4 one hour lessons (£95).

Where possible these dogs will be integrated into workshops, and may continue to have one to one tuition.