TOP DOG Hertfordshire Training School

25/06/2025

We are away on a fabulous Dog Cognition course for a couple of days so please bear with us if you have sent an enquiry or called us. Thank you

01/06/2025

Our first dog show of the year in Breachwood Green this Saturday. A fun family day out ☺️

30/05/2025

When one has the privilege of getting a puppy, it is important to realise that from the moment the puppy arrives, the countdown begins. Countdown? To what?The countdown to the relatively small window of opportunity to develop good habits, set the tone for future behaviours and to prevent bad habits creeping in. Puppies learn, fast! That means good and bad 😱
Between your puppy arriving and being able to starting puppy classes there could be 5 whole weeks…. That’s over a month of wasted opportunities because teaching a puppy ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ in the kitchen isn’t going to achieve much (let’s face it, they can learn that anytime).
For this reason and to give you and your puppy a headstart, we offer puppy training home visits 🐾🐾 amongst other topics we will cover with you: getting the basics right, playing with your puppy constructively, preventing separation anxiety, building resilience and confidence, nutrition, how to safely tire your puppy out rather than relying on overly exercising them. All this tailored to your personal circumstances and lifestyle. 🐾🐾

28/05/2025

I have often been asked about steps or ramps for senior dogs. Our friend Claire mentioned these so I thought I would share with you all

05/05/2025

When one is privileged to have a puppy and in many ways a blank canvas, time is of the essence when it comes to walking on a loose lead, developing neutrality and calmness around people of all ages, dogs, animals, shops and busy environments (particularly if you live in a very quiet area). Every feeding time is an opportunity to expose your puppy to different environments whilst keeping focus on the job at hand. It’s day 4 of being allowed out and about on the floor and it’s a race against time to learn how to do it right so we have as little as possible to correct over time. Training started at home from 8 weeks, exposure in arms (or in a sling or buggy) started at the same time and now we’re expanding the environments in which training takes place.

30/04/2025

Some very good advice from Maria… I’ll add to this that this process isn’t necessarily limited to reactive dogs. If you can’t keep a connection going on the road just outside your home it is unlikely you will keep it further afield

01/03/2025

Our handlers had a beautiful treat this morning as well as a good distraction to work with… a lovely herd of deer running across the fields

23/02/2025

18/02/2025

My trainer friend Ru Be At One Dog Training and I had a very interesting conversation and we covered a few things, namely:
- using tools (for management and behaviour modification)
- creating boundaries to make dogs feel safe
- how being our dogs’ mentor and guide can help relieve them of anxiety
- the dangers of perpetuating the ‘he’s a rescue/he’s been through a lot’ by our own thoughts and actions
- the long term cost to the dog when NOT addressing potential issues
- dogs’ real needs (no, it’s not fluffy jackets, puzzles or doggy daycare)

This was our first episode and we will cover more topics next month!

13/01/2025

New starters scentwork workshop coming up soon, limited places available and no experience necessary!
Come and give it a go, find out more and tire your dog out 👍 Using their nose to guide the way to the hidden scent 🐶
A workshop purely for beginners that will send you home with the skills to be able to get your dog to head towards detecting the scent 😀

17/11/2024

If you would like to try a new activity with your dog to build a better bond, mentally tire them and have lots of fun at the same time come and give the next mantrailing introduction course a go!

We will be in Silsoe on Saturday 23rd November or Harlington on Friday 13th December ready to start your journey!

This is suitable for all dogs, all breeds, all ages!

A really lovely activity to enjoy with your dog and build your bond together!

A great, all inclusive activity to try, and don't worry, there is no running involved!!

👍 Reactive dogs with dogs or people - no problem just contact me so I can explain how we suit your dogs needs.
👍Dogs that have no experience or other training - no problem!
👍 Dogs of all ages.
👍 Any breeds.
👍 Lots of fun and a lovely certificate of achievement at the end 😀