Sarah Clarke BSc Hons RVN Dog Trainer

30/06/2025

9 years I’ve been running classes at Byfield village hall and tonight I locked the doors for the very last time. Thank you to each and every one of you who over the years have supported me by attending classes (some of you with multiple dogs), shared my posts, recommended me. I have loved every single minute of it, getting to know you all and your wonderful dogs. What better way to sign out on such a hot day than with a video of my boys cooling off in the river close to their new home. Please stay in touch and thank you from the bottom of my heart

20/06/2025

Just checking they know their names on this mornings dog walk. They should all respond individually to their own name as walking 3 I need them all to be listening. Please note I don’t recall my dogs using their name I use a whistle however if they choose to come back and check in happy days!

03/06/2025

Both exciting and sad news… Unfortunately I’m unable to take on any more clients for classes at Byfield village hall as I’m moving back to the north west!
However I have availability for weekday 1-2-1’s in Staverton until the end of June.
For those who follow my page I will potentially look to offer 1-2-1 training back north from September onwards so watch this space 👀👀

02/06/2025

So incredibly proud of Rune tonight, I know my foundations work and I wholeheartedly believe in what I do, however it’s always nerve wracking the first time my puppies attend one of my group classes. Rune behaved like a pro, perfect eye contact, great heel work and text book recall. Absolute legend at only 13.5 weeks old!

29/05/2025

Rune mastering his wait and responding to name only, the big boys showing him how it’s done. Over the next couple of weeks I will work on him being called second and then last. Knowing and responding to their own name is really essential for being able to attract your dogs attention when needed and the foundation to many commands.

13/05/2025

Absolutely love this! It’s ok to set boundaries and say no.

The next time you’re told never to say “No” to your dog.
Just consider how many times your dog has “said no” to you!!
“No” to coming back when called
“No” to coming back into the house from the garden
“No” to stopping barking at passers by
Everytime you ask them to do something and they don’t - they’re saying NO to you 😆😆

How is it nowadays owners have become so permissive with their dogs that they cannot say no but the dog can?? 😆😆😆

12/05/2025

‘Rune’ 10 weeks old and nailing his recall. Another 3 weeks before he can go out but I like to have their sit, recall and lead work solid and confident before they enter the big wide world.

29/04/2025

Body language is amazing but so is the reassurance a dog gets from their owner. Solly wasn’t overly happy about new recruit Rune climbing all over him which is clear to see from his body language. He’s looking to me for reassurance, should he tell him off, should he get up and move or should he carry on as he is not engaging or would I step in to help him? In this case as Rune wasn’t being particularly annoying just a puppy testing and exploring his new friends I left them to it. After 30 seconds Rune gave up due to zero engagement from Solly and took himself off for a nap. Controlled and supervised socialisation with well rounded dogs at this age is so important as the learn how to communicate effectively. The worst thing for puppies and young dogs is uncontrolled socialisation and play where nobody knows when to step in and shut it down. Many ‘well socialised’ dogs and I use that term loosely become reactive often as a surprise to their owner because they have been allowed to play and harass other dogs with no clear consequences or instruction. This leads to resource guarding behaviours, reactivity, mounting/humping, poor recall with distractions and a whole host of other issues. To add Rune is only 8 weeks old and has only been here 3 days but already understands what is acceptable and what isn’t.

26/04/2025

Welcome to the family! No name yet…

19/02/2025

Classes available at Byfield village hall on Monday evenings. Both 6:30pn and 7:30pm mixed age and ability groups covering how to teach all your essential commands and good manners in a positive and friendly environment with like minded dog owners. Classes are £70 for a 4 week course.

1-2-1 training also available at weekends in Staverton village nr Daventry. £40 for an hours session. 1-2-1 classes are most beneficial for recall training and learning to behave appropriately around other dogs when on a walk.

Please message me for more details or to book.

Training classes for puppies, adolescents and adult dogs
1-2-1 training also available

03/01/2025

New Year’s resolution to spend more time with your dog? Maybe fix some of the bad habits they (or you) might have? Or new puppy and want to start off on the right foot?

Why not join our fun, mixed ability, mixed age group training classes? I relaxed no pressure environment for you and your dog to learn together in a safe space with no judgement.

Classes are Monday evenings at Byfield village hall, please message me if you would like more details or to book onto a class. I have both 6:30pm or 7:30pm slots available.

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas to all my clients old and new! Thank you as always for your continued support and trusting me to guide you and your dog through your training journey.

Classes will resume on the 6th of January and I can’t wait to see you all in the new year.

I have space available in the 7:30pm class only from January. Please let me know if you would like to book a space or more information.