Suitable for dogs approximately 6–15 months of age.

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Adolescence is one of the biggest stages of change your dog will experience.

Has your dog suddenly lost their listening ears?

One day they're listening beautifully… the next it's as though they've developed selective hearing and forgotten everything you've taught them!

If this sounds familiar, don't worry. You're certainly not alone.

My Adolescent Course is designed to help you understand what is happening during this important stage of development and give you the knowledge and practical skills to guide your dog through it successfully.

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Why choose an Adolescent Course?

Owners join this course for many different reasons. Some are wondering where their lovely puppy has gone. Others are struggling with pulling on the lead, over-excitement, frustration or a teenage dog that suddenly seems to question everything.
Learning as part of a small group is incredibly reassuring because you'll quickly realise you're not the only one experiencing these challenges. You'll have the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and learn alongside other owners whose dogs are going through exactly the same stage.
You'll also become part of a supportive community of owners navigating the same challenges, celebrating successes and encouraging one another along the way.
For your dog, the group environment provides carefully managed opportunities to develop focus, self-control and good decision-making around real-life distractions.

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Does any of this sound familiar?

One minute your dog walks beautifully beside you…

...the next they're pulling as though they're leading an expedition to the North Pole!

Yesterday they came back the first time you called.

Today… it's as though they've suddenly developed selective hearing!

One minute they're calm and sensible.

The next they're behaving like a toddler mixed with a teenager… strapped to a rocket! 

If you've found yourself saying, "I know they know it… they're just choosing not to do it!" ...welcome to adolescence.

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What's actually happening?

The good news is that your dog hasn't forgotten everything you've taught them.
During adolescence, confidence grows, curiosity explodes, excitement becomes harder to manage and impulse control temporarily takes a holiday.
This is also the stage where many dogs begin asking: "Why should I?"
It's completely normal. The important thing is understanding why it's happening and knowing how to guide your dog through it.

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The First Session is for Owners Only

The first session takes place without the dogs. Before beginning practical training, we'll explore what adolescence looks like, why behaviour changes, manners and respect, boundaries, consistency and my ASK–TELL communication system. Meeting without the dogs allows everyone to relax, concentrate, ask questions and get to know one another before practical training begins.

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Where Your Dog Will Learn

One of the many benefits of training with New Beginnings is access to my own dedicated indoor training facilities, allowing sessions to continue whatever the weather. Where appropriate, we'll also use carefully selected outdoor environments to begin putting your new skills into practice in real-life situations.

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How the Course Works

• 4 weekly sessions.

• Session 1 – Owner-only education session.

• Sessions 2–4 – Practical training with your dogs.

• Maximum of 4 dogs.

• Homework throughout the course.

• Dedicated Course Bubble WhatsApp Group.

• The Course Bubble also provides somewhere to ask questions, share progress and support one another between sessions.

• Ongoing support.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog is reactive. Can they still attend?

In all but extreme cases yes as being reactive is a common behaviour in this life stage.  Every dog is different. The owner-only first session allows us to build understanding before the dogs attend, and every practical session is carefully managed. 

If you are not sure - contact me.

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What if I miss a session?

Please let me know via your dedicated Course Bubble WhatsApp Group. Where possible I'll try to rearrange to another day/time that is mutually agreeable with everyone else on the Course,  in an effort to keep the group together.  

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Course Objective

By the end of the course, my aim is for owners to leave saying:
"I've got their listening ears back again!"
Not because your dog has been forced to obey, but because together you'll better understand one another. You'll have strengthened your relationship, improved communication and given your dog the guidance they need to make better choices as they continue into adulthood.

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Course Fee

£100

• 4 weekly sessions

• Owner-only education session

• Maximum of 4 dogs

• Homework

• Dedicated Course Bubble WhatsApp Group

• Ongoing support

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