Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right training for your dog isn't always straightforward. We've answered the questions we're asked most often below.

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How Can We Help?

You might be wondering which class is most suitable, whether your dog would benefit from one-to-one training, how much training costs or simply where to start. We've answered some of the questions we're asked most often below. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please get in touch. Tell us a little about your dog and what you'd like help with and we'll point you in the right direction.

General Dog Training Questions

  • A Companion dog is any dog of any breed from any of the seven groups of breeds whether small, standard, or large, that you own as a pet dog that lives with you. That's within the Gundog, Hound, Terrier, Toy, Utility, Herding and Working groups and let's not forget the crossed mixed breeds, or 'Heinz 57' which fall outside of these 7 groups.

    Usually small dogs from the Toy group are classified as lap dogs or companion dogs but whether your dog is coming from a show line or a working line, a street dog from Greece, a rescue from Romania. They are your friends, your companions. These are the types of dogs Sunnie is qualified and experienced to train as an accredited Kennel Club Instructor - KCAI and as a Pet Dog Training Instructor – PDTI.

  • Owners need to understand what Responsible Dog Ownership actually means with the understanding of healthcare, training, UK laws, PSPO's regulations and breeding when having a dog as a companion pet or assistance dog.

  • rchway Dogs offers a range of training options including:

    If you're unsure which option is right for you, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

  • It depends on your dog's age, previous training, behaviour and what you'd like to achieve.

    A puppy learning the basics, with distractions will have very different needs from an adolescent dog struggling with behavioural juvenile issues. Equally, some issues are better addressed individually rather than in a group class.

    If you're not sure, don't worry about choosing the "right" service before contacting us. Tell us what's happening and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.

    If at any stage of an assessment, in training as a 1:1, or within a group class, if the behaviours are beyond our knowledge, we will refer you to a behavioural specialist or other trainer with more experience in that area.

  • No. Archway Dogs works with dogs at different stages of their lives, from puppies learning their first fundamental skills through to older dogs and owners who need help with a particular training or behavioural issue.

  • Training methods focus on positive reinforcement, with vocal praise, toys or food rewards. Sometimes, clicker training is used to reinforce skills being taught. Every dog is an individual, so training needs to take account of the dog's age, breed, experience, home environment and behaviour.

    The training approach is focused on helping owners understand how their dog sees their world. Communication is built on hand, body and voice signals, so that whether close by or at a distance, the dog understands the commands and performs the practical skills that can be applied in everyday life. The aim is not to create an obedient robotic animal that becomes afraid to exhibit normal natural behaviours.

    Training is a 2 way street, the dog must be respected and loved as a sentient being with their own characteristics by their owner.

    Training isn't simply about getting a dog to perform an exercise during a class. The aim is to give owners the knowledge and confidence to continue making progress outside the training environment within their own homes, to generalise the dogs' behaviour in many different locations, to be steady and calm, whether out on walks, in parks or wherever you need to take your dog in life.

  • Good canine socialisation is teaching your dog to be calm and non-reactive in as many situations as possible i.e. meeting other dogs, people and children, traveling on public transport, or coping with sudden loud bangs and Fireworks.

Classes & Courses

  • Our Puppy, Juvenile, Agility, Gundog and Obedience training classes run as six-week courses.

  • All six-week training courses are £150. This includes Puppy, Juvenile Level 1, Agility, Gundog and Obedience courses.

  • It depends on the class and the dogs' previous training.

    If you're unsure whether your dog's experience or current level is suitable, contact us before booking. We can advise whether the course you're considering is appropriate or suggest an alternative.

Puppy Training

  • Training starts from the moment your puppy comes home.

    Usually owners are focused on emotional bonding, toilet training, crate training, sleep and play routines, the correct food and feeding routines, exercise and family 'pack' social interactions.

    All puppies must have had their health checks and vaccinations, and their vet has declared them safe to interact with other puppies before joining a class.

    Some puppies are too young to join at 3 months of age, leaving it until 4 months can be a better decision with some companion breeds. Whilst puppies from a working line often take quickly to puppy classes from an earlier age of 12-16 weeks, and thoroughly enjoy it!

  • The puppy course is based on the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme with extended parts into Level 1 or Bronze. You and your puppy in training will cover fundamental everyday skills such as the importance of eye contact, puppy recall, loose lead walking, settling in class, fundamental hand signals or cues, the importance of play to build confidence within an appropriate space for socialisation. The importance of coat care and grooming and getting your pup used to being examined physically by a vet or other professional.

    Just as importantly, you'll learn how to continue reinforcing those behaviours at home.

  • These are all common puppy behaviours, the reasons behind them and the best response can vary. These common behaviourisms can be nipped in the bud and usually fade with consistent training.

    Classes can help you better understand and manage your puppy's behaviour. If there's a particular issue that requires more individual attention, we may recommend combining classes with a one-to-one session.

Juvenile Dog Training

  • Puppy training establishes the foundations.

    Juvenile training helps you continue building those skills as your dog enters adolescence – a stage when dogs can become more independent, easily distracted and seemingly rather selective about everything they've previously learned.

    It's completely normal, but continuing training during this period is vital.

  • It certainly can be. Inconsistency of owners applying the correct training on a daily basis can be a reason.

    Hormones can also bring changes in confidence and responsiveness. Behaviours that seemed reliable as a puppy can become unreliable when a pup becomes sexually active with testosterone or estrogen.

    Juvenile training is designed to help owners continue developing skills rather than assuming their previous training has somehow failed. It hasn't, it's just a stage of development, and a lot of owners tend to give up at this point.

  • Possibly, but a group class isn't automatically the right environment for every dog initially.

    Please speak to us first and explain your dog's behaviour. We'll consider the individual circumstances and advise whether a group class, one-to-one session or another form of training would be more suitable.

    The safety and wellbeing of your dog, other dogs and their owners will always come first. You may be asked to muzzle your dog for the safety of others.

One-to-One Training

  • Yes. Archway Dogs offers one-to-one training and home visits for owners who would benefit from more individual support. Each session lasts for an hour to an hour and a half depending on the breed and age of the dog and the issues arising.

  • The current price is £60 per session. From September 2026, the price will be £75 per session.

  • Yes.

    If you book and pay for a six-week course and one-to-one home visit together, you receive a £10 discount. The current combined price is £200. From September 2026, the combined price will be £215.

  • One-to-one training can be particularly useful when there's a specific behaviour you'd like to work on, when the issue occurs primarily at home, whilst out on walks or when a group environment isn't appropriate for your dog.

    One to One training allows the opportunity to focus entirely on you and your dog.

Agility & Gundog Training

  • Yes. Archway Dogs offers a six-week Level 1 and 2 Agility Training course costing £150. We work with Jumps at KC heights, Tunnels, Weaves, Tyre and Hooper's with an 8ft Seesaw. All dogs taking part in agility must be over 1 year of age, be physically healthy with no issues to joints or limbs. If you're unsure whether agility is appropriate for your dog, consult your vet and speak with us before booking. Dogs with long vertebra and short legs such as Dachshunds are not suitable for agility.

  • Yes. Gundog Training is taught at Level 1 and 2, fundamental obedience skills up to Bronze level need to be in place before training the outdoor skills of Gundog. Owners can go on to take their Gundog Working Tests at Level 1 & 2 with a Kennel Club examiner or gundog club.

    Gundog training is offered as One to One or small group classes available as a six-week course for £150.

    We work with dummies on Retrieves to hand on land and in water, Whistle work for Recall & Stops, Walking off lead to heel, Stays and Stop at a distance and flushing in woodland and long grass.

  • Not really, most dogs can learn elements of gundog training as part of their outdoor activities on walks, in play and obedience. Gundog training is particularly helpful if your dog has a prey drive. If you're interested in gundog training but aren't sure whether your dog is suitable, contact us.

    Gundog training can provide valuable mental and physical engagement for suitable dogs even when they're not going to work in the field.

Dog Walking, Train & Socialisation

  • Not at this time. I will consider walking a dog that has attended our puppy classes as a one off or in an emergency. This used to be an offered service but the focus is now on offering socialisation training as part of a small pack walk.

    Dog walking is currently charged at £30 per dog, per session.

    Availability and suitability need to be discussed before a new dog joins an existing walking group.

  • NO.

  • The owner and their dog joins a small established pack from 1 to 4 dogs for 1–2 hours, creating an opportunity to look at any issues such as reactivity with their dog in a more controlled social environment.

    The temperament, behaviour and needs of the individual dog and how they'll fit within an existing pack must be considered.

    The priority is creating a safe, manageable pack, that will have a positive impact on your dog rather than simply putting as many dogs as possible together.

    Walk & Train Socialisation is designed for suitable dogs that may benefit from carefully managed exposure to a small walking group.

    Your dog may have to wear a muzzle and be exercised on a trailing lead.

  • These sessions are offered on Fridays or at weekends and cost £40 per session.

  • No.

    Your dog needs to be assessed first with a 1:1 training session. There are important safety, behavioural and insurance considerations, so we need to understand your dog's individual circumstances before agreeing that the service is appropriate.

    Please contact us first rather than booking without discussing your dog.

Booking & Getting Started

  • The easiest way to start is to get in touch with Archway Dogs via an email and tell us:

    • Your dog's name and age

    • Their breed

    • What training they've had previously, unless puppy

    • What you'd like help with

    • Which service you're interested in, if you already know

    If you're unsure which service you need, that's absolutely fine.

  • You don't need to diagnose the problem or choose a course before speaking to us.

    Simply explain what's happening and what you'd like to achieve, and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.

  • Current and upcoming course information will be published on the Archway Dogs website.

  • If your question isn't covered here, please get in touch via email, with your phone number so that a discussion can be had. We'd much rather you ask than book something that isn't right for you or your dog.

  • No.

    Your dog needs to be assessed first with a 1:1 training session. There are important safety, behavioural and insurance considerations, so we need to understand your dog's individual circumstances before agreeing that the service is appropriate.

    Please contact us first rather than booking without discussing your dog.