FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Getting Started & Eligibility

  • In most cases, yes.
    All adult dogs and behavioural cases begin with a Behavioural Assessment.

    Exception:
    Puppies under 6 months of age do not require an assessment and enter training directly through Training Foundations.

  • At this age, most puppies:

    • are still developing emotionally and behaviourally

    • have not yet formed entrenched behaviour patterns

    • benefit most from early structure and guidance, rather than problem‑focused assessment

    For young puppies, Training Foundations functions as both:

    • education for the owner

    • preventative training for the dog

    This allows clarity and structure to be built before issues develop.

    • A behavioural assessment is required if:

      • the puppy is 6 months or older

      • there are significant behavioural concerns (e.g. severe fear, repeated aggression, extreme reactivity)

      • safety, risk, or suitability needs to be assessed before training

      If you’re unsure, guidance will be provided toward the correct starting point.

  • Bookings are made online.

    • Puppies under 6 months: book Training Foundations

    • All other dogs: book a Behavioural Assessment

    If you’re unsure, a brief enquiry is welcome before booking.

  • You don’t need to decide this upfront.

    Pathways are determined after:

    • the Behavioural Assessment (or Foundations for young puppies)

    • Training Foundations

    • a progress review

    Some dogs require further training.
    Others do not.

    The goal is clarity, not commitment.

Training Structure & Process

  • All training flows through Training Foundations.

    Foundations:

    • are not problem-specific

    • establish communication, structure, and handling skills

    • create a shared baseline for all future training

    At the final Foundations session, progress is reviewed and the most appropriate next step is agreed on and if further training is needed at all.

  • Training Foundations are a structured 6-session block that focuses on:

    • clear communication and marker systems

    • reinforcement access and motivation

    • leash mechanics and handling skills

    • arousal regulation and management

    • owner education and consistency

    For puppies, this stage also:

    • supports confidence development

    • introduces appropriate structure and boundaries

    • reduces the likelihood of future reactivity or anxiety

  • No.

    Training Foundations are required for:

    • puppies

    • reactivity cases

    • obedience training

    • behaviour modification

    • real-world reliability work

    They ensure training is consistent, ethical, effective and not piecemeal.

  • There is no fixed timeline.

    Some dogs require:

    • only Training Foundations

    Others benefit from:

    • additional blocks

    • staged progression

    • occasional ongoing support

    Training continues only while it adds value.

Pricing, Sessions & Ongoing Support

  • Only in specific circumstances.

    Single sessions are appropriate when:

    • owners are largely independent

    • skills are already established

    • the focus is refinement, proofing, or troubleshooting

    If progress depends on continuity, training is booked in blocks.

  • All post-Foundation training is charged at a single, consistent session rate.

    Blocks exist for structure and continuity, not for discounts.

    This keeps pricing transparent and avoids penalising owners who become independent more quickly.

  • Structured blocks are offered where appropriate, but:

    • no artificial discounts

    • no forced weekly training

    • no pressure-based packages

    Occasionally, limited discounts may be offered to members within the Candid Members section.

    Membership is a voluntary sign-up designed to reward ongoing commitment and engagement. Any member-only offers are optional, time-limited, and never required to access training.

    Training continues only when it serves a clear purpose.

Behaviour & Training Approach

  • Yes.

    This includes dogs showing:

    • fear-based reactivity

    • leash reactivity

    • frustration

    • aggression toward dogs or people

    All reactive cases follow a structured, safety-focused process.

  • Training is balanced and evidence-based, tailored to the individual dog and owner.

    This includes:

    • reinforcement-based learning

    • clear communication and feedback

    • appropriate management and consequences

    • a strong focus on understanding behaviour

    Training is adaptive, not ideological.

  • No, and no ethical trainer should.

    Behaviour change depends on:

    • owner implementation

    • consistency outside sessions

    • the dog’s learning history and environment

    What is guaranteed:

    • clear instruction

    • honest feedback

    • realistic expectations

    • structured progression

Practical Details

  • All training begins in your home.

    Starting in the home allows:

    • assessment of the dog in their normal environment

    • clearer understanding of day-to-day routines and management

    • coaching owners where behaviour actually occurs

    As training progresses, sessions may then move into:

    • public spaces

    • real-world environments relevant to your goals

    There is no fixed training facility.

Most questions are answered clearly during the first session, whether that’s an assessment or Training Foundations.