Training & Behaviour

I support dogs and their owners with both training and behaviour work, using kind, force-free methods. While I work with dogs of all ages, my expertise lies in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of younger dogs, helping them build confidence, social skills, and appropriate behaviours as they mature.

Training focuses on teaching your dog new skills and behaviours—such as walking on a loose lead, coming back when called, or learning basic cues. Behaviour work addresses your dog’s emotional responses to different situations. This may include managing reactivity or separation anxiety, which are particularly common during adolescence.

I offer both in-person and online sessions, and there is no difference in the quality or content of the training. Whether you’re working with me face-to-face or remotely, you’ll receive the same expert guidance, tailored support, and practical training plans.

I work with clients all over the UK and even internationally—I have clients as far away as Arizona! No matter where you are, I can help you and your dog navigate training and behaviour challenges effectively.

Puppies

Puppies are my bread and butter—there’s nothing a puppy can throw at me that I haven’t seen before! The beauty of working with puppies is that it’s all about preventing unwanted behaviours rather than fixing them later. It’s far easier (and kinder) to guide a puppy in the right direction from the start than to try and undo problematic habits once they’re established. Practise makes permanent, so setting puppies up for success from day one makes life smoother for everyone.

Training and behaviour go hand in hand. Every puppy is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My focus areas include:

Puppy Sleep & Nighttime Routine – Puppies need up to 20 hours of sleep per day. If they’re not sleeping, you’re not sleeping! Sleep deprivation makes everything harder, so we’ll set up a routine that ensures your puppy gets the rest they need—because overtired puppies struggle with everything else.
Socialisation & Habituation – This is the most critical period in your puppy’s life, shaping their confidence and reactions for years to come. Socialisation isn’t just about meeting lots of people and dogs—it’s about careful, positive exposure to the world, starting the day you bring them home.
Diet & Nutrition – Choosing the right food for your puppy can feel overwhelming, with so much misleading branding in the pet food industry. I’ll help you navigate your options to find the best diet for both you and your pup.
Enrichment – Puppies need more than just physical exercise. We’ll explore activities that meet all of their needs, providing outlets that calm rather than overstimulate.
Toilet Training – A step-by-step plan to teach your puppy where to potty.
Separation Confidence – Helping your puppy feel safe and secure when left alone, reducing stress and preventing separation-related issues.
Managing Biting – If you’ve been told to just redirect onto a toy… you’ll soon find that’s not enough! I’ll show you what actually works.
Confidence & Relationship Building – Puppies arrive in our homes after a huge transition—they’ve left everything they’ve ever known. My priority is making sure they feel safe and secure, building trust through positive, confidence-boosting interactions.

Teenage Dogs

I’m here to guide you through your dog’s adolescence—often considered the most challenging life stage. There’s a reason most dogs in rescue centres are teenagers! Adolescence begins when hormones kick in around 7 months old and lasts until your dog is fully grown, usually around 2 years old. However, you don’t truly know your dog until they reach 3 years old, when they have finished both physical and emotional maturation. I’m here to help you navigate this phase and come out the other side with a happy, well-adjusted dog.

Adolescence is a time of change. Impulse control reduces, interest in other dogs and people skyrockets, and that once-reliable recall? Gone! But this isn’t bad behaviour—their brains are simply scrambled by hormones. Teenage dogs are incredible, and with the right support, this stage can be a time of learning, growth, and fun.

If you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone! These are the challenges I help owners tackle every day:

Enrichment – Teen dogs need more than just exercise. We’ll find the right mix of mental stimulation, scent work, and problem-solving activities to keep their brains engaged and their energy channelled constructively.
Impulse Control – Learning to think before acting is key for teenage dogs. We’ll teach exercises that help them pause, focus, and make better choices, whether that’s around distractions, food, or greeting people calmly.
Lead Walking – Adolescents often pull more than ever as they become stronger and more distracted. We’ll refine lead skills to make walks more enjoyable for both of you.
Reliable Recall – If your once-perfect recall has vanished, don’t worry! We’ll rebuild it using games, motivation, and positive reinforcement so your dog wants to come back to you.
Calmness & Settling – Teenage dogs struggle with switching off. We’ll teach them how to relax at home and in different environments so they don’t feel the need to be constantly ‘on.’
Confidence Building – Adolescents can go through periods where they suddenly seem scared of things they weren’t before. I’ll show you how to support them through this without creating long-term anxieties.
Dog & Human Social Skills – Interest in other dogs peaks at this age, but more socialisation isn’t always better. We’ll focus on quality over quantity, helping your dog learn to engage appropriately without becoming overexcited or frustrated.
Handling & Grooming Confidence – As they mature, some dogs become more sensitive to touch, vet visits, and grooming. We’ll work on making these experiences positive and stress-free.
Preventing Unwanted Behaviours – From chewing and digging to jumping up and counter-surfing, we’ll tackle common teenage challenges before they become habits.

Prices

I offer in-person training across Bournemouth and Poole, as well as online sessions for those further afield or for dogs who feel more comfortable training remotely.

Each session includes a detailed follow-up email with tailored next steps and my recommendations for your dog’s progress.

In Person: £65 p/ h or £85 p/ 90 mins

Online: £60 p/ h or £80 p/ 90 mins

Jess has worked with our 13 month maltipoo who suddenly started barking whilst out on walks and at the tv. After 5 sessions he has made a remarkable improvement and... read more

Rita Lavery
04/04/2023

I’m really happy with our 1:1 session with Jess. She gave me the tools and knowledge to correct my two beagles recall and walking on lead. She really cares and... read more

Krisztina Schafler
07/12/2022

Excellent trainer, very skilled and offering personable friendly training based upon a brilliant regime of six sessions. Highly recommended! Thank you!

John Repairs
21/08/2023
Our two girls started going out with Jess in November and since day 1 Jess has been absolutely brilliant with them. She regularly texts picture updates of their days out... read more

Amber-Louise Elkins
06/01/2023

Week 1, our pup was a little reluctant to climb the stairs for his first training session. Being a pup he was easily distracted always interested in whats going on... read more

darren gilbert
21/08/2023

Jess came over today to help me with my dog's separation anxiety. She is very pleasant and knowledgeable. She gave me some great tips and I'm looking forward to a... read more

Brian Tharme
04/04/2023
Jess is a delightful girl and I know Archie will come back home exhausted but very happy after a fun filled walk. I can really trust Jess to look... read more

Dave Taylor
04/01/2023

Mermaid loves going out for a walk with Jessica, always excited to see her. Comes home exhausted and sleeps. Jessica is reliable and trustworthy would highly recommend 🐾🐾

Karen Swain
04/11/2022

Jess has been great with my girl, she always comes home happy and tired from her group walks! We’ve also had a couple of training sessions which have made a... read more

Lindon Parker
08/12/2022
Mermaid loves going out for a walk with Jessica, always excited to see her. Comes home exhausted and sleeps. Jessica is reliable and trustworthy would highly recommend 🐾🐾

Karen Swain
11/10/2022

Jessica was very understanding when she first came to meet my dog Ariel as she is very nervous and anxious of life! I have a long way to go with... read more

Cara Hewlett
04/04/2023

Jess took my dog Lissy out for a walk with her adorable dog Kenny and it proved to be a very enjoyable occasion for all. Jess was patient and instructive.... read more

Michael Doohan
28/09/2022
Yogi has enjoyed many a walk with Jess and is always so happy to go with her. He gets a good run around with other dogs and loves the chance... read more

Chloe Asquith
28/09/2022

Six weekly sessions with Jess was a really enjoyable experience both for Oscar my Shih Tzu puppy and my wife and I, we all learned so much so put us... read more

Roger Perry
30/08/2023

Jess is a delightful girl and I know Archie will come back home exhausted but very happy after a fun filled walk. I can really trust Jess to look after my... read more

Dave Taylor
15/12/2022
Honestly such a brilliant puppy training course! My puppy Loki had started as a complete beginner and Jess really was able to help us teach him so many new things... read more

Ellie Oakley
14/08/2023

I recently adopted my rescue dog, Branston, after fostering him for 3 months. Jess has been with us from the beginning and he really loves going for his one... read more

Susie Elliott
04/02/2023

Jess is fabulous 👌 highly recommended!

Alex Crabbe
04/12/2022
Lovely lady she walks my old tyme bulldog twice a week ventures over to different places with her the photos and videos she sends shows she's having a lovely time... read more definitely recommend

Abigail Cox
04/12/2022

Jess is very professional and and easy to work with. Archie is very happy after his walks.

William Slaney
04/11/2022

We are first time dog owners to a gorgeous golden retriever puppy called Teddy. We decided to get Jess in for a private session very early on to make sure... read more

Beth
04/03/2023
Jess is amazing with Jazz and she always looks forward to her walks. Highly recommend 🐶

Isobel Yeatman
04/12/2022

Jessica has been the best person with whom I've trained my Collie Ella. Many other trainers (supposedly more experienced!) have come nowhere near Jessica in terms of her ability to... read more

Jonathan Mills
04/10/2022

Dia loves her walks with Jess - she gets so excited to see her! Jess has been patiently working with Dia's reactivity issues and helping her become a more secure... read more and happy dog.

Jennifer brophy
01/11/2022
Needed some help training recall with my terrier. Jess was very knowledgable and patient, giving practical advice that’s simple to follow. Enjoyed our sessions and David’s like a different... read more dog on our walks.

Alexia Purse
04/02/2023

Jess is amazing with dogs ! My two Jack Russells have such a great time !She is reliable, friendly and adaptable!

Sally Bennett
04/11/2022

I’d definitely recommend Jess to anyone! She’s so kind, reliable and knowledgeable with our dog Harley. He always comes back from walks very happy and tired. It’s great to know... read more

Gemma Thomas
13/10/2022

Certifications

Understanding-Separation-Anxiety-Certificate-of-Completion-Dog-Training-College-pdf