Common Questions About Our Dog Training Services
We know choosing the right trainer is an important decision. To help you feel fully informed, we’ve answered the most common questions we receive about our approach, our services, and what your dog can expect during training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1-to-1 dog training better than group classes?
1-to-1 dog training is often the best choice if you want personalised support and faster results. Sessions are tailored to you and your dog, allowing us to focus on your specific goals and address behavioural issues in real-world environments.
Group classes can be valuable for socialisation, but they don’t always allow time to work through individual challenges in depth. Many clients start with 1-to-1 dog training in Bracknell to build strong foundations, which can then be confidently reinforced through group sessions such as Pack Walks or City Paws at various locations.
Is an assessment required before I can book a session?
What behaviours can you help with?
We work with a wide range of training and behavioural issues, including:
- Pulling on the lead
- Recall and focus around distractions
- Jumping up and overexcitement
- Reactivity towards dogs or people
- Anxiety and nervous behaviour
- Barking, lunging, or lack of impulse control
- Puppy training and foundation skills
- General obedience and reliability
Training is always tailored to you and your dog, focusing on practical solutions that fit your lifestyle and goals. If you’re unsure whether we can help with a specific behaviour, just get in touch — we’re happy to advise.
What do I need to bring for the first session?
Please bring the following where possible:
- Your dog’s favourite treats and/or a toy
- A standard lead and a comfortable collar or harness
- Any equipment you currently use (e.g. head collar, long line, retractable lead), if applicable
- A notepad or phone to jot down tips and techniques to practise at home
Most importantly, come ready to learn and enjoy the process - the first session is all about understanding your dog and setting you both up for success.
How many sessions will my dog need?
Most clients see meaningful progress within the first 3-5 focused sessions, which gives them a strong foundation and clear direction. From there, many choose to continue with additional sessions to refine skills, tackle new challenges as they arise, and ensure long-term success. Regular follow-up or catch-up sessions every 3–6 months are a popular way to build confidence, refresh techniques, and adapt training as your dog grows and changes.
Our City Paws and Pack Walks are excellent complements to 1-to-1 training, helping dogs practise their skills in real-world settings.
Where do 1-to-1 dog training sessions take place?
What training method do you use?
At Canine Sense, we use the Training Without Conflict™ method developed by Ivan Balabanov, two-time world champion dog trainer. This science-informed approach focuses on clear communication, play, and understanding, helping dogs learn with confidence and clarity.
Training is tailored to each dog’s individual needs, personality, and emotional state, with a strong focus on strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Where appropriate, dogs are also guided to understand the consequences of their actions in a fair and structured way, allowing for clear boundaries and reliable behaviour.
Our aim is to create lasting, real-world results so you and your dog can enjoy everyday life together.
What is residential dog training, and is it right for my dog?
