Lifeskills Class
Training Through The Stages
Our Life Skills classes focus on the everyday behaviours that make life with your dog calmer, easier and more enjoyable. From loose lead walking and focus around distractions, to settling, recall foundations and polite manners, these sessions are designed to help dogs thrive outside the training bubble.
These classes are ideal for dogs 5 months and over who need structure, clarity and consistency rather than behaviour modification.
​​​
​Why it matters
Many dogs listen to cues at home, but struggle to apply them in the real world. Life Skills training bridges that gap. As dogs mature, distractions increase, expectations rise and patience often wears thin. Without ongoing guidance, small issues can quietly snowball into frustration for both dog and owner. Life Skills classes help prevent that by:
Building reliability around everyday distractions
Improving focus, impulse control and engagement
Supporting calm behaviour in stimulating environments
Strengthening communication and teamwork
Preventing training gaps from becoming behaviour problems
​​
Think of Life Skills as the equivalent of proofing and polishing.
Just like fitness, training isn’t something you “finish” - it’s something you maintain, refine and build on over time.
How It Works
Life Skills classes are held in a secure outdoor environment that allows dogs to learn in a controlled setting.
​
Are these classes for you and your dog?
Suitable for dogs aged 5 months and over
Non-behavioural training (reactivity, aggression and complex behaviour cases should be assessed separately on a 121 basis.
​
Class Details
45-minute sessions
Grendon Dog Field
Wednesdays at 11:00am (weekly)
Saturdays at 11:15am (weekly)
​
Booking Options
Pay As You Go - ideal for flexibility
4-Week Block - discounted rate
8-Week Block - best value for consistency and progress​​
Block bookings do not need to be used consecutively and can be used across all classes
What's Included?
In these classes, you and your dog will learn how to:
-
Strengthen communication and understanding, helping your dog respond more reliably and calmly in everyday situations and around real-world distractions.
-
Refine essential life skills such as loose lead walking, recall foundations, focus and polite manners, alongside the ability to pause, wait or settle when asked - so outings feel manageable and enjoyable rather than chaotic.
-
Remain more relaxed around other dogs and people, learning that interaction is optional and happens with your guidance, not through pulling, rushing or over-arousal.
-
Switch off as well as switch on - developing the ability to simply be calm by your side, rather than constantly needing stimulation. This creates a balanced dog who can engage when needed and settle when appropriate.
​
This class also provides:
-
Safe, structured exposure to other dogs and people in a controlled environment, helping your dog practise calm behaviour around distractions without being overwhelmed.
-
Development for the human end of the lead, giving you practical skills to read your dog’s body language, manage arousal levels, maintain engagement and communicate clearly and fairly.
-
Stronger foundations for everyday life, so training feels more straightforward, consistent and rewarding as your dog matures.
What these classes won't do:
-
Fix your dog in one or two sessions - dog training is a process, like education is for humans.