Living with a dog should feel enjoyable, not like a constant battle.
Everyday Life Skills focus on practical, reward-based training that helps you and your dog enjoy life together with greater confidence, understanding and ease.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, feeling overwhelmed, or have tried dog training before and found it didn’t stick, these one-to-one training sessions are designed to meet you where you are. Training should be a safe, supportive space — not somewhere you feel judged or afraid to get it wrong.
From recall and loose-lead walking to building calmness, focus, and confidence, I support pet dog owners using kind, reward-based training methods tailored to your dog and your lifestyle — because training should work in the places you actually spend time together.
While the skills below are grouped into four key areas, they often overlap. Difficulties with focus, impulse control, over-excitement, frustration, or switching off are usually part of the picture — and are addressed naturally within training.
Is Everyday Life Skills right for you?
Everyday Life Skills is ideal if you’d like to build practical training skills that makes living with your dog easier and more enjoyable.
It may be the right fit if:
- Walks have become stressful because of pulling, poor recall or over-excitement.
- Your dog struggles to settle at home or when you’re out and about.
- You’d like your dog to be calmer, more focused and easier to live with.
- You’re looking for kind, reward-based training that fits around everyday life.
- You’d like to build your own confidence as well as your dog’s.
Recall
Whether it’s a woodland walk, a trip to the beach or simply enjoying more freedom together, a reliable recall opens up opportunities for both you and your dog.
Recall training includes:
- Teaching a strong, consistent recall
- Building reliability around real-world distractions
- Gradually increasing distance and difficulty
- Creating safe off-lead opportunities where appropriate
Loose-Lead Walking
If every walk feels like a struggle, you’re not alone. Loose-lead walking training isn’t about control — it’s about clarity, consistency, and teaching your dog how to walk calmly with you.
Loose-lead walking training includes:
- Understanding why pulling happens
- Choosing the right equipment for your dog
- Teaching clear walking rules and expectations
- Building duration and focus
- Managing everyday distractions on walks
Calmness and settling
A dog who can settle and relax is far easier — and far more enjoyable — to live with. Calm behaviour is a skill that can be taught and practised, both at home and out in the world.
Many owners dream of taking their dog to a café or pub and actually enjoying the moment — not spending the whole time apologising or managing chaos. Teaching calmness makes those everyday pleasures possible.
Calmness training includes:
- Teaching your dog to settle on cue in a designated spot
- Supporting calm behaviour in stimulating environments (cafés, parks, social settings)
- Building relaxation into everyday life
- Gradual, thoughtful exposure to triggers
Building confidence
Confident dogs aren’t born that way. Confidence grows through positive experiences, thoughtful guidance and allowing dogs to succeed at their own pace. When dogs feel safe and capable, they cope better with everyday life and make better choices.
Confidence-building training includes:
- Positive, controlled exposure to new environments
- Confidence-building problem-solving exercises
- Encouraging independence and decision-making
- Supporting shy, anxious, or reactive dogs at a pace they can cope with
‘Although I’ve owned Gordon Setters for over 45 years, I lost confidence after my older dog was attacked while on lead by an off-lead dog. When my new Gordon Setter puppy arrived, I wanted to feel more in control, especially as I’m getting older.
Kim started working with us when he was just eight weeks old. Once we could get out and about, we focused on all the things I wanted to enjoy with my dogs – country walks, visiting cafés and teaching him to settle calmly in everyday situations.
Kim always focused on what we wanted to achieve rather than following a set programme. He responded so well and has become a delight to own.
Kim is a lovely lady and an excellent trainer who uses kind, thoughtful methods that strengthen the bond between dog and owner.‘
– Sue and Flyte
Pricing – one-to-one dog training:
Most owners find they make the best progress through ongoing coaching and support:
- 3 × 60-minute sessions: £180
- 2 × 60-minute sessions: £125
Individual sessions are also available.
- 90-minute training session: £85
- 60-minute training session: £65
A flat travel fee may apply for sessions outside my local area. Any travel charges will be confirmed prior to booking.
Leaps & Bounds Dogs 