Dog Training In Harlow
Dog 'High School' Classes in Harlow
Life with an adolescent or adult dog can sometimes feel like hard work — they’re stronger on the lead, more easily distracted and can seem to “forget” everything they learned as a puppy. High School gives you a clear next step after Puppy School, or a fresh starting point if your dog already knows some basics and you’d like to tidy up their everyday manners.
Would you like your dog to walk more calmly on the lead, come back when you call, relax around other dogs and people, and actually listen the first time?
In these small, supportive dog training classes in Harlow we focus on loose lead walking, reliable recall and everyday self-control using clear, force-free methods. We’ll work on the kind of skills you really need on local walks and in day-to-day life — not just in the classroom.
Your dog will train in a calm environment with plenty of individual coaching from a fully insured, accredited trainer with over 16 years’ experience. Classes are carefully managed so your dog can learn to focus, settle and behave politely around others — something that’s very hard to practise in busy Harlow parks and public spaces.
What We Cover in High School
Our Harlow High School classes are all about calm, controlled behaviour in real-life situations — from everyday walks around town to visits with friends and family. Here’s what we’ll work on together:
- 🚶♂️ Lead walking with control: Helping your dog move with you instead of charging ahead down the path
- 🎯 Reliable recall: Building a come-back cue your dog responds to even with everyday distractions around them
- 👋 Friendly but polite greetings: Teaching your dog how to say hello without the barking, leaping or excitement overload
- 🧘♂️ Relaxing on a mat: Encouraging calm behaviour in busy places such as cafés, classes or waiting rooms
- ⏱️ Stay work with real-life challenges: Adding distance and duration while helping your dog stay settled as the world moves around them
- 🧠 Impulse control in daily routines: Practising patience around doors, food, toys and exciting environments
- 🐕🦺 Passing dogs & people calmly: Teaching your dog how to “walk on” without drifting, pulling or trying to greet everyone
- 🔍 Focus around sniffy spots: Strengthening check-ins with you, even when the ground smells amazing
- 🏡 Useful manners for home & walks: Skills that make everyday life easier, not just exercises for the classroom
- 🎲 Engagement games: Short, fun activities to boost focus, burn mental energy and make walks more enjoyable for both of you
High School Price
£95
The 5-week High School course includes:
- All five in-person High School sessions
- Free access to the HPDT Members area
- Weekly reviews and exercise videos
- Small, supportive groups with individual coaching
Ideal for dogs who have completed Puppy School or already have basic foundations and are ready for the next step.
Venue & Time
- Fridays, 7.15–8.00pm
- St James with St Luke Church Hall
- Stow CM20 2LR, Harlow
Also convenient for owners in Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Ongar and Epping.
How High School Fits Into Your HPDT Journey
High School is part of a simple training path that helps your dog grow from overwhelmed youngster to calm, reliable companion.
- Perfect Puppy Phone Consultation – your first hour of clarity and tailored guidance for life at home. We troubleshoot current struggles, prevent problems before they start and build a realistic plan that fits your household.
- Puppy School – small, supportive classes to build foundations: confidence, focus, calm around other dogs and people, and all the everyday skills puppies need to thrive.
- High School (these classes) – the “next step” for adolescent and adult dogs. We strengthen loose lead walking, recall, self-control and real-life manners so your dog can cope with the world as it gets bigger and more exciting.
From here, you can keep progressing with my online courses, social walks and 1:1 consultations, so you’re never left wondering what to do next.
Wherever you join the journey, my goal is the same: a dog you understand, and training that feels kind, achievable and enjoyable for you both.
Dog Training Class FAQs
What age or level is High School suitable for?
High School is designed for adolescent and adult dogs who already have some basic skills and are ready to work around more distractions. Most dogs joining are around 6–24 months, but older dogs are very welcome too.
If your dog is a very young puppy, you’ll be better starting with Puppy School first and then moving up to High School when they’re ready.
Does my dog need to have done Puppy School first?
No — your dog doesn’t have to have attended my Puppy School, although many do. High School is suitable for any dog who:
- Can work reasonably close to other dogs and people
- Knows a few basics (e.g. sit, their name, some focus on you)
- Is safe to handle in a small group environment
If you’re not sure whether your dog is ready, feel free to get in touch and I’ll guide you to the best starting point.
Can reactive or worried dogs attend High School?
Many dogs in High School are distractible, over-excited or a bit worried around other dogs – that’s exactly what we’re here to help with, in a structured way.
If your dog is barking, lunging or really struggling to be in the same space as other dogs or people, a 1:1 consultation will be a much kinder and more effective starting point. Once they’re feeling safer, we can always look at group classes later.
What happens if I miss a session?
Life with a dog is busy — sometimes you’ll need to miss a week, or something unexpected will crop up.
If you can’t attend, you’ll still receive the weekly review and exercise videos so you can catch up at home. Each week builds on the last, so you’ll always know what to practise to stay on track.
What should I bring to High School classes?
Please bring:
- Your dog on a comfortable harness or flat collar
- A standard lead (no extendable / flexi leads in class)
- Plenty of soft, tasty treats your dog loves
- A favourite toy (if they like toys)
- Poo bags and water if needed
- A small bed or mat for settle exercises
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about equipment – we can chat through what you’re currently using and suggest tweaks if it will help your dog feel more comfortable.
What local dog owners say:
You’re in Safe Hands
- 🛡 Fully insured — Public Liability & Professional Indemnity
- 🎓 Accredited, force-free trainer — modern, science-based methods only
- ⏱ 16+ years’ experience with puppies, adolescents & family dogs
- ⭐ 50+ genuine 5⭐ Google reviews from local owners
- 💬 Trusted locally and regularly recommended by our Facebook community