Dog Training In Hertford
Dog 'High School' Classes in Hertford
As dogs move out of the tiny puppy stage, life can feel a bit more intense — stronger on the lead, bigger emotions, and a lot more interest in the world than in you. High School in Hertford is designed for this stage: the in-between where your dog isn’t a baby any more, but still needs guidance and structure.
Imagine taking your dog through Hertford’s streets and green spaces without being pulled, embarrassed or ignored. That’s what we’re working towards together – step by step, in a realistic way.
In these small, supportive dog training classes in Hertford we focus on loose lead walking, reliable recall and everyday self-control. Everything is taught with kind, force-free methods so your dog learns to make good choices, rather than simply being told off when they get it wrong.
You’ll have plenty of individual coaching from a fully insured, accredited trainer with over 16 years’ experience. Classes are carefully set up so your dog can practise focusing, settling and working politely around other dogs and people – something that’s hard to achieve just by “winging it” in busy parks.
What We Cover in High School
Our Hertford High School classes give you practical skills you can use on real walks, visits and day-to-day life. We’ll build calm, thoughtful behaviour so your dog can cope with the world as it gets more interesting. Here’s some of what we cover:
- 🚶♂️ Comfortable lead walking: Teaching your dog to move with you instead of dragging you from scent to scent
- 🎯 Come when called: Strengthening recall so your dog can return even when life around them is exciting
- 👋 Calm, polite hellos: Helping your dog greet people without leaping up, barking or barging into their space
- 🧘♂️ Settling in busy places: Practising relax-on-a-mat for cafés, classes, family visits and waiting rooms
- ⏱️ Staying put when it matters: Building solid stays and “wait” behaviour while everyday distractions happen
- 🧠 Self-control around temptations: Working on patience at doors, around food, toys and exciting environments
- 🐕🦺 Passing dogs & people sensibly: Teaching your dog to walk by without weaving, lunging or trying to meet everyone
- 🔍 Focus when the ground is interesting: Encouraging check-ins with you even when there’s a lot to sniff
- 🏡 Everyday manners: Behaviours that make living with your dog easier at home and on walks, not just “party tricks”
- 🎲 Training games for real life: Simple games that burn mental energy and keep your dog engaged with you on walks
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 some foundations and are ready to practise calm behaviour around more distractions.
Venue & Time
- Hertford venue & class times coming soon
- Register your interest below to be first to hear when dates open
Also convenient for owners in Ware, Watton at Stone, Tewin and Welwyn.
Where High School Fits in Your Training Journey
Instead of random tips from social media, I like your dog’s training to feel like a clear, joined-up path. High School in Hertford is one step in that journey:
- Perfect Puppy Phone Consultation – a focused hour to talk through life at home, common struggles and how to prevent problems before they grow.
- Puppy School classes – small, positive groups to build confidence, focus and calm behaviour around dogs and people from the start.
- High School (these classes) – the progression stage for adolescent and adult dogs. Here we sharpen loose lead walking, recall, manners and self-control so your dog can handle real-life situations with more ease.
From there, you can continue with my online courses, social walks and 1:1 consultations, depending on what you and your dog need next.
The aim is always the same: a dog you can understand and enjoy, and training that feels kind and sustainable for everyday life.
Dog Training Class FAQs
What age or level are these High School classes for?
High School in Hertford is aimed at adolescent and adult dogs who already have some foundations and are ready to work around more distractions. Many dogs joining are between 6–24 months, but older dogs are welcome too.
If you have a very young puppy, it’s usually best to start with Puppy School first, then move up to High School when they’re ready.
Do we have to have done your Puppy School before High School?
No – you don’t have to have attended my Puppy School, although many dogs do follow that path. High School is suitable for any dog who:
- Can work reasonably close to other dogs and people
- Has a few basics (e.g. knows their name, can sit, can focus on you at times)
- Is safe to handle in a small group environment
If you’re unsure which option is best, you’re very welcome to get in touch and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Are these classes suitable for reactive or very worried dogs?
Plenty of dogs in High School are distractible, over-excited or a bit unsure around others – that’s normal and we work on it in a structured way.
If your dog is currently barking, lunging or really struggling to be in the same space as other dogs or people, a 1:1 consultation is often a much kinder and more effective starting point. Once they’re feeling safer and more confident, we can look at group classes later on.
What if I need to miss a week?
Life happens – sometimes you’ll need to miss a class or you might forget a couple of exercises.
If you can’t attend, you’ll still receive the weekly review and exercise videos so you can practise at home. Each week builds on the last, so you’ll always know what to work on to keep up.
What should I bring to Hertford High School classes?
It’s helpful if you can 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 enjoy play)
- Poo bags and water if needed
- A small bed or mat for settle exercises
If you’re unsure about the best equipment to use, we can chat through what you already have and make suggestions to help your dog feel comfortable and supported.
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