Dog Training in Loughton
Dog 'High School' Classes in Loughton
Adolescent and adult dogs can be a handful — stronger on the lead, more easily distracted, and suddenly “forgetting” the cues they knew so well as puppies. High School is the perfect next step after Puppy School, or an ideal starting point if your dog already has some foundations and you’d like to refine their real-life manners.
Would you like your dog to walk calmly on the lead, come back when called, relax around other dogs and people, and actually listen the first time?
These small, supportive classes in Loughton, Essex, focus on loose lead walking, reliable recall, and everyday self-control using clear, force-free methods. You’ll learn skills you can use on every walk — not just in class.
Your dog will train in a calm environment with plenty of individual coaching from a fully insured, accredited trainer with over 16 years’ experience. Groups are carefully managed so your dog can learn to focus, settle and work politely around others — something that’s very hard to practise in busy parks.
What We Cover in High School
Our Loughton High School classes focus on calm, controlled behaviour in the real world. Here’s what we’ll work on together:
- 🚶♂️ Loose lead walking: Walking calmly by your side instead of towing you down the road
- 🎯 Reliable recall: Coming back when called, even with other dogs, people or picnics nearby
- 👋 Polite greetings: Saying hello to people without barking, jumping or barging in
- 🧘♂️ Settle on a mat: Learning to relax in busy places like cafés, classes or vet waiting rooms
- ⏱️ Stays with distractions: Building distance, duration and calm focus while life happens around them
- 🧠 Impulse control: Waiting at doors, around food, toys and exciting environments
- 🐕🦺 Walking past dogs & people: Practising calm “walk on” instead of lunging or weaving towards everyone
- 🔍 Focus around smells: Teaching your dog to check in with you even when the ground is fascinating
- 🏡 Real-life manners: Behaviours you’ll actually use at home and on walks, not just in the classroom
- 🎲 Training games: Short, fun exercises you can use on walks to burn mental energy and keep your dog engaged with 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
Best suited to dogs who have completed Puppy School or already have basic foundations and are ready for the next step.
Venue & Time
- Tuesdays, 7.15–8.00pm
- Debden Park High School
- Willingale Road, Loughton, IG10 2BQ
Also convenient for owners in Chingford, Wanstead, Chigwell, Woodford and Hainault.
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 in Loughton – 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 (this class) – 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