A.D. Dog Training
Dog Walking & Training with Alice
About Me
I have always been passionate about animals, so being ​able to secure a hands-on job at a local kennel and ​cattery straight out of school was a dream come true ​for me. To pursue my passion further and build on my ​existing knowledge, I went on to study animal care at ​Aberdeen’s Craibstone College (SRUC). Upon ​completing the course, I worked as an animal care ​auxiliary within a veterinary practice for a period of ​time before deciding to return to full-time study. ​During this time, I began walking dogs for friends and ​family, which is when my interest in dog training and ​behaviour really took hold. Dogs have been a constant ​part of my life and I’ve always felt comfortable, ​confident and content in their presence. I started to ​properly hone my training skills when I took on Maisie, ​my first dog as an adult. She’s my best friend, an ​amazing adventure companion and my inspiration for ​wanting to help as many dogs and owners as possible. I ​learned so much working with Maisie, but for me, the ​most important takeaway is that building a bond with ​your pooch and earning their trust is crucial. Succeed ​in this, and the rest is sure to follow.
Having realised that dog training was my calling in ​life, and to ensure I was equipped with all the ​knowledge and tools I would need to really make a ​difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, I ​took part in courses and webinars with the Institute ​of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT). I believe that ​there’s always something new to learn, and I make ​sure to stay up to date with all the latest training ​methods and developments in behavioural science by ​regularly undertaking additional CPD. Never one to ​rest on my laurels, I’m currently working towards my ​Canine Training Instructor certification with the ​Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), ​with the aim of soon becoming a fully accredited ​member.
I simply love spending time with dogs and getting to do it as a job is an absolute dream, but I also ​understand that dog ownership isn’t always easy. I know all too well how stressful a simple walk can ​be if you or your dog is having a hard time. Sharing your life and home with a dog should be an ​enjoyable experience for everyone involved, so my aim is to help people develop an understanding of ​how they can train and care for their canine companions using positive reinforcement and force-free ​methods. I firmly believe that dogs should be allowed to be dogs, but also that structure and well-​placed boundaries are the cornerstones to a safe, harmonious and happy life together.
With such a wealth of knowledge and experience working with dogs in a variety of settings you can be confident that whatever service you require from A.D. Dog Training your dog will be in safe hands!
Walks & Drop in Visits
Fully Insured
Disclosure Checked
First Aid Trained
Group Walk
£14 - 1 hour
Come join Alice on her adventures! Your dog will be picked up and taken for an hour long walk with a small group (5-6 dogs maximum) of poochy pals! Walks are carried out at a variety of locations such as forest, riversides and meadows. Group walks are suitable for friendly, well socialised dogs who will enjoy the company of other dogs while on their adventures and that respond well to recall.
Solo Walk
POA
Does your dog prefer to roam solo, maybe they get a bit overwhelmed in groups? Or perhaps your pooch just needs their recall brushing up a bit before they can join a group walk. Whatever the reason, solo walks can be helpful for a variety of scenarios, they can also be used as structured training walks (in conjuction with training/coaching sessions) to finely tune some of those unwanted behaviors such as lead pulling.
Drop in Visits
£12
Suitable for puppies or those poochies that just need some company or a toilet break throughout the day. During a drop in visit your pup will be checked on, fed and given water as needed and taken to the garden, or outside for a toilet break.
Get in touch to book a free meet & greet or click here to fill out an application!
Training & Coaching
Training sessions are carried out on a 1:1 basis within the dog’s home or at a previously arranged location and cover a wide range of topics such as lead pulling, recall, impulse control and much, much more. Training plans or packages are built and tailored to suit each individual dog and their own specific needs, training requirements and goals. The sessions are designed to coach owners through real life situations and to teach them force free training methods and techniques, so they have a better understanding on how dogs learn and how to train them using positive reinforcement. Whether it’s a 6-week block covering all the basics, or a single session to finely tune a certain area of your dog’s training I will guide and support you through your training journey, offering written follow ups and infographic handouts to aid you and your learning.
Get in touch to discuss things further or to book a training consultation, alternatively click here or on the clipboard to fill in a training application.
Puppy Classes
Learn how to train your puppy using positive reinforcement and force free methods. Teach them all the basics they will need to become happy, confident adults in a fun, safe and supportive environment!
Suitable for fully vaccinated puppies under 6 months old that are comfortable and happy in the presence of other dogs and people.
Next 6 Week Block of Classes:
Fridays @ 7pm
Starts - Friday 14th July 2023
Location - Ruthrieston Community Centre
If unsure whether this class will be suitable for your pup then get in touch for further advice.
Testimonials
"Caring, gentle and so knowledgeable"
"Alice is caring, gentle and so knowledgeable. She's been so patient with both Brae and us while we adapated to walks, as Brae wasn't used to group walks and she's 3 years old. She gave us feedback, and listened to Brae's cues, always going at her pace.
She's highly qualified yet very down to earth and clearly has a real love for dogs. Brae loves her walks, and we are so glad we found Alice!!"
- Samia
"Such a huge help"
"I couldn't have hoped for a better friend for Kobe! Alice is reliable, caring, honest and I don't know what I would do without her. She has been such a huge help even a short notice. Kobe loves Alice and she's really helped with some behavioural issues. Long story short, Alice is a godsend!"
- Claire
"Very professional"
"We were looking for someone to take our nearly 9 year old quiet/timid labradoodle for regular solo walks when our previous dog walker went on maternity leave. We struck lucky finding Alice - she was very professional in her approach, incredibly patient while our dog got used to her new routine and kept us well informed throughout. With plans to add a new puppy to the family, we'll soon be tapping into Alice's expertise as a trainer too. We'd have no hesitation in recommending her services."
- Jennifer
"Magic ability"
"Alice has that all important magic ability to pass on knowledge in a friendly, relaxed way. You almost don't notice that you're being taught but the training is incredibly effective, with regular updates and all the help you need to get the most out of the classes."
- Jamie
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