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Dog Training Classes

Classes

Dog Training Classes

Helen offers training for all levels of dogs, from puppies through to advanced, incorporating The Kennel Club Good Citizens Dog Scheme. Helen is the only accredited dog trainer in the area. Scheduled classes are held in and around Smarden, Kent. Why not book your dog in for some small group training, great for a more social approach to dog training.

Helen runs small group classes in line with the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme every six weeks. These are grouped from Puppy to Bronze, Silver and Gold. During the winter months these are held in local village halls such as Pluckley. Over the summer, classes are often held on Helen’s Farm, in the sand school or paddock.

Book now for our next intake of classes starting in January 2026.

All welcome, from puppies doing their first socialisation to older dogs looking to obtain Gold.

Contact Us To Book.

See our Courses page for one off workshops.

When?

Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evenings and are split in to different levels:

  • Puppies
  • Beginners
  • Novice or Advanced

Novice & Advanced depends on subscribers.

Courses run over 6 weeks. 

Please contact us for more information.

What does a class involve?

The six week courses include 1:1 time with Helen and group work. There are day time and evening classes to suit everyone. Small group classes allow the dogs to stay focused whilst still providing socialization.
 
Classes are based on positive rewards based methods and corrections, with no abusive behaviour towards dogs, including smacking. Any owners who use this behaviour toward their dog will not be allowed to attend. The classes are a happy and rewarding environment for dogs and owners to enjoy.

Social days, Dog School & Assessments

Social Days happen every Tuesday. These are split between quiet dogs and those who are more bouncy or impulsive. Arrival and collection are staggered due to limited parking from 9.30 am with last collection at 2pm. A social day is £70 per dog for the day. 

Dog school is the first Tuesday of the month. This involves more training for your dog, not just socializing. Pick up and drop off is as per social days. Your dog will get to work with Helen 1:1 and in a small group of mentor dogs. Great for if you struggle for time during the week to keep on top of your dog’s training.

Assessments are where Helen ascertains why your dog behaves the way it does, and discusses the best way to help it. That might be joining a neutrality course, having a 1:1 or two or residential training. These are 45 minutes long and you remain with the dog. Rest assured, between the assessment and deciding on what to do next, Helen will share loads of tips for you to get started with right away. 

Assessments are on every Tuesday except Dog School Day. If you can’t make a Tuesday, please get in touch about booking at another time, although this may incur a surcharge for travel etc. 

How do I book?

Contact us directly using the form below to find out how you can join a class today. Please include your dog’s breed and a description of the issues you would like resolved.

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TESTIMONIALS

WHAT THE CLIENTS ARE SAYING

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Shontelle Gomez and Banksy

Today I walked my dog on his first walk without him pulling me all over the place! I had a 1-1 with Helen and she has taught me loads in just one session! I watched endless videos online to help me before booking and nothing worked so I booked in with Helen and I’ve seen the benefits instantly! I am so pleased and thankful for the advise and instructions I have been given to follow.

Megan Smith (please use under 1:1 training)

I HIGHLY recommend Helen for ALL of your dog training / behaviour needs.

Helen has a wealth of knowledge and is absolutely an expert in her field.

She truly understands what your dog needs and what YOU need to do, to meet these.

I have been going to Helen for training classes, social days, social walks and 1-1 sessions for over a year now with my highly energetic, loveable Boxer boy; Banks (He loves Helen, she has some other names for him too)

He has had a weeks' residential with Helen to learn house & food manners, walking on and off lead and to socialise properly with other dogs.

At different phases in a dog's life come different challenges - and Helen is ALWAYS on hand to help me meet these head on!!

She has gone above and beyond for Banksy & I. Particularly of late, training children with dogs, if you have family members/children that might be nervous around dogs - Helen can train them too!

The training, help and advice she gave us with my 5-year old nephew has been invaluable.

I've had endless amounts of advice including nutrition, reactivity, obedience, on / off lead walking, proper socialisation and more - I also now know that proper dog jumpers and slobber bibs exist!!

I might not ever be able to eat another cocktail sausage or look at a cube of cheese in the same way, but I know not to give Banksy dry treats. Trust me, the after effects are toxic!!

Although you take your dog to Helen for training - you’ll get more than your fair share too!

Shontelle Gomez and Banksy
Megan Smith

Today I walked my dog on his first walk without him pulling me all over the place! I had a 1-1 with Helen and she has taught me loads in just one session! I watched endless videos online to help me before booking and nothing worked so I booked in with Helen and I’ve seen the benefits instantly! I am so pleased and thankful for the advise and instructions I have been given to follow.

Megan Smith
Tora Marcello and Stanley

Our lovely one-year-old Vizsla Stanley went to stay with Helen for a week’s residential training as we were struggling with his behaviour both at home and on walks. Looking after him was hard work and was making family life stressful. On walks he had very little impulse control. As soon as another dog (or any other creature) was in sight his recall was poor, and he was full-on and quite dominant with other dogs, meaning he could rarely be off lead. On a lead he pulled a lot so taking him out was stressful. At home he was hard work too, constantly stealing things and unable to settle, he’d follow us around and whine if we even left the room, and was boisterous and jumped up if anyone visited.

Helen worked on Stanley’s behaviour with the help of her own and visiting dogs, teaching him how to be gentle and socialise with dogs of all temperaments. She did lots of recall and manners training with him, and taught him to settle without needing constant attention.

It’s been a week since his stay and we’ve been AMAZED at the dramatic change in Stanley!! At home he is so much more relaxed and able to settle, he is more obedient and is it’s much easier to correct his behaviour on the rare occasions he needs it. If he’s left in a room alone he doesn’t whine or bark anymore, and he doesn’t jump up at people. On walks he’s like a different dog, he always stays close to us and his recall is excellent, even with the distraction of other dogs, horses or pheasants. We are trying hard to keep the boundaries and expectations Helen has put in place and use the commands she has taught us, and so far Stanley has behaved brilliantly.

I would not hesitate to recommend Helen to anyone needing help with their dog, whatever the issue. She clearly has an incredible understanding of dogs and how to get the best out of them. We are so grateful for what she has done for Stanley!

Tora Marcello and Stanley
Joanna Axam

Helen knows her stuff! The class was structured but fun, my puppy enjoyed it and learned loads as did I. I would highly recommend Helen for training.

Fantastic!

Joanna Axam
Alison Rivers & Fern

Having our first puppy and knowing what to do was a bit daunting for us so finding the classes provided by Helen was a relief! The training has been fabulous for our pup but also for us! With advice on everything puppy/dog related, Helen certainly knows her stuff which has been invaluable for us. From day one of training we knew we were in good hands. Our pup is excitable, energetic, enthusiastic and wants to be friends with everyone - we wouldn't have her any other way, and with Helen's guidance we have learnt all the tools we need to manage her wonderful personality. I cannot recommend Helen's Masterclass Dog Training and Behaviour classes more highly. Thank you for your wise words and support.

Alison Rivers & Fern

CONTACT US

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Contact Helen directly using the form below to find out more about her services.

Please include your dog’s breed and a description of the issues you would like resolved.
Name(Required)
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Phone: 07751 711 191
Mail: masterclass.dogtrainer@gmail.com

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