Individual Training

We kickstart your journey with an initial 121 session, offering flexible durations of 60, 75, or 90 minutes to cater to your preferences and needs. Prior to this session, we gather essential information, and during the meeting, we delve into understanding you, your dog, and your training objectives. While our typical approach involves training you to train your dog, we also provide a QuickStart option for those keen to get things moving more quickly with staff helping with the initial training. In this session, we guide you towards your training goals or desired behaviour changes, equipping you with practical exercises to continue working on at home.

As your initial 121 session concludes, we offer tailored suggestions for an ongoing training plan, often a single session is insufficient to fully meet your training objectives. Progression 121s can be booked to follow on from your initial session. 

Achieving the desired behaviour in your dog demands ongoing effort and consistent training throughout their lives. The efficacy of your training journey is closely tied to the dedication you invest between sessions. While there are no instant fixes in dog training, consistent practice significantly improves results. This is particularly true for aspects like loose lead walking, recall, and addressing behaviour challenges, where multiple sessions with consistent practice show the best outcomes.

Following your initial 121 session, you gain access to our online 121 Training Hub—a secure platform where you find recap notes, training videos, and valuable information to enhance your training experience. This resource, accessible for a lifetime, allows you to revisit and reinforce your learning whenever needed, conveniently through a dedicated mobile app.

Our 121 sessions might be the perfect fit for you if:

• You prefer a flexible schedule over a regular training course
• You have specific training goals in mind
• You want to enjoy quality time and fun activities with your dog
• You're interested in trying out various activities or having a taste of something new
• Your dog exhibits reactivity around other dogs or struggles in social situations
• You're eager to start training promptly and can't wait for a course to begin
• You own more than one dog and want to train them together
• You're dealing with specific behavioural challenges and need targeted support

Scroll down to see links for booking. 

If we feel you have booked with the incorrect trainer we will refund your payment and give you the booking details for the more appropriate trainer. 

We have 3 trainers for 121 sessions.  Each trainer has their own interests, experience and education levels. Please look at the following lists, but if you have any questions as to who you should book with feel free to email us with some details of your dog, or book a free 20 minute inquiry call. 

Jo Martin, Hannah Ellins and Jo Philpott:

• Puppy training and puppy challenges such as biting, jumping up and toilet training
• Lead walking
• Recall
• Engagement and focus
• Not jumping up
• General training
• Foundation level tricks
• Foundation sniffwork
• Living harmoniously together

Jo M and Hannah are NOT able to help with dog/person/vehicle reactivity - these need to be booked with Jo P. 

Jo Martin only:

• Assistance dog training
• Canine Parkour

Jo Philpott only:

• Dog-dog overwhelm (reactivity including barking, lunging and aggressive behaviours towards other dogs)
• Dog-person overwhelm (reactivity including barking, lunging and aggressive behaviours towards people)
• Separation anxiety
• General anxieties, worried about the world, noise sensitivities
• Resource guarding behaviours
• Fear/trauma based behaviours
• Agility and hoopers
• Advanced trick training
• Excitement and frustration based overwhelm

We offer flexible booking options for your initial 121 session, allowing you to choose a duration that suits your needs, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes.  We have progression 121s available in 90, 75, 60, 45 and 30 minute options.  

In cases involving more complex dogs and training goals, opting for longer sessions is recommended. The extended session provides ample opportunity to delve deeply into the situation, thoroughly discuss challenges, and initiate the training process. This ensures that we have the necessary time to address complexities, tailor the training approach to your specific needs, and set a solid foundation for your training journey. 

If you are unsure how long to book for your initial session feel free to email us, or book a free 20 minute inquiry call. 

Traditional dog training and behaviour modification approaches often involve trainers or behaviorists teaching dog owners to become the primary trainers for their dogs. While this method has its merits, it also comes with certain drawbacks. An alternative, and perhaps more efficient, approach is our QuickStart 121 option, where our experienced trainer takes a hands-on role in initiating the initial training or behavioural changes for your dog. Throughout this process, you remain present, actively participating and gaining valuable insights as the trainer explains each step and encourages your practice.

The benefits of this hands-on training method are numerous:

• Dogs tend to grasp new training concepts more rapidly
• Fewer mistakes occur in the crucial initial stages
• Dogs progress to more advanced training levels at an accelerated pace.
• Trainers can closely monitor progress, make necessary adjustments, and identify issues promptly
• You have the opportunity to observe and learn from a seasoned dog training professional
• More time is dedicated to actual training, with less time spent on explanations

While this approach isn't magic, and your commitment to training at home remains essential, the QuickStart 121option ensures a quicker and smoother start to the training process. We continuously collaborate with you to transfer the acquired skills, ensuring a clear understanding for you to continue training at home. Additionally, you gain access to our 121 Hub, offering training videos and notes for convenient recaps.

The cost of QuickStart 121s is the same as the standard 121 sessions, providing you with the flexibility to choose the approach that best suits your preferences. There is no need to decide between one method or the other exclusively – we can seamlessly integrate both approaches throughout your training sessions based on your comfort and preferences. We understand that not everyone may want us to take a hands-on role, and we respect your choice. The power to tailor your dog's training experience is in your hands.

Initial 121s with Jo Martin and Hannah Ellins:

90 mins - £65

75 mins - £55

60 mins - £45 

Progression 121s with Jo Martin and Hannah Ellins 

90 mins - £60

75 mins - £50

60 mins - £40

45 mins - £30

30 mins - £20

Initial 121s with Jo Philpott:

90 min - £90

75 min - £75

60 mins - £60

Progression 121s with Jo Philpott:

90 mins - £80

75 mins - £65

60 mins - £50

45 mins - £40

30 mins - £25

We also offer a range of 121 Training Bundles, featuring discounts ranging from 5% to 10%. 

Dogs, like humans, can experience moments in their lives when they feel overwhelmed. This overwhelming sensation can manifest in a variety of behaviours, such as incessant barking, sudden lunging, growling, chasing after people, dogs, or vehicles, displaying tense body language, shutting down, struggling to concentrate or focus, engaging in excessive sniffing, exhibiting hyperactive behaviours, appearing frightened and evasive, and being overly alert and unsettled, among other reactions.

These dogs, often labelled as 'reactive' or 'anxious,' are more appropriately described as 'overwhelmed dogs.' This overwhelming behaviour can surface at any stage of a dog's life, with adolescence (6-18 months) being a common period. The causes of overwhelm are diverse, ranging from anxiety, fear, excitement, confusion, and frustration, often intertwining in complex ways. Genetic predispositions, breed traits, age, past experiences, diet, exercise, self-confidence, underlying medical conditions and various other factors contribute to a dog feeling overwhelmed, making each dog's situation unique.

Addressing fearful and overwhelmed behaviour is crucial, as it typically does not resolve on its own. Waiting for a dog to outgrow these issues is not a reliable approach, and if left unattended, both the frequency and intensity of the problems are likely to escalate.

Our Mastering Overwhelm Specialist Training equips you with the essential skills to guide your dog towards a state of calmness and address their feelings of overwhelm. You will learn practical and enjoyable techniques to maintain your dog's focus amidst distractions,  to effectively manage less-than-ideal situations, and gracefully rebound when things don't go as planned. Furthermore, you will join a supportive community of individuals facing similar challenges, providing a sense of connection and alleviating any feelings of isolation. We have the use of stooge dogs and people for when your dog is ready for these steps. 

By the end of this specialist training you will:

• have a clearer understanding about your dog and their overwhelmed behaviours
• have skills in place to tackle difficult situations
• feel more confident on walks
• see a reduction in the severity and numbers of reactions to triggers
• see a quicker return to normal after a reaction to trigger
• have a training plan in place to continue progress
• be in a supportive community who understands you and your dog

This training is a hybrid mix of in-person 121 sessions with Jo Philpott and self-paced training delivered through our online academy.  Over £100 off when booked as a bundle. 

Mastering Overwhelm:

• 90 minute initial 121
• 2 x 60 minute progress 121s
• 2 x 45 minute progress 121s
• Mastering Overwhelm online course with lifetime access
• 6 months access to the My Dog Online Academy, starting 3 months into your training
• Access to our Mastering Overwhelm Facebook group
• Support through email and/or Whatsapp between your 121s
• £300, which can be paid across 5 months
• Full cost if bought separately is £420

If you would prefer you can, of course book, 121s and the other components in this bundle individually as and when you are ready. 

Places on this specialist training program are limited so that all dog-person teams have great levels of support.  There is no quick fix to feelings of overwhelm and it is likely you dog will need ongoing committed support and training beyond this training program. 

Jo P is not currently taking on any new Mastering Overwhelm clients.  If you are interested in this training pop her an email at jo.philpott@mydog-atb.co.uk giving details about your dog and the challenges you are experiencing.  

Achieving most training goals involves a journey that extends beyond a single session. Transforming a dog's behaviour or altering their emotional response to specific stimuli requires a dedicated investment of time. The duration of this process is influenced by various factors, including the complexity of the training goal, the handler's and dog's prior experiences, and the consistency of practice at home. 

To support your commitment to long-term success, we offer a range of 121 Training Bundles, featuring discounts ranging from 5% to 10%. Please note that Bundle 121s should be utilized within six months of purchase.  Whilst you are welcome to book 121s individually, you might prefer a bundle and save. 

Understanding the nuances of your training goals and tailoring our approach to your unique circumstances is crucial. We welcome discussions about your objectives either before you book an initial 121 session or during your first one-on-one training session with us. Our goal is to ensure that your training experience is not only effective but also aligns seamlessly with your schedule, providing you and your dog the best opportunity for lasting success.

Scroll down for links for view and purchase bundles. 

Most of our 121 training takes place at out training venue in Adisham. Getting the foundations in place away from day to day and outside distractions is ideal. 

Training on walks, at external venues and at your home can be arranged after your initial session in most cases. There may be a small charge for travel if you live over 10 minutes drive from the site. 

You are welcome to share a 121 session between up to 4 dogs either from the same family or across different families.  There is no extra charge for this and you can split the cost between you.  In most cases we do ask that each dog has their own handler, unless they are happy to take turns, or work with a trainer.

Jo Philpott is an ICAN CAB (Certified Animal Behaviourist) and in some cases your costs for 121 training may be covered under your pet insurance.  This is generally only appropriate for more complex behaviour modification and not general training.  Not all insurance companies will allow claims with an ICAN CAB and it is worth checking direct with them and having your claim approved before we get started. 

Companies that have allowed ICAN CAN claims in the past include Sainsbury's, Argos, More Than, Many Pets, Agria, Tesco, Direct Line, LV, John Lewis and M&S.  Pet Plan do not currently. 

If your dog is showing a new 'problem' behaviour or any behaviour associated with anxiety, reactivity, barking/lunging, aggression, separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, fear, resource guarding, extreme jumping up or grabbing/biting we will usually ask for them to have a full health check at your vets before their initial 121.  

Ruling out underlying medical causes and pain is very important as behaviour changes are unlikely to be successful otherwise.  

Talk to us before you book any appointments with your vet as we can help you discuss your situation with them to get the best out of your appointment.  Many dogs are not comfortable at the vets and may mask underlying problems leading to missed diagnosis.