1-2-1 Dog Training in the Heart of the Aberdeenshire Countryside

A personalised training experience for puppies, recall and loose lead walking

Train in private woodland, fenced paddocks and my cosy training barn (the old potting shed), surrounded by real-life distractions including our four pet alpacas, chickens, geese, dogs and cats.

My bespoke 1-2-1 programmes are designed for pet dog owners who want more than basic obedience — and who are ready to invest time and care into building a truly connected relationship with their dog.

This isn’t a class.

It’s a personalised training experience for people who see their dog as family. Whether you’re starting with a new puppy, struggling with loose lead walking, or wanting reliable off-lead control, we focus on creating a dog who chooses to stay close — not because they’ve been told to, but because they feel safe, engaged and connected.

Sessions take place at Damside House, Johnshaven, Montrose. DD10 0HY

This Is Not Your Typical Training Class

Most training takes place in controlled indoor spaces surrounded by lots of other dogs.

Life doesn’t.

Dogs need to learn around smells, movement, wildlife, people and changing environments. Owners need support navigating all of that too.

That’s why your sessions take place in my old potting shed and surrounding fenced woodland, supported by gentle, real-life distractions from our resident dogs, cats, alpacas, chickens and geese.

Rather than drilling behaviours, I teach your dog how to:

  • choose to stay close
  • focus on you when things are interesting
  • regulate their emotions
  • build confidence
  • enjoy working with you
  • feel safe exploring the world together

And just as importantly, I teach you how to support that.

Everything is tailored to your dog’s age, personality, energy levels and emotional needs. We progress carefully, only increasing challenge when your dog is ready.

This is real-world learning, thoughtfully delivered.

Choose Your Programme

Each option follows the same bespoke structure. The difference lies in your focus.

Puppy Programme

For puppies learning how to navigate a human world.

We build confidence, calmness and engagement from the very beginning. Your puppy learns to check in with you, explore safely, settle with ease and enjoy learning through playful, connection-based games.

This creates strong foundations that support every stage of life.


Recall Programme

For dogs who struggle to return when called or lose connection outdoors.

We develop reliable recall by teaching your dog to want to come back — building speed, enthusiasm and focus through woodland-based games that work even around distractions.

No shouting.
No chasing.
No pressure.

Just a dog who chooses you.


Loose Lead Walking Programme

For dogs who pull, scan, lunge or make walks feel tense and exhausting.

We replace pressure with partnership, teaching your dog how to walk calmly beside you while staying emotionally regulated in real environments.

Walks become lighter.
Clearer.
More enjoyable.

How the Programme Works

You receive four private 45-minute sessions, delivered across my indoor training space and fenced woodland.

Session One – Foundations

We begin in the potting shed, creating calm focus and introducing your core games.

These form the building blocks for everything that follows.

These are not drills.

They are carefully designed games that build engagement, emotional regulation and connection — making learning enjoyable for both you and your dog.


Sessions Two to Four – Real-World Application

From session two onwards, we gradually change environments and introduce distractions at a level your dog can succeed with.

This may include woodland work, animal distractions and more stimulating spaces — always guided by your dog’s emotional state.

Everything is paced thoughtfully.

By sessions three and four, you are no longer simply practising skills.

You are living them.


Ongoing Support

Your programme includes two months of ongoing support via WhatsApp, phone or email.

You can send videos, ask questions and receive guidance between sessions, ensuring everything integrates smoothly into your daily life.

You are fully supported throughout.

Your Role (An Important Part of the Process)

This is not something I do to your dog. It is something we build together.

I will teach you how to create focus, guide your dog through distractions and support their emotional wellbeing.

But meaningful change happens between sessions.

The games you learn are designed to become part of everyday life — woven into walks, play, transitions and quiet moments at home.

You’ll learn how to:

  • interact differently with your dog
  • read their emotional state
  • create opportunities for engagement
  • turn ordinary moments into learning
  • build habits that support calm and connection

This is a lifestyle shift, not a quick fix. I show you how to create a dog who can listen in any situation. It is up to you to practise.

Progress depends on the time and intention you invest — not hours each day, but consistent, thoughtful moments. When this happens, dogs begin to look to their owners naturally. Recall strengthens. Walks feel lighter. Confidence grows. Relationships deepen.

I provide the framework and support. You create the change.

Is This Right for You?

This is not for owners seeking traditional obedience classes.

It is for those who value:

  • personalised support
  • real-world learning
  • relationship-based training
  • professional guidance
    and lasting results

Investment

Your personalised 1-2-1 programme is £180.

This includes:

• Four private 45-minute sessions
• Training in both indoor and woodland environments
• A fully tailored programme
• Two months of WhatsApp / phone / email support

To ensure every client receives my full attention, I work with just five 1-2-1 clients per month.

Once those spaces are filled, bookings close until the following month.

Not Sure If It’s the Right Fit?

I recommend beginning with a Snuffle Spot session.

This allows your dog to explore the space, gives us time to talk through your goals, and helps you experience my approach in a relaxed setting.

If you decide to move forward with a 1-2-1 programme within 14 days, the cost of your Snuffle Spot session is deducted from your programme fee.

Apply for a 1-2-1 Training Programme

My 1-2-1 training programmes are limited to just five clients per month. This allows me to give each dog and owner the time, attention and support they truly deserve.

Because this is a personalised, relationship-based programme I ask all prospective clients to complete a short application before booking. This helps me understand your dog, your goals, and whether this experience is the right fit for both of you.

These programmes are designed for pet dog owners who are ready to invest time and care into building a calmer, more connected partnership. The work we do together extends beyond our sessions and becomes part of everyday life.

If you’re looking for quick fixes or traditional obedience classes, this may not be the right path.

But if you’re ready to deepen your understanding of your dog, refine your communication, and build lasting real-world skills in private woodland, fenced paddocks and my cosy training barn, I would love to hear from you.

Please complete the application form below. I will personally review your answers and be in touch with next steps.

Name
What are you looking for support with?
My 1-2-1 programmes are not traditional obedience training.
My 1-2-1 programmes are not traditional obedience training. We don’t focus on sit, down and stay drills. Instead, we build connection, focus and emotional balance through games and everyday activities, helping your dog learn to choose you even around real-life distractions. Please confirm you understand and are comfortable with this approach:
All of my training is reward-based.
We use food, toys and play to motivate your dog, build engagement and strengthen your relationship. There is no punishment, intimidation or force used at any point.
Are you willing to practise little and often between sessions?
Sessions do not need to be on the same day or at the same time each week, however there must be a minimum of one week between sessions to allow time for practice and progress. During the winter months, outdoor training is not available in the evenings due to reduced daylight. Please outline your general availability over the next 4–8 weeks (including specific days and time windows you could attend):

Laura specialises in customising activities for dogs with restricted exercise and supporting owners through this challenge. Her mission is to ensure these dogs remain calm and content despite limited daily exercise, fostering enduring bonds between them and their owners through compassionate training methods.