Dog training and canine behaviour courses in North & West Norfolk

Meet Ann

Ann Corcoran is a licensed professional dog trainer.

“I’ve had dogs all my life, including a Collie cross called Patch, Chip a Poodle x Westie, two Cocker Spaniels (Bruce and Bel) and a Spanish Podenco cross called Reba.

I am fascinated by canine/human dynamics, both for single dog households and those where there are multiple canine/human interactions.

With an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management, I am a full member of the APDT (membership no 01269) and am proud to follow their code of conduct of kind, fair and effective dog training using positive reinforcement. Additionally I hold membership of the Guild of Dog Trainers (GODT) and the Pet Professional Guild UK.

I am also a member of Sarah Whitehead’s Inner Circle – the UK’s only online mentoring and CPD platform that brings together and supports trainers, behaviourists and canine professionals. I only use force-free, kind and effective training methods which will fit in with your lifestyle.

Being a Clever Dog Company Method Licensed Trainer has given me the in-depth knowledge and resource base to allow me to provide both behavioural and training advice for dogs, both young and old. There’s a wealth of helpful advice for dog owners on the Clever Dog Company website.

Through my work to date I have started to understand how the interaction between the dog and humans can cause both physical and mental stress. This has led to me becoming involved with Alex Wilson of Xtradog who is a P1 practitioner of the Tellington Touch (TTouch) method. TTouch is a method that reduces the physical and mental stress created by human contact, handling, environment and other sub-optimum environmental conditions. It reduces chronic pain and poor functioning, which also cause stress. When pain or impaired nerve or muscle function disable a part of the body, TTouch induces the animal to activate any available alternate neuromuscular pathways to restore function. The awareness it brings often relieves associated pain.

Embracing a professional yet friendly attitude towards our clients, I am constantly developing my knowledge, which makes me a sterling choice for any owner wanting to help their dog become a calm and happy household pet.”

Meet Dawn

Dawn is a puppy training specialist.

“I am currently working with my local vet providing early socialisation and education classes for puppies aged between 7 weeks – 16 weeks. This is known as the critical period of a Puppy’s Life.

The optimal time for puppies to be placed with their new human families is at 7-8 weeks of age. As soon as your puppy comes home, time is of the essence for you to provide a huge heaping of high quality socialisation and schooling. This is the key to creating a socially self-confident, well-behaved puppy that is strongly bonded to you. It is also the key to preventing yappy, shy and/or aggressive behaviours from developing later in life!

Fear-Impact Period: During the 2nd Socialisation Period, when your puppy is around 8-11 weeks of age, it is important to be aware of what is known as a Fear-Impact Period. If puppies have “bad” or scary experiences during this time, the impressions are likely to last a lifetime and resurface during maturity. So, protect your puppy from these long-term effects by avoiding bad experiences. Should your puppy become afraid for any reason, dangerous or not, immediately step in and remove him/her from the situation. That is good parenting!

I hold the Training for the Future qualification which is an intermediate award in puppy class instruction fully accredited by the Open College Network South East Region. I trained with the Clever Dog Company and, along with Ann, I am now a member of their Inner Circle. Here at The Other Side of the Dog, we provide individual Bespoke training programmes in the comfort of your own home, which aids both owner and puppy/dog feel more relaxed and in control compared to a class situation where pressure is greater.

Our individual programme, not only enhance relationships but creates a happy, well balanced and confident dog as they learn their life skills in various real life situations.

As those young dogs progress we then offer small group classes, developing their skills and working on challenging owners and their dogs with mind games!”