Activdogs is now Steven Symonds — Dog Behaviour & Training. A name that better reflects the work I do.
Activdogs is now Steven Symonds — Dog Behaviour & Training. A name that better reflects the work I do.
Continue one-to-one when you want to learn a new skill or practise something we have already worked on, or move into a small group where regular training and familiar dogs add something useful.
You do not need to start another fixed programme every time you want to make progress. Some work is best done one-to-one; some becomes more useful when practised regularly around other dogs and distractions. Coaching & Clubs gives you both routes.
Choose the format first. The sections below then show the type of one-to-one or group work available.
Learn or progress a new skill with individual coaching, or book a focused practice session for work we have already taught.
Regular small-group practice built around dogs with similar training needs, breed tendencies or behaviour goals.
Both are individual sessions. The difference is whether we are building new training or rehearsing established work in the situations where you need it.
For learning a new skill or taking existing training further. We agree the goal, work through the mechanics together and I provide a Training Plan where that will help you practise between sessions.
For practising training we have already done together — for example recall, lead walking, engagement, settling or working around distractions — with another pair of eyes and a useful real-world set-up.
These are deliberately small, regular groups rather than generic classes. Each club starts with dogs that share useful training needs, so the group itself becomes part of the practice.
For working Cockers, Springers, Sprockers and other active spaniels. Search, scent, recall, steadiness, retrieving and useful outdoor skills.
For Labradors, Goldens and other retriever types. Engagement, retrieving, steadiness, recall and working together around real-world distractions.
For Collies and other herding-bred dogs. Movement, disengagement, steadiness, search and giving strong working tendencies somewhere useful to go.
Carefully managed group practice for dogs who need help noticing other dogs, disengaging and staying able to think. Entry will be by prior assessment or existing work with me.
One-to-one work gives us precision. Small groups give us controlled opportunities to practise around dogs, movement and distraction. The aim is not to keep you permanently in training; it is to use the right support at the point where it adds value.
If we have already worked together, send me a short message and tell me what you would like to improve or practise. I can point you towards one-to-one coaching, a practice session or the most suitable club.
