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.
For existing clients who want continued practical support without starting a new programme. Sessions can be occasional, used when something needs a tune-up, or arranged more regularly when that would be useful.
For existing clients.
Works with skills already learned.
Carefully managed difficulty.
Focus on noticing, disengaging and recovery.
The point is not to expose a dog to more and more until they stop responding. We work at a level where your dog can still process what is happening, use familiar skills and recover. From there, we can make the practice gradually more realistic without losing the quality of the work.
Distance, predictability and the ability to opt out matter. A useful session should leave us with information about what the dog can currently manage and a clear idea of how to progress — not simply a tired or overwhelmed dog.
The exact set-up depends on the skills your dog already knows and the situations you now want to practise more realistically.
Practise noticing a dog, person, movement or other distraction, then disengaging and orienting back without needing to escalate or remain fixed on it.
Practise settling after something interesting or difficult has happened, so recovery becomes part of the skill rather than expecting your dog to stay calm all of the time.
Calm Practice is not a substitute for assessing a significant behaviour problem. If your dog is showing substantial fear, guarding, aggression or unpredictable behaviour, Behaviour Support is the appropriate route.
Tell me what you would like to work on and I can point you towards the most useful next appointment.