Frequently Asked Questions First Steps Dog Training | Canterbury, Kent

What areas do you cover? Canterbury. Chartham. Ashford. Whitstable. Herne Bay. Faversham. Dover. Deal. Thanet. Broadstairs. Ramsgate . Sandwich. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, simply get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Are you insured, licensed and first aid trained? Yes I am fully insured up to £5,000,000 for public liability insurance and I hold a 4 star license from Canterbury City Council to home board dogs. I am also first aid trained. 

1. Where is your home dog boarding service located, and how many dogs do you look after? My home dog boarding service is based at my property in Chartham, Canterbury. I hold a 4-star home boarding licence issued by Canterbury City Council, and I provide a safe, comfortable home environment for dogs while their owners are away. I have a limited boarding capacity, allowing me to provide individual care and attention. 2. What is included in your home dog boarding service? Your dog will enjoy a home-from-home environment, with feeding routines tailored to their needs, regular exercise, playtime, enrichment, and plenty of individual attention. I aim to maintain your dog's usual routine as much as possible, helping them feel comfortable and settled during their stay. 3. How does 1-to-1 personalised dog training work? My 1-to-1 training sessions are tailored to your dog, your goals, and your lifestyle. We work together on the areas you would like to improve, which may include obedience, recall, loose-lead walking, puppy training, confidence building, or unwanted behaviours. Sessions can take place at your home or another suitable location.

4. What is residential dog training, and is it suitable for my dog? Residential training provides a more intensive training programme where your dog stays with me and receives structured training as part of their daily routine. It can help establish useful skills, improve manners, and build foundations for ongoing training at home. Every dog is different, so I recommend discussing your dog's needs and goals with me first to determine whether residential training is suitable. 5. Will I need to continue training my dog at home after residential training? Yes. Residential training can help establish skills and routines, but continuing to practise at home is essential for maintaining progress. I'll provide guidance on how to reinforce your dog's learning and help you incorporate the training into everyday life. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement will help your dog co 6. Does my dog need to be well-trained to stay for home boarding? No, your dog doesn't need to be perfectly trained to enjoy a stay. I will discuss your dog's behaviour, temperament, routine, and individual needs with you beforehand to help ensure the boarding arrangement is suitable. Being open about

7. Will my dog be introduced to other dogs during boarding? Your dog's safety and comfort are my priority. I'll discuss their socialisation history, temperament, and preferences with you before their stay. Any interactions with other dogs will be considered carefully, based on individual needs and suitability, rather than assuming every dog will enjoy social contact. 8. How many training sessions will my dog need? This depends on your dog's age, current behaviour, training history, and the goals you want to achieve. Some dogs may make progress with a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support and practice. During our initial discussion, we can identify your priorities and work out a training plan that suits you and your dog. 9. What types of dogs can benefit from personalised training? I work with dogs at different life stages, including puppies, adolescent dogs, and adults. Training can cover basic and advanced obedience, recall, loose-lead walking, settling, confidence building, jumping up, mouthing, barking, and other unwanted behaviours. Each programme is adapted to the individual dog and their owner's goals.

10. How do I book home boarding or dog training? Simply get in touch with First Steps Dog Training to discuss your requirements. For home boarding, I can explain the booking process and arrange a meet-and-greet, with trial visits where appropriate. For training, we can discuss your dog's needs and agree on the most suitable approach. I'll help you find the right service for you and your dog.