Hi! I’m Sam IMDT, MDWA, CTDI, KAD professional and certified Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor!
What if I told you that training your dog successfully wouldn't be as difficult as you think? The Helping Paw Dog Training can help you help your dog using methods and learning techniques that will in no way negatively impact your dog's (or your!) emotional state! We cover a wide area, based in Tonbridge, and I have studied behaviour with the most elite organisations in the UK, such as IMDT, MDWA, Kids Around Dogs and BCCS.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
My career in dog training began when I was very young with our family dog, a mixed breed with a host of issues including dog and people aggression. While I loved him dearly, he was difficult, and I rarely enjoyed our walks or the stress put on our family when there was a knock at the front door. His behaviour intrigued me. I wanted to know why my dog behaved the way he did, as well as how I could help him and my family reach a happier relationship.
I have spent 15+ years learning, researching, and understanding canine behaviour, body language, nutrition, and training methods to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. I have owned various breeds, from Chihuahuas to Dobermanns, all trained with only positive, force-free, reward-based reinforcement techniques.
Like many other dog trainers, I train dogs so that people can enjoy their pets and get the best friendship they can - the unconditional love of a dog! This is also why I specialise in Spicy dogs!
I am a qualified IMDT trainer, member of the Modern Dog Walkers Association (MDWA), Pet Professionals Guild, Doggone Safe advocate, Kids around Dogs (KAD) professional and a training Trail Hunt International Foundations Instructor (coming soon!)
QUALIFICATIONS and CPD
British College of Canine Studies
Level 4 PETbc Accredited Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma (ongoing)
Dog Law Certificate (ongoing)
IMDT
Qualified IMDT Dog Trainer
1 day Canine Behaviour
2 day Career as a Dog Trainer
4 Day Practical Dog Trainers Course
Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor - certified
Perfect Puppy Foundations
K9 First Aid
Separation Anxiety and Related Disorders
Recall Masterclass
Loose Lead Masterclass
Canine Nutrition
Pain and Behaviour
Training Deaf Dogs
Canine Adolescence
Dogs and Kids
Emotional Red Flag Behaviours
Centre of Excellence Diplomas
Puppy Training
Dog Training
Canine Communication
Canine Behaviour
Canine Nutrition
Understanding Canine Anxiety
Pet Bereavement Counselling
Canine Anatomy & Physiology
Do More With Your Dog!
Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
KAD Kids Around Dogs
Certified KAD Professional
School Talks
MDWA
Member of the Modern Dog Walkers Association
SERVICES AND FEES
TRAINING
1-2-1 TRAINING
1-2-1 sessions are for all dogs, of any age, and take place in Tonbridge park or in your home/garden.
Issues addressed include:
- Basic obedience
- Recall
- Barking at other dogs
- Lunging on Lead
- Separation anxiety
- Growling at people indoors
- Guarding food
- Jumping up
- And many more!
From £55 p/hr
PUPPY CLUB!
Next Course: June 2025
14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts Hut, Weir View Hut, River Walk, Tonbridge TN9 1EP
Open to all fully vaccinated puppies under 6 months old, this course will help you build the basis of your relationship with your new puppy by learning:
Week 1 - reflex to name, marker words, sensory garden
Week 2 - Load Up, eye contact and handling techniques
Week 3 - magic blanket, settle, sit and down
Week 4 - loose lead stage 1 and Leave it
Week 5 - Spin, luring and loose lead stage 1
Week 6 - resource guarding and impulse control
Don't worry - these make sense in class!
Graduated puppies will be invited onto further puppy courses!
PUPPY PLUS
PUPPY INTERMEDIATE
6 x 30 min classes - £125
Further courses:
6 x 45 min classes - £140
PLEASE NOTE: Puppies will only be permitted with proof of full vaccination.
FUN & FROLIC!
CANCELLED
14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts Hut, Weir View Hut, River Walk, Tonbridge TN9 1EP
Looking for something fun to do with your dog that won't break the bank or require your commitment every week? Fun & Frolic is for YOU!
We learn a new behaviour every session as well as practice ones we already know around distractions.
45 min Classes £18
PLEASE NOTE: This is an outdoor class in autumn/winter and will require wellies!
ROWDY RUFFIANS
Next Course: TBC
The Rose Revived Pub, Ashes Ln, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0AN
Open to all dogs over 1yr old who need help learning to be calm around other dogs or for owners who want more engagement from their dog.
This course will include:
- Loose lead walking
- Sniffing games
- Pattern Games
- Learning how to ignore other dogs
- Intro to canine communication
6 x 45 mins classes - £150
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs will only be permitted with proof of full vaccination. Kennel Cough vaccine strongly advised but not required.
IMDT PARTNERSHIP GRADES SCHOOL
Next lesson: Sunday May 18th @ 1pm
The Rose Revived Pub, Ashes Ln, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0AN
Open to all dogs of any age, any breed, who can be calm around other dogs. No previous training needed!
Work towards your IMDT Partnership Grades 1-6 with a qualified IMDT Trainer!
Fun, rewarding, enriching, and accessible to all, the IMDT Partnership Grades are the ultimate way to flex those dog training muscles!
Each grade has a requirement to pass, but I hate tests, so I will simply tick off your achievements as I see them (unless you want a test!)
Classes are on a rotation in all weathers!
For more info of each grade, click HERE
1 x 1 hr classes- £20
4 x 1 hr classes - £70
10 x 1hr classes - £165
PLEASE NOTE: Puppies will only be permitted with proof of full vaccination.
WORKSHOPS
LOOSE LEAD WORKSHOP
Next Workshop: Saturday 15th June 2025
The Rose Revived Pub, Ashes Ln, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0AN
Open to all dogs of any age who can be around other dogs.
Dreaming of a walk with your dog that doesn't end in a dislocated shoulder or a broken finger?
Our workshop will give you the skills to make that walk enjoyable! Perfect for rescues or young adult dogs in need of a little brush up.
60 min classes - £59
TRICK TRAINING WORKSHOP
Next Workshop: Sunday May 18th 2025
14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts Hut, Weir View Hut, River Walk, Tonbridge TN9 1EP
Open to all dogs of any age who can be around other dogs.
We will learn how to teach our dogs tricks to promote relationship, mental stimulation and fun! Various levels to work to!
For an additional fee (£24) you can have your pet certified with Do More With Your Dog! and receive a certificate and ribbon!
90 min classes - £30
RECALL WORKSHOP
Next Workshop: TBC
The Rose Revived Pub, Ashes Ln, Hadlow, Tonbridge TN11 0AN
Open to all dogs of any age who can be around other dogs.
We will learn the fundamentals of Recall including:
- Reflex to name/Recall words
- Safety positions
- Reinforcement and how it can help
- Impulse Control
- Troubleshooting
-Emergency stop!
60 min classes - £59
How to Speak Dog - KAD Kids Around Dogs KS1 & KS2
Next Workshop: Wednesday 28th May 2025
14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts Hut, Weir View Hut, River Walk, Tonbridge TN9 1EP
For kids in KS1 (4-7) or KS2 (7-11) (separate classes - please book accordingly)
We will learn about safety around dogs, what dogs are saying when they do certain things, how to stop a strange dog from interacting with you - all in a fun, interactive workshop lead by Sam, the KAD professional.
There will be no live dogs at this event.
30-45 min classes - £20
KAD Kids Around Dogs LIVE dog Workshop
Next Workshop: Wednesday 28th May 2025
14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts Hut, Weir View Hut, River Walk, Tonbridge TN9 1EP
For kids in KS1 (4-7) and KS2 (7-11)
We will have a conversation with a dog! You'll come and meet a real life dog, putting all of your newly learned skills into practice! We will also learn some simple commands and see some tricks! (dog dependant)
There will be live dog(s) at this event.
30-45 min classes - £20
Kids & Their Trick Dogs
Next Workshop: Sunday 8th June 2025
14th Tonbridge Sea Scouts Hut, Weir View Hut, River Walk, Tonbridge TN9 1EP
Open to all dogs of any age who can be around other dogs and their young handlers! (ages 6-16yrs)
Children will take the lead in this fun class, where we will learn how to cue our dogs into doing tricks!
This activity build bonds, strengthens relationships and trust, and is fun for all!
45 min classes - £30
OTHER SERVICES
HAND STRIPPING
I can offer hand stripping for most breeds to a pet standard within a 10 mile radius of Tonbridge (or further on request). Other breeds considered - just send us a text!
Full strip only: £85 for 2 hrs +£15 p/her after| Full strip + Bath and Blow Dry: £105.00
Strip Tutorial (at your home): £85 for the first hour + £15 p/hr after
PRE-PUPPY CONSULT
Are you getting a puppy? Have you recently bought one home? Do you have absolutely no idea where to start? I can help!
I will come to you for a good old chat and to help you give your puppy the best start in life. We will go through everything from the first night home and how to get your puppy to feel safe to puppy biting and furniture chewing!
I'll bring my puppy bag full of goodies and some handouts for you also. I promise, your puppy will be the best puppy!
Owners who choose the Pre-Puppy consult get to join our Puppy Foundations Course 50% off!
2 hr consult + 1 hr write up + handouts: £150
DOG SITTING
I can offer dog sitting for all breeds, including XL Bullies!
I will drop in or stay in your home, and packages can be tailored to suit all needs, including additional walks.
Just drop us a message/email to have a chat and set up a meet and greet!
Half day (3 hrs min from 8am): £32
Full Day (up to 7 hours until 10pm): £60
Ad-hoc: £15 per hour (up to 2 hrs only)
Overnight (10pm-8am): +£25
Additional dogs: +£10 per day
Additional 1hr walks: £14 each
**Please note, for full day bookings, unless discussed, your dog will be expected to be comfortable alone for up to 3 hrs a day**
MUZZLE TRAINING FOR EXEMPT XL BULLY DOGS
For the forseeable future, I will be offering FREE muzzle training sessions for owners of Exempt XL Bullies in and around Tonbridge.
I will help you find the right muzzle for your dog so they are happy and content to enjoy their life, despite restrictions.
FREE
Just drop me an email and we can set up a session.
DOG WALKING
Working from home but have no time to walk your best friend? Live in and around Tonbridge (TN9) or Mereworth (ME18) and want your dog to have a fun walk full of rewards, praise, and the chance to meet others?
Look no further!
Solo Walk: £21 p/hr
Group Walk: £17 p/hr
Additional Dog from same household: +£7
PLEASE NOTE: Solo Walks will be the only dog. For group walks dogs must be friendly on lead.
CONTACT ME
