Cranbourne Dog Training School (CDTS) is based in Berkshire, with classes held in Bracknell, Winkfield Row and Holyport.

CDTS is very different in it’s attitude to both training and behavioural problems. We feel we are unique in our holistic approach to improving the relationship you have with your dog. Cranbourne uses kind motivational training methods and raises awareness of the importance of diet and health.

Gail took over the running of CDTS in 1998 having previously been a senior instructor at the school for a number of years. She has attended numerous dog training courses in the USA with Wendy Volhard, and was invited to Instruct at each those training camps. Gail completed the Canine Human Interface course and acheived a Distiniction. She is currently completing an advanced dog behaviour and psychology course, and is affiliated with the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists.

CDTS has undergone several major changes over the years. The most fundamental of those changes involved introducing a programme that focused on how people learn. “All learning is stressful to a greater or lesser degree and we needed a format that encompassed all the different learning styles” says Gail. “We wanted to make sure everyone retained as much imformation as possible”

“We feel we are unique in our approach in helping you to get the best out of your dog. For example, are you aware that the way your dog acts may be due to stress, ill health or even diet related? Time and time again we have found that so called `behavioural problems' are actually due to a physical problem occurring within your dog”.

“ The instructors have ongoing training and education and attend seminars and courses that give the latest information on dealing with aggression, timidity, phobias etc. We are able to give advice on diet and are great believers in complementary medicines. Our holistic approach allows us to look at the whole dog.”

Since taking ownership, Gail now assesses updates the training method as new information becomes available. This ensures clients get the very best advice and training/handling techniques. The course literature now includes photographs to help clients be successful at home.

CDTS does not advocate the use of choke chains. Flat collars and head collars are recommended. The method used is based on positive motivation, by using treats, initially, to encourage the dog. At CDTS, both handlers and dogs learn each exercise sequentially in a calm and friendly environment. All clients are given plenty of individual attention.

By breaking down the exercises into small, easily mastered sequences, both the dog and student are put into a position of success. The training is the student's responsibility - coming to school to learn all the sequences, the training itself happens at home, through repetition. You need to practise approximately 10 minutes per day, fitted into your daily lifestyle to see the benefits of the course. The commitment you give will be time well spent on a friend that is hopefully going to be with you for many years to come.

Designed to teach people how to control & communicate with their dogs, the method at this level has proven to be successful with dogs of all ages and breeds. We welcome puppies as soon as your vet allows you to take your puppy out, usually around 12 - 14 weeks.

We offer 9 week evening and daytime courses, and 5 week evening courses. All beginner courses include a talk on how to understand your dog's instinctive behaviours and how to utilise this to get the best out of your dog. Body posture plays an important part in this.

Our goal is to give you a dog that doesn't pull on the lead, will come back when called and stay when told to do so.

As training progresses you will build up rapport and a quality relationship with your dog through trust and respect rather than fear. You will notice that your dog's manners improve both in the home and elsewhere. The result; a dog which is a joy to own, happy, confident and responsive to his owner's wishes. The method uses food rewards as an incentive for the dog initially, with the emphasis on gradually weaning the dogs off the treats as the exercises progress.

Up until now, we have been training you the owner to train your dog. At this new exciting level, the training of the dog really begins. This programme is vital for the easily distracted dog i.e. those who go `conveniently' deaf! Distractions are used; e.g. food, toys, other dogs, etc, to encourage the dog to work out for himself what is required. The result is a dog who focuses on his owner, who is capable of work both on & off the lead and has the confidence to respond regardless of the distractions. We also teach the retrieve at this level.

Introduces more advanced exercises. Students often continue to this level when they realize how much fun their dogs have whilst working and are amazed when they see just what their dogs are capable of doing! We teach distance control and sendaways.

Perfects all the exercises plus gives an insight into competition work if required. Can also include recall & retrieving over jumps, scent & heelwork to music.

For those who are uanble to attend classes or feel the need for a 'one-off' just to put everything into perspective. We offer you tuition on a one to one basis at a time and place convenient to you and your instructor. Lessons are catered to your individual needs and can include recall work, assessing aggression problems or behavioural problems such as separation anxiety etc

We offer a professional service on all behavioural problems such as aggression (towards other dogs or people), separation anxiety. The visit lasts approximately two hours and includes a written consultation. Please call for more information

We offer a home boarding service where your dog can come and stay as a member of our family while you are away. All Instructors who board have insurance cover. Please phone for prices and availability. Training can be included for an additional fee.

What breed to suit your family, what sex, what to look for and what to avoid, when to take the puppy home, how and when to start training. All this and a lot more can be answered by merely picking up the phone and giving us a call!