Answers about puppy training, behaviour support, and how Jennie works across Essex.
If you are comparing puppy training in Essex, dog behaviour help, assisted lead walks, or just trying to work out the right first step, this page brings the most common questions together in one place.
The aim is to make things clearer before you book, so you can quickly see how support works, what Jennie can help with, and which route is likely to fit your dog best.
Puppy training questions
Useful if you are comparing puppy classes, one-to-one puppy training, or help with biting, settling, toilet training, and early routines.
Behaviour support questions
Best fit for barking, reactivity, lead struggles, visitor worries, rescue dog settling, or behaviour that feels bigger than basic training.
Assisted lead walk questions
Best fit for pulling, lunging, reactive walks, loose lead coaching, and owners who want hands-on help where the hard bit is actually happening.
Dog walking questions
For owners looking for behaviour-aware dog walking in South Woodham Ferrers with calm handling and sensible routes.
Still not sure what fits?
Get in touch if you would rather explain what is happening with your dog and have Jennie point you towards the best first step.
Puppy Training
What are your Puppy Foundations packages?
Puppy Starter (£199) - Most popular. A relaxed 2-hour visit plus a 1-hour follow-up with notes so you have a clear plan to build on.
Puppy Progress (£269) - Two x 2-hour visits with notes and a supported social walk to practise real-life skills.
Puppy Plus (£339) - Two x 2-hour visits, a 1-hour follow-up, notes and two social walks for extra support.
All options teach calm Foundations: name response, settle on a mat, toilet routine, bite inhibition, gentle handling, recall beginnings and loose-lead basics.
Do you offer group or social walks?
Jennie can sometimes offer paid owner-join social walks, including carefully managed larger walks run with another trusted dog walker, often around the Cherry Orchard area near Southend. These are not a main standalone service or a drop-in group class. They are only offered where the dog or puppy is likely to cope well and benefit from the setup. Read about social group walks.
For puppies, the best time depends on vaccination guidance, confidence, and whether they can stay connected to you around distractions. The puppy social walks section explains what usually needs to be in place first.
Can I start with Starter and upgrade later?
Yes. Begin with Starter and, if you'd like more support after the first session, upgrade to Progress or Plus by paying the difference - no pressure and no lock-ins.
Do you offer pay-as-you-go sessions?
Absolutely. You can book single sessions as needed. Many families do one in-depth visit and then add occasional check-ins during growth spurts or teething.
When should we start puppy training and what's included?
Start at home from around 8 weeks. A session includes a friendly assessment, a tailored plan, coached practice with you and your puppy, simple homework, and written notes so you know exactly what to do next.
Do you offer one-to-one puppy training across Essex?
Yes. Jennie offers one-to-one puppy training across Essex, with many families choosing home visits because it is easier to work on biting, toileting, calm greetings, settling, and early lead skills in the places those things are actually happening.
Do you offer group puppy classes or is it all one-to-one?
Jennie's puppy support is all one-to-one rather than group classes. This means sessions are built around your puppy's specific needs, your home, and your routine — rather than a fixed class plan that has to work for every dog in the room. If you are comparing group classes and one-to-one support, the puppy classes vs one-to-one page explains the differences clearly.
Dog Behaviour
What are your Dog Behaviour Foundations packages?
Starter Consult (£140) - A relaxed 2-hour visit with follow-up notes so you have a clear first plan to work from.
Progress Pack (£260) - Starter Consult plus two 60-minute follow-ups, video review, plan adjustments, and 30-day support. This is the recommended starting point for most owners who want steadier follow-through.
Reactivity Focus (£360) - A more focused route for dogs whose barking, lunging, or walk stress needs more structure over time. Jennie can help you decide if that is the better fit.
All options focus on calm foundations for behaviour change: safety routines, settle on a mat, lead skills for decompression walks, needs-based enrichment, and owner coaching that feels workable in real life.
Can you help with reactive, anxious or aggressive dogs?
Yes. I specialise in big feelings - barking and lunging, fear, frustration, guarding, visitor worries and handling sensitivities. We'll build a safety-first plan and practise calm alternatives your dog can succeed with.
How does a behaviour consultation work?
We start with an in-depth chat and observation, identify triggers and needs, then coach practical steps. You'll get written notes, simple homework and WhatsApp support to keep you moving forward.
Do you collaborate with my vet if needed?
Yes. With your consent I can share summaries with your vet and work alongside them, especially useful for pain, anxiety or medication reviews. If a referral is more appropriate, I'll guide you.
Can you help if my dog barks, lunges, or reacts on walks?
Yes. Walk struggles are one of the most common reasons owners get in touch. Support looks at what is driving the reaction, what your dog can cope with right now, and how to build calmer patterns through practical handling and realistic next steps.
Can you help with separation anxiety?
Yes. Separation anxiety is one of the most misunderstood behaviour struggles because the dog is not being naughty — they are genuinely distressed when left. Support looks at what your dog can currently cope with, builds a realistic routine around that, and increases time alone gradually in a way that feels manageable for both of you. The separation anxiety page explains what this usually looks like in practice.
How long does behaviour change take?
It depends on the behaviour, the dog, and how consistently the plan can be followed in everyday life. Some owners notice a real shift after one session. Others need several weeks before the changes feel steady. What matters most is not speed — it is having a plan that is realistic enough to actually stick to. Jennie will always give you a honest sense of what to expect at the start rather than overpromising.
Assisted Lead Walks
What is an assisted lead walk?
An assisted lead walk is a hands-on coaching session where Jennie meets you out on a walk and helps in real time. Rather than sitting and talking about what to do, you practise it together — with Jennie coaching your lead handling, route choices, timing, and how to read your dog's signals as things are actually happening. It is most useful when the hard moments are happening outside rather than at home.
Who is an assisted lead walk for?
It is a good fit for dogs who pull, lunge, bark at other dogs or people, stop and refuse to move, or make walks feel tense before you have even left the house. It also suits owners who feel nervous or unsure of themselves out on walks and want someone calm alongside them while they practise. If you are not sure whether a lead walk session or a full behaviour consultation is the better starting point, Jennie can help you work that out first.
What packages do you offer for assisted lead walks?
Basic Assisted Lead Walk (£60) — A single outdoor coaching session focused on lead handling, route management, and calmer walk habits.
Behaviour Lead Assessment (£120) — A home visit to look at the behaviour first, followed by a walk session so Jennie can see what is happening in context.
Premium Behaviour Package (£169) — Two visits with written notes and a more structured plan for dogs who need a steadier build-up. Full details are on the assisted lead walks page.
What is the difference between an assisted lead walk and a behaviour consultation?
A behaviour consultation usually starts at home, looking at the full picture of what is going on before building a plan. An assisted lead walk skips straight to the walk itself — it works best when the main struggle is clearly out on the lead rather than across different settings. Some owners start with a lead walk session and find that enough. Others find that starting with a full consultation gives them a clearer plan to bring to the walk. Jennie can help you choose the right starting point when you get in touch.
Dog Walking
What is behaviour-aware dog walking?
Behaviour-aware dog walking means Jennie plans each walk around your dog's emotional state, arousal levels, and body language rather than just covering distance. Routes are chosen with your dog's needs in mind, stress signals are noticed and responded to, and the aim is always to bring your dog home more settled rather than more wound up. It makes a real difference for dogs who need a more thoughtful approach to walks.
Where do you offer dog walking?
Dog walking is based in South Woodham Ferrers and is limited to that area and the very local surroundings. This is not an Essex-wide service. Van collection is available for suitable bookings. If you are outside South Woodham Ferrers and need walk support, the assisted lead walks service may be a better fit.
How is this different from a regular dog walker?
Most dog walkers focus on exercise. Jennie's background in dog behaviour means she also considers how your dog is feeling, how they respond to other dogs and environments, and what a good walk actually looks like for that individual dog. This matters most for dogs who are reactive, nervous, easily aroused, or who have had difficult walks in the past. Read more on the dog walking page.
How much does dog walking cost?
Dog walking starts from £15. Spaces are limited and need the right match for your dog. Get in touch to discuss availability, what your dog needs, and whether the service is a good fit before booking.
What owners usually want to know first
- Whether they need puppy training, behaviour support, or a walk-based session
- How home visits work and whether local walk coaching is included
- What areas in Essex Jennie covers
- Whether support is reward-based and tailored to their dog
- How much help they can expect after the first session
If your question is not listed here
That usually just means your dog needs a bit more context than a general FAQ can give. Jennie can look at your dog's age, the main struggle, and whether the hardest moments happen at home, on walks, or both.
If you want a more direct answer, the contact form is the quickest way to explain what is going on and get pointed towards the right route.
Quick links if your question is really about a specific problem
Puppy biting
Go here if the puppy questions are really about nipping, grabbing clothes, over-tired chaos, or how to make early routines feel calmer.
Reactive dog on lead
Use this if your FAQs are really about barking, lunging, or walks that feel much harder once the lead goes on.
Barking at visitors
Best fit if the real question is about the front door, guests coming in, or home life feeling tense when people arrive.
Areas we cover
Use the Essex town pages if your main question is whether Jennie covers your area and what local route makes most sense first.
Choosing a behaviourist
Read this if what you really need is help judging what good behaviour support should feel like before you book anything.
Still want a direct answer?
If the page gets you close but not quite there, the contact form is the fastest way to explain what is going on and get pointed in the right direction.
General
What qualifications does Jennie have?
Jennie is working towards an Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (Canine) Level 5. Before moving into dog behaviour, she trained riders and worked closely with horses, which gave her a strong grounding in timing, body language, observation, and reading animals in real environments. She is also DBS checked and trained in canine first aid.
Are you insured and DBS checked?
Yes. Jennie is fully insured and DBS checked. This matters when you are trusting somebody with your dog, and it gives owners the reassurance that the practical side of any visit or walk is as reliable as the support itself.
Can you help with adult or older dogs, not just puppies?
Absolutely. Most of the dogs Jennie works with are adults. Behaviour change is possible at any age — what matters is understanding what is driving the behaviour and building a plan that is realistic for your dog's age, health, and history. It is never too late to make walks calmer, reduce stress at home, or help a dog feel more settled.
Where are you based and which areas do you cover?
I'm based in South Woodham Ferrers and cover Essex. If you're unsure I cover your area, send me a WhatsApp message and I'll confirm.
Which training methods do you use?
Positive reinforcement methods only. We work under threshold, build confidence and choice, and never use aversive tools or intimidation.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Online coaching is great for assessment, planning and owner training, especially for dogs worried by visitors or families further away.
Can I attend and be involved in the training?
Absolutely. Owner coaching is central to success. I'll guide you step-by-step so you feel confident continuing at home and on walks.
Do you work with rescue dogs?
Yes. I have experience supporting rescue dogs with trauma, uncertainty and reactivity. We go at your dog's pace with gentle, welfare-first plans.
How do I book and what happens first?
Use the contact form or send me a WhatsApp message. I will reply within one business day, confirm your goals, and suggest the best first step so you do not have to work it all out alone first.
What should I prepare for a visit?
Have small soft treats, your dog's usual equipment, and a comfy mat or blanket ready. Note any recent changes in health or routine. We'll plan calm, safe set-ups if visitors or walks are part of the work.
What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
If plans change, just let me know as early as possible. I'll share the current notice period and any fees when you book so everything is clear and fair.
How much do your services cost?
Current prices are listed on each service page. Guide prices: Starter Consult £140, Progress Pack £260, Reactivity Focus £360, Puppy Starter £199, Basic Assisted Lead Walk £60, Behaviour Lead Assessment £120, and Premium Behaviour Package £169. If you are unsure which route fits best, Jennie can point you towards the most sensible starting point.
You do not need to work it all out alone before booking.
If you have read the FAQs and still feel unsure whether you need puppy training, behaviour support, assisted lead walks, or an online consultation, Jennie can help you narrow that down quickly.