Good Choice Dog Training

Good Choice Dog Training Accredited Dog Trainer (Puppies & Adult dogs) Puppy Specialist - 121’s - Training Walks - Classes

18/06/2026

People often see the chase.

I see the choices. 🐾

Before the dogs get to chase the toy, they’re practising focus, patience and impulse control.

They wait.
They listen.
They chase on cue.
And most importantly, they choose to bring the toy back so the game can continue.

Play can be so much more than exercise.

Used thoughtfully, it can build engagement, strengthen your relationship and provide an appropriate outlet for natural instincts.

The goal isn’t to stop dogs wanting to chase.

It’s to teach them when, where and how to do it.

We had so much fun I had to use music as I’m the one that’s over excited 😂

flirt pole • dog training games • impulse control • engagement • toy drive • positive reinforcement • recall through play • reward based training • working dogs • enrichment for dogs





14/06/2026

A reliable recall isn’t about luck or having “obedient” dogs, and a whistle is not a magic recall noise!

Reliable recall is built through consistent training, reinforcement and a relationship where coming back is always worthwhile.

For me, recall means freedom. It allows my dogs to explore, sniff and enjoy their walks, while knowing they can be called back instantly when needed.

It’s one of the most valuable skills you can teach—and one that keeps your dog safe and prevents them from being a nuisance to other dogs and people.

If their recall is not quite there yet > use a long line. Because every time they don’t listen to you:

🔹It erodes the value of your recall word/noise
🔹They self reward when they ignore you
🔹There is always risk

Freedom isn’t the absence of rules—it’s built on trust and training and the process should absolutely be fun, otherwise what’s the point?

I’m considering a recall workshops in August both in Lilley and in Letchworth. Comment ‘recall’ if you are interested or contact me via any of the options in my bio.

whistle recall • off lead dogs • recall training • positive reinforcement • real life dog training • freedom through training • engagement • dog trainer UK





11/06/2026

The journey with Kiz is a personal one for me, and it’s been so wonderful watching her confidence grow.

Today wasn’t about getting two dogs to play. It was about continuing to build and maintain confidence, to calmly and confidently coexist, interact appropriately, disengage and regulate emotions.

We even added a little mini training session in at the end, in a you go I go style, and Kiz even learnt a few new moves!

Todays session included:

✔️ Long line walking
✔️ Loose lead walking
✔️ Off lead interaction
✔️ Recall away from play/distractions
✔️ Impulse control
✔️ Emotional regulation
✔️ Focus on handler

The list goes on!

Every interaction was carefully managed to set them up for success and to ensure positive experiences.

Vinnie started as a passing dog in the street, and we have gradually progressed to very relaxed sessions like this. Both Liz and her mum are an absolute pleasure to work with.

Kiz will also be experiencing a bespoke class environment that I have set up for her for a future 121, with a few previous customers and their dogs.

confidence building • stooge dog • recall training • positive reinforcement • off lead training • relationship based training • dog confidence • engagement • one to one dog training • reward based training • real life dog training • calm around dogs





OneToOneDogTraining

07/06/2026

Today’s Walk & Train session combined training and real-world practice out in a public space.

Walk & Train sessions are open to existing and previous clients, with the prerequisite skills from either 121s or classes.

Numbers are kept small to help maintain calm, neutral coexistence.

We start with a structured walk, stop for a focused training session, and are continually transferring and using known skills to public spaces, whilst putting them into practice around each other and within an uncontrollable environment.

Today’s exercises focused on:
✔ Impulse control
✔ Engagement
✔ Focus around distractions

Because training isn’t just about what happens in class, we need to transfer and use these skills out and about.

The goal is to build skills that work in everyday life, in real environments, around real distractions.

These session are both beneficial and enjoyable and it’s lovely to continue to see familiar faces ☺️

dog training walk • walk and train • impulse control • focus around distractions • dog neutrality • real world dog training • positive reinforcement • engagement training • dog trainer Hertfordshire • Bedfordshire dog training • life skills for dogs • reward based training





06/06/2026

Today’s adolescent class wasn’t just about dogs walking past each other.

It was about the skills that made that possible.

Over the last three weeks we’ve been building:
✔ Exit plans
✔ Pattern games
✔ Arousal management
✔ Handling skills
✔ Engagement
✔️ Play styles
✔️ Calmness

Today those foundations were put to work as the dogs practised approaching, disengaging, turning away and calmly passing one another.

To finish, each dog took turns weaving through a line of stationary dogs while everyone else practised remaining calm and focused.

Good training isn’t about forcing dogs to tolerate situations they’re not ready for we can also regress the criteria and work at each dog’s pace and ability.

It’s about giving them the skills they need to succeed when situations arise in the real world.

We’ll keep tweaking handling skills and building confidence for the remainder of the course. Practicing in a safe environment to make the transfer of skills to public places less daunting and with muscle memory, more fluid when needed.

dog neutrality • engagement around dogs • calm canine social skills • disengagement • pattern games • emotional regulation • adolescent dogs • reward based training • positive reinforcement • life skills for dogs





02/06/2026

I needed to update a demo for a prey drive substitute game and this is how it happened.

Here I’m using a food chase game as an appropriate outlet and substitute activity, allowing my dog to stalk, focus and chase in a controlled way.

At the same time, the other dogs are practising calmness, patience and impulse control around distractions.

Training isn’t just about teaching behaviours. It’s about meeting needs while building skills.

Between them in less that 60 seconds we’ve worked on:

✔ Engagement
✔ Impulse control
✔ Appropriate outlets
✔ Positive reinforcement

Sometimes one exercise can practice multiple behaviours or skills!

prey drive substitute • dog training games • positive reinforcement • impulse control • engagement training • multi dog household • reward based training • focus around distractions • relationship based training • calm dogs • dog trainer Hertfordshire • real life dog training





27/05/2026

Dog not drinking enough water in hot weather?

Make the fluid more exciting!

Yesterday they were very lethargic as it was ridiculously humid inside and melting outside. I was changing their water bowl regularly for cold fresh water but it was still full each time as they were not drinking.

So I made this and it was gone in seconds, and they chased the empty bowls around ‘to make sure it was all gone’ for a few minutes after!

I’m using powdered goats milk from The Dogs Butcher (but it’s widely available), I’ve measured out 3 separate servings for the boys, mixing the powder with water and adding to a soup portion freezer tray (got that off Amazon).

You don’t have to freeze it either, I sometimes give it to the boys after mixing it up with water, but as it’s exceptionally hot at the moment I partially froze it, then let it start to meld, so there was a mixture of fluid and ice for them to both hydrate and cool down.

I’ll only give them 1 portion of this a day, or an alternative such as bone broth or doggy hydration drinks like Oralade.

Remember these should complement — not replace — access to fresh water and proper heat management.

Stay safe in the heatwave!

dog hydration • cooling enrichment • frozen goats milk • summer dog tips • heatwave help • canine enrichment • hot weather dogs




CanineEnrichment
DogWellbeing

23/05/2026

Stan was demo dog on Thursdays puppy class, here he is doing a demo of the progressions for the emergency stop when moving towards the handler. This is real life dog training.

I initially teach that the value is behind on the ‘stop’ cue, this is a starting point to prevent a recall, as we need the dog to be ‘in motion’ when practicing this, for a reliable stop to develop.

Then we need to very quickly progress to the static stop/stay until ‘collected’.

I teach this in puppy class because if you ever needed to use it, it could potentially save your dog’s life.

The example I give is that the danger ⚠️ is between you and them, whatever it may be I.e. lead has snapped, dog has got out of the garden etc. and they are across a road from you, or you notice glass on the floor and they are mid recall to you, in either case you absolutely do not want them to recall to you.

Handling skills need fine tuning with this one to keep it as safe as possible, so that if you need to use it, it’s a well oiled sequence for you both.

Next puppy class starts 27th June, get in touch to book 👍🏻

* puppy training
* emergency stop
* recall training
* real life skills
* positive reinforcement
* puppy classes Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire





21/05/2026

This boy has the memory of an elephant!

One Sunday years ago I thought ‘I’ll try to teach him how to play dead’ and although we very rarely practice it’s still in there!

It has also always taken 2 shots to take him down 🤣 that’s how it happens and we roll with it 🤣

I teach a few tricks in the advanced class and this is one of them. Next block starts 27th June message to discuss a place 😊

Teaching your dog fun tricks like play dead is about more than just cute videos 🐾

Advanced training helps improve focus, engagement, confidence and communication between you and your dog.

In our advanced classes we work on:
• Trick training
• Advanced obedience
• Real life skills
• Engagement around distractions
• Building reliable behaviours through positive reinforcement

Classes held in Lilley, Luton.
Positive reinforcement dog training covering Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire.

Play dead progress 💀🐾
advanced dog training • trick training • positive reinforcement • engagement • relationship based training • Hertfordshire dog trainer





Address

Good Choice Dog Training, The Paddock, Offley Hoo Farm
Hitchin
SG53ED

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+447976732722

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