Having a puppy, when you have thought carefully about it and know the time is right for you, is a wonderful, joyous, rewarding but also stressful time. Getting it right and creating a happy, well-trained puppy is essential for both the puppy and the owner. Dulwich dog school was fabulous at getting it right from the start and we can’t recommend it any higher. Di is patient, kind and gets to know your dog and its quirks (and the quirks of the owners!)
extremely quickly and instantly builds a rapport. Puppy and owner learn the skills of walking on a short lead and recall from the start and every week these skills were repeated and built upon effectively. It was great to be part of a group of new puppy owners and Di provided so
much personal advice and support. Every session we discussed other issues to do with owning a puppy – diet, insurance, health etc. which was great and essential to us as never having owned a dog before. Its true though, puppy training is more for the owners than the
puppy. We learnt so much – and still use the guidance and advice we received.
Thank you Di and Dulwich Dog School. Belinda and Keith owner of Winnie.
“I have very recently taken my dog to a brilliant dog training course on obedience & good behaviour. It covered all the really essential things every dog should know - like ‘loose lead walking, recall, sit & wait & a really useful command - Leave it!!!’It was a fun course & my dog enjoyed learning & practicing new & forgotten things. In the Foundation Course there were mainly puppies, but my dog is a Romanian rescue age 5 & we were made very welcome & both my dog & I learned a lot .We then went on to complete the Intermediate course which covered everything again & also built on our knowledge using a dog whistle & learning how to scent out items for play & learning. Another really enjoyable set of classes. I highly recommend The Dulwich Dog School, you & your dog will learn so much & the atmosphere is brilliant - lots of laughs & fun. We are looking forward to the next course Paula, & Kira.
Our reprobate puppy attended the Dulwich Dog School 9 week puppy class. The trainer Di, was brilliant. So very patient, friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. She made it clear that no question is stupid so would explain things several times if needed (usually by me). The group was well matched and we received email feedback after each session which allowed us to keep practicing during the week leading up to the next session. I have no hesitation in recommending Di @ Dulwich Dog School! Pleased to say pup no longer a reprobate and has grown into a lovely young adult. The training we were given has formed a great foundation. Jill , Fiona and Shanti.
We took our Border Terrier puppy to Dulwich Dog School and I would highly recommend them. Di Karn facilitated our course which was well organized and friendly. She quickly got to know the dogs and gave them individual attention as needed or depending on the exercise. She was happy to help with problems that didn't come up in the classes and after the course by email.. Clare , David and Eddie.
I would highly recommend Dulwich Dog School. We attended a course with Di and found it really enjoyable and engaging. Di obviously has a tremendous deal of knowledge and experience and makes the classes fun and lighthearted. Di really helped us with our GSD puppy and we really learned a lot from her for which we are very grateful. The course covered more than just basic commands etc. but also provided invaluable tips on dog ownership. Di was professional, had a great sense of humor and I would have no hesitation recommending her services to others. Mrs. Bateman.
I am writing to give my reference for your Puppy Training with the Dulwich Dog School. I am happy to say that the 9 weeks of training that I attended with my new puppy Joey in the autumn of 2021, gave us a wonderful start in beginning to teach my dog the behaviors that helped to makes him the lovable, friendly, gentle and well behaved dog that he is. He is now one year and three weeks old and people very often comment on what a settled and well behaved dog he is, although he is young and still excitable at times when he meets all the family and local friends who love him. He is my first dog owned and came as a new puppy of 10 weeks, although I had walked four dogs over several years with the organization called Borrow My Doggie, which gave me the confidence to have my own dog. As a puppy he had to learn to walk on the lead, listen to commands, obey instructions and leave alone items that he should not eat, or pick up, stay away from anyone trying to tempt him and other skills, and the training with five other owners and dogs was very precise and well organised, with both group and individual training in the fields behind Dulwich College on all of these issues, repeating and moving on over the weeks. Of course all dogs have their individual personality and he gave us a few laughs as he often refused to sit down and was particularly upset if any leaves got stuck on his legs, tail or rear. As a Bedlington Terrier, he has an independent streak, and took time on some of the training, but shone in the exercises that met the skills of his breed, for instance running like the wind to get back to a favourite treat toy. Apart from one very wet day, it was enjoyable training outside and now I see the value of this, as most of the skills gain importance in the parks with the owner and other dogs. Joey graduated with excellent skills, but I was very pleased to return to Di for one individual session to help me to feel confident with using a long lead, leading to letting him off the lead. I think the nerves were mine, as I did not want to lose him or for him to be injured on a road, as he once ran out of the edge of my local park. Now he is a great companion and very happy walking with me, or running with other dogs, listening when told that the play is finished, and enjoying meeting local owners and their dogs and meeting again the tutor in her excellent Pet Shop. We also had a very good introductory session setting out the legalities and social rules for a contented owner and pet. Lewisham Councillor Coral Howard.