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Joyful Dogs Logo: pet behaviour counsellors & training advice - dog training classes
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Joy Knowles CCPDT-KA
    • About Helen Baker
    • About Dannyelle Fielder
    • About Katie Slocombe
  • Training
    • Puppy Training Cheltenham
    • One-to-One Dog Training Cheltenham
    • Rescue Dog Training
  • DIY Dog Games
  • Blog
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Joy Knowles CCPDT-KA
    • About Helen Baker
    • About Dannyelle Fielder
    • About Katie Slocombe
  • Training
    • Puppy Training Cheltenham
    • One-to-One Dog Training Cheltenham
    • Rescue Dog Training
  • DIY Dog Games
  • Blog
  • Contact
Free Training Advice
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Puppy Life Skills: STARTERS

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  • Recent Posts

    • Keep Your Dog Cool In The Heatwave July 15, 2022
    • Bringing Home Your New Puppy… January 27, 2021
    • Your Dog’s Food: The Ugly Truth October 5, 2019
    • Ouch! My Puppy’s Biting Me July 28, 2018
    • Toilet Training Your Puppy (or Dog) April 8, 2021
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    Dog walking Howie: 1 to 1 dog training cheltenham
    Howie
    I don't often write reviews, but feel compelled to do so about Joyful dogs as we have gained so much from it.  We  recently finished the Puppy Starters group course with our puppy, and also 1;1 training sessions and have had such a brilliant experience - its made having a puppy infinitely more fun and enjoyable!  It wasn't the chaos I was expecting in a puppy class instead it was structured and a calm environment for the puppies (even if our dog did try his hardest to create havoc), learning many skills that we will continue to develop- far more... Read more

    Claire M

    puppy school cheltenham
    Oscar
    Training with Joyful Dogs has been very enjoyable and extremely useful.  Using the techniques and advice, Oscar is like a different dog!

    Debbie & David

    cheltenham professional dog trainer: One to One and Recall Dog Training
    Lexi
    "It is thanks to Dannyelle that I learned how to help my dog Lexi. The trainer has been very kind and patient, thank you!"

    Dawn Sprackman

    puppy classes cheltenham
    Bramble
    We chose Joyful Dogs on personal recommendations, availability, location - and a positive   experience when arranging classes with Joy.   The course helped us to ‘read’ Bramble's doggy cues and change our approach accordingly; focussing on the smallest positive steps has been really helpful, as is understanding that puppy’s get tired sometimes!  Bramble is now a much more relaxed puppy and more confident in the wider world.  I would recommend Joy without a doubt - the classes were great fun and well managed.

    Richard & Jane

    belle - puppy training cheltenham
    Belle
    I contacted Joyful Dogs because I wished to train Belle as a therapy dog and I needed some help in reducing unacceptable behaviours such as jumping up.  Joy helped me understand the process with easy, step-by-step methods and responded to all my requests and queries. The training was fun and Belle is learning new behaviours fast ... including some cute tricks!  I would recommend Joy, she is friendly, fun and knowledgeable.

    Melanie  Gummer

    one to one dog training cheltenham
    Indy
    "Joy was absolutely fantastic helping us with our whippet Indy. He was getting nervous/unsure in some situations and on walks would reactive bark towards other dogs. We didn’t know how to help him but Joy showed us how to better read his body language, understand situational awareness which could trigger him and apply positive reinforcement to help him. Indy is now so much better and a more confident happy dog- which makes our walks much more enjoyable and less stressful! A sincere pleasure working with Joy who is very patient and clearly a real dog expert! Thanks from Matt, Ems... Read more

    Matt & Ems

    happy dog Bertie: puppy behaviour consultations: Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Bertie
    We are the first time dog owners.  Although we previously attended puppy classes with out 1 yo Boston terrier, we were struggling with recall and "selective " hearing . We are also not sure how to deal with an overexcited dog. Google directed me to Joy's web page and links to her videos. Lots of useful information, advice and examples.  We had a very productive phone consultation - I felt I was listened to and reassured that our concerns could be "fixed". Joy identified our main problems, set the plan, advised what to buy ( in our case it was... Read more

    Lydia

    puppy training cheltenham
    Pippin
    Thank you for such an enjoyable experience over the past 2 months at Puppy School; we have learnt so much, and I know Pippin has enjoyed himself and  learnt a lot of important life skills!  Looking forward to the Puppy Improvers course.

    Mike & Carole

    puppy training cheltenham
    Arlo
    Just completed the "Puppy Starters" course - thank you Joyful Dogs!

    Rachel, Emmie & Lucie

    Happy Dog Phoenix: puppy classes cheltenham & pet behaviour counsellors in Gloucestershire
    Phoenix
    The "Puppy Starters" socialisation & training classes were very well organised and Helen progressed the skills at an appropriate speed for the puppies in class.   Phoenix has come a long way!  We particularly enjoyed the outdoor skills, especially focus work around other dogs.

    Steph & Russell

    puppy classes cheltenham
    Yogi
    “Where do I start.....Joys puppy training was simply brilliant. Although  we have an older dog and I have had dogs my whole life I thought this time I would do things properly!  From lesson 1 we got stuck straight in with the basics, we went away learning new things every lesson (some we have used with our older dog too!) Joy has such a caring & friendly nature and has such a calming gentle way when working with both puppies and owners. I think even the craziest of puppies would respond to her positive training techniques. Joy was so informative and... Read more

    Amy, Matt & Yogi xx

    1:1 training cheltenham
    “Bon”
    "Our 1:1 sessions with Joy have been helpful in understanding why Bon reacts in certain ways e.g. being anxious/barking at livestock and pulling on lead to greet other dogs. Joy’s calm approach and advice has given us confidence in managing these situations with Bon. The “find it” and “flirting” games help occupy Bon and keep her engaged with us rather than on what else is going on around her. We now have more confidence in meeting Bon’s needs when outdoors and already her focus is much improved. Would definitely recommend Joyful Dogs"

    Lorraine & Neil

    Happy dog Jasper: stop my dog barking - pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations Gloucestershire
    Jasper
    When I first had Jasper, a 4 month old cocker-jack, he was terrified of people and was too frightened to go on a walk. I found Joy on an internet search and was immediately drawn to her principles of dog training, giving choices and approaching their problems in a force-free way. From our first 1:1 meeting I was not disappointed. Joys methods were proactive, allowing Jasper to get to know her in a calm yet effective way, with games, play and food. By our third session we were walking in the park which is something I never thought we would... Read more

    Elaine

    puppy classes Cheltenham: 121 dog training for rescue dog
    Cooper
    The 'Puppy Starters' training course was very good, really enjoyable for dogs and owners alike - great that there were lots of staff on hand to help.

    Tim & Jenny

    juke - puppy training cheltenham
    Juke
    Joy is an excellent trainer, she has such great knowledge and  lots of time for you.  Our dog, Juke suffers from separation anxiety, and was very upset every time we left him in the house. After 2 training sessions with Joy we have noticed such a difference in him.  All the great tricks and advice that Joy has given us, mean we now have a much happier dog.  The training sessions are brilliant, plus Juke very much enjoys the sausages!

    Sam Day

    dog training cheltenham
    Mylo
    "A well planned course. We learned new exercises and techniques and Mylo loved it. When I got our 'training bag' out at home Mylo got very excited! I recommend Joyful Dogs to all puppy owners"

    Christine

    dog trainer
    Ollie
    We booked 1:1 sessions with Joy after seeing good reviews online. She has been nothing but lovely and helpful from the moment we met and takes a very holistic and positive approach to training. We got our rescue dog, Ollie, 10 weeks ago and there have been huge improvements with a whole range of things. This is all thanks to Joy’s knowledge and the skills that she has shared. Ollie has come on leaps and bounds and continues to improve by practicing everything Joy has taught us. She has always been so supportive and is easily available for advice and... Read more

    Belinda & Ryan

    dog trainer Leckhampton GL53
    “Wally”
    Wally is adorable but needed training quickly. A whippet's characteristic is to see and run..... I needed Wally to respond to recall and stay at heel before I could dare let him off lead.  At 4 months he comes when I call him and walks beautifully (mostly).  Joy was clear and concise in her teaching and helped me understand how my dog's brain works. Once I grasped this, I understood how to give instructions so he could respond in the right way.  It's ongoing and practice is key, but I am confident that with Joy's help I'm going to have a well... Read more

    Hazel Symington

    puppy training cheltenham
    Geralt
    Geralt had a great time!  And we picked up so much that we were able to use outside class too - which has helped us both as well as our puppy.  We particularly enjoyed the recall, agility and scent games.

    Katy & Jordan

    puppy training GL51
    Buddy Bear
    We did Joy's Puppy Starters course with our puppy, Buddy Bear, and thought it was excellent, we all learned a lot.

    Tony

    Recall training and lead walking training sessions cheltenham
    Lola
    One on one training sessions with our 18 month old French bulldog "Lola."   The main issues were:  pulling on the lead and not engaging with me whilst walking; bullying my old Labrador;  attacking the TV when dogs or footballs on and no recall.  The first thing our Trainer, Katie realised is that Lola struggled with loud, busy roads.  By teaching us how to engage Lola, Lola has calmed down a lot on walks and doesn’t pull all the time.  In our first recall training session - in a perfectly chosen location by Katie - it was a great success.  I... Read more

    Jo

    puppy training cheltenham
    Buddy
    Our training experience on the Puppy Starters course was excellent - the staff were very friendly and patient and we loved the agility games!  All the training exercises were delivered clearly and the progression of the course was very good.  'Lead walking' and 'Leave It' were very useful.

    Marcus, Julia & Molly

    puppy training cheltenham
    Lexi
    I chose Joyful Dogs 1:1 sessions as these were convenient for me.  I was having  trouble with Lexi travelling in the car.   The training sessions wit Dannyelle helped me to strengthen communication with my puppy.  I learned a lot through a couple of sessions -  it was a big eye opener.   It will definitely affect how I am with my dog in the future. I had heard about Kongs and Enrichment games but I had no idea how important they were. I have definitely seen a calmer side to my pup in just a few weeks. I am impressed with... Read more

    Daisy

    loose lead walking for anxious labrador puppy: Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Lola-Jane
    Our anxious Labrador puppy really struggles with the chaos of walking on a lead in our neighbourhood... so many people and vehicles and loud airplanes and unexpected things. Her anxiety just stacks and she becomes unmanageable, which is tough when a 25kg dog is dragging you down the pavement. Katie has really been amazing. She is so calm and gentle and definitely understands dogs (and our specific puppy) so well. She's helping her learn how to manage and teaching us, too, how to best support and guide her. She's really connected so well with our girl, and whereas we initially... Read more

    Eva

    Reactive barking dog behaviourist: pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations Gloucestershire
    Bailey
    Joyful Dogs popped up when I was searching for positive dog trainers for my reactive dog.  The individualised attention that Bailey and I received through our four 1:1 training sessions with Dannyelle allowed us to really focus on our needs.  Dannyelle taught me how to reinforce Bailey at the right time, slowly build up the criteria for rewards and, more importantly, when to step back if the situation was proving to be too challenging for Bailey.  Bailey has made great gains and we will continue practising what we have learned.  I will sign up for more classes with Dannyelle (the... Read more

    Bailey's Mum!

    Noodles: Rescue Dog training
    Noodles
    Anyone looking for support with dog training in Cheltenham - definitely get in touch with Joy! After adopting my first dog in 2019 I booked in some sessions with Joyful Dogs for support with training and support with understanding my pup. Joy has an amazing understanding of dogs and how to work with them; Noodles has really come out of her shell and is so much happier and more confident for being able to enjoy her walks off lead, work on recall, learn to stay, and more. Her games-based approach means that Noodles absolutely loves her sessions and wants to... Read more

    Lizzie

    puppy trainer leckhampton
    Mabel
    We did the beginners course with Joy - brilliant!  And the 'Improvers' course kept us focused.  Joy helped me to understand how my actions and behaviour were important when teaching my dog, and also what I can expect at her age and stage of development.  We loved the games to play with her, so have lots of fun whilst training with her.  The “2 toy swap” and “Find it” are our favourites!  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joy, her classes are small and calm and give your dog the best opportunity to learn. My puppy absolutely loved the classes!  

    Faye Slimmings

    puppy training classes GL50
    Wookie
    We can’t thank Joy enough for helping us with 4 fantastically illuminating training sessions, aiding our understanding of our beautiful puppy Wookie. The 3 of us gained so much - we are a much happier and well-behaved unit because of the training!   Thank you Jenny, Nick and Wookie

    Jenny & Nick

    Behaviour training fear of traffic: Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Theo
    Behaviour training to stop car and traffic chasing

    Rosemarie

    puppy improvers training course
    Skye
    We really enjoyed the Puppy Improvers training course with Joyful Dogs.  We use the knowledge we learned every day both at home and out on walks, thank you so much!

    Alice & Mark

    Puppy Improvers Training course: 121 dog training skills for rescue dog
    Timm
    Thank you.  The Puppy Improvers course has been brilliant for both of us.  It’s given me confidence and Timm new challenges and purpose. The major breakthrough has been the ‘bounce’ which has been a revelation and really brought the two of us together as a team.

    Ann Lock

    Dog training cheltenham
    Nula
    Really enjoyed the course, thank you!  Loved the Snuffle Bowl game – we use it at home now too. And also the mini-agility.  The focus games and desensitization games also really helpful.

    Gemma

    Happy dog Ivie - dog walking: puppy school- Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Ivie
    "We are firm believers in positive reinforcement training - after a quick chat with Joy we knew we'd be in good hands - and we absolutely were! In just 3 sessions Joy showed us lots of fantastic techniques and games to help us and our pup Ivie with her ability to be on her own and recall - especially when distracted. Joy's knowledge is fantastic and her kind and fun approach meant Ivie was a fan from the off. Ivie has come on leaps and bounds and we have new skills to help her grow and enjoy her time both... Read more

    Sara & Charlie

    dog training cheltenham
    Bertie
    "We chose Joyful dogs after extensive search via Google; many schools didn’t cater for our then, crazy Lurcher’s reactive tendencies. Joy answered our emails and questions promptly, unlike a couple of other places we have contacted, and provided us with a solution to our misbehaving canine! From the start, Joy was able to help. She listened to the problems we were having, and gave us solutions to counter them. Joy understood our dog and taught us how he learns and what would benefit him. We started with recall exercises and then “Find- it” to help our dog keep his nose to... Read more

    Fiona & Josh

    Beagle puppy school: dog walking, training dogs pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations
    Pepper
    Using positive reinforcement gave me confidence to work with Pepper. I loved our puppy training experience and would definitely recommend Joyful Dogs. Calm and happy dog and owner!

    Mel

    puppy classes cheltenham
    Indie
    We took our puppy Indie to the Joyful Dogs puppy classes, Helen was our trainer, the classes were recommended to me by a friend. From the beginning we liked everything about the classes, they were small which enabled everyone to have time with Helen and get to know each other and all the pups. Helen was extremely patient and always had time to explain or show the exercise a second time if required. I felt the sessions taught us how to build a connection with our pup which has made our bond with her really strong. I can’t recommend these... Read more

    Anne Marie Taylor

    Patti - joyful dogs
    Patti
    Patti jumped up at people, pulled on the lead and was not responding to commands.  Joy's manner was very helpful, always calm and in control, she rapidly connected with Patti and kept her concentrating.  We have seen significant improvement in Patti’s behaviour - she is calmer, more obedient and walks much better on the lead.  We would definitely recommend Joy to others.

    John & Vivien Milner

    puppy clsses cheltenham
    Rocky
    Rocky,  Ali and I have I loved spending every Saturday morning for the last 6 weeks doing the "Puppy Starters" course with Helen Baker at Joyful Dogs.  Helen has been amazing, so insightful; and the most progressive advice on all dog care and nutrition too. Thank you Helen!

    Katie, Ali and Rocky.

    puppy training cheltenham
    Saveloy
    We all enjoyed the "Puppy Starters" training classes and have learnt lots of useful skills.  Saveloy particularly enjoyed the treats!

    Abi, Mark, Tia, Lorelei & Willa

    Dog training cheltenham
    Noodle
    Many thanks for your fab doggy training. Lauren noodle and I have really loved it!  And, it’s been very helpful in guiding us with our new family member too.

    Julia & Lauren

    Dog Training: Recall Dog Training cheltenham
    Rudi!
    We contacted Joy about 1:1 training with Rudi after a really enjoyable 6 wk Puppy Course last year. We found Joy’s approach clear and straightforward.  The 121 training focussed on lead walking and recall; using treats and their placement to reduce pulling on lead along with the bowling game, flirt pole, and squeezy cheese game to reinforce Recall.  Rudi is not  that food orientated so Joy highlighted exactly how to reinforce her using play and chase games! We found the sessions extremely useful and whilst we would have liked more before moving away, we have been practising daily with what... Read more

    Sarah, Ben & Felix

    Luna Pippa Mason
    Luna
    The "Puppy Starters" course provided a lovely, gentle and calm learning environment; we particularly enjoyed the Q&A component ... and the mini-agility course on Puppy Graduation Day!

    Pippa, Rosie, Eliza, Will & Charlie

    Recall dog training Cheltenham
    George
    George’s recall was non-existent! Consequently, I never let him off the lead.  Then I had some 1:1 training with Joy; she gave me confidence and loads of useful ideas to keep George focused on me. George loved the different activities and I can now take him to the park - even in daylight when other dogs are around!  He doesn't tend to jump up and comes back when called. I highly recommend Joy for any behaviour problems you have with your dog. She's so patient and kind, and she just makes you feel good!

    Christine Adlem

    puppy training cheltenham
    Noodle
    I wanted to say thank you for your help and advice with training Noodle. We have much more confidence with handling her unwanted behaviours and she is making progress. It's up to us to continue with the positive reinforcement but you definitely helped us to speak her language!  She will miss you :)

    Katerina

    Roo bow tie - dog training cheltenham
    Roo
    I joined 'Puppy Improvers' because of how much we enjoyed the original puppy classes with Joy.  The Improvers course helped Roo focus on me - the Platform exercises  were really helpful, as was the introduction of clicker training! I now have a better understanding of how my body language affects Roo understanding a cue, and how I can place myself to set Roo for success!  Previously, my partner struggled to walk Roo off lead but now, my partner can comfortably walk  him without the stress of wondering if he'll come back.  Joy offers a calm and patient guiding hand throughout... Read more

    Hannah Apperley-Sheppard

    dog training cheltenham
    Bella
    We acquired a Cockapoo from a rescue organisation.  "Bella" has a lovely character and is quite compliant, but we needed some help with leash walking and recall control.  Joy was very patient and very kind, and did a wonderful job of training us (the humans!) whilst showing us how to train Bella.  Bella is now great at coming back with the whistle and even without, so much so that we can now let her run loose in the fields when we go walking. Bella has improved on lead walking too and we have no doubt she will end up doing it... Read more

    Fabienne & John

    dog walking: Puppy Starters training course
    Rudy
    We really enjoyed every single lesson of the Puppy Starters course with Joyful Dogs!  There was a lovely learning environment, highly supportive, great pace and very useful. We have far more confidence as first time dogs owners now!

    Kate & Dan

    Puppy Starters training course cheltenham : good dog trainer & individual training plan
    Tilly
    The Puppy Starters course was a brilliant introduction to training our puppy with long lasting results.  The instruction was clear and fully explained and the first lesson gave a great overview, full of useful tips that the course then built upon.  The course was also interesting in that it made us consider the dog's perspective!  We really enjoyed the lead walking exercises especially.  Great techniques that we found helpful when out and about and lots of fun!

    Lyndsey & James

    rescue dog training
    Pie
    "Joy has been an amazing help with my nervous rescue dog, Pie; he's a different dog now. When I first contacted Joy I was really struggling and wasn't sure I could cope. Pie was reacting badly to everything, and I was particularly concerned about his fear of strange men. I used to dread walking him because it was so stressful. Joy gave me lots of brilliant advice and was really supportive. I can't thank her enough"

    Susan

    rosa - dog training cheltenham
    Rosa
    Puppy School was great fun. I went along hoping to learn some basic skills to help me manage my very bouncy Vizla puppy, Rosa. I was not disappointed, we learnt together in a happy, fun environment and came away with the tools to develop a responsive, safe and fulfilling relationship. Rosa gets bigger by the day but thanks to Puppy School she and I know how to play and work together without frustration or aggression. She is growing into a lovely, well mannered dog.

    Julie Mitchell

    One to One puppy training cheltenham
    River
    We were recommended Joy from the breeder we got River from, he spoke very highly of her working with his Portuguese Water Dog so we looked her up online. We found the training very useful, her knowledge and incite was priceless to us being new to having a puppy. Particularly helpful with re-call and lead training, and the use of positive reinforcement using treats. Joy was also brilliant with our two young boys, involving them perfectly when they attended the sessions. River has come on a lot, even after just 3 1:1 sessions ... as has our understanding of him... Read more

    Tom & Edith

    Recall Dog Training : lead walking training
    Sybil
    Joy has really helped us with our French Bulldog puppy Sybil. Walks used to be our biggest challenge - Sybil would sit and refuse to move but with Joy’s help she is now clearly engaged and walks happily next to us. Joy also helped us with road crossing skills, dropping items Sybil shouldn’t be chewing, understanding her cues and generally communicating with her more effectively. Sybil’s mealtimes are more interesting now too, Joy showed us how to put kibble in/on cartons & containers so Sybil has to work to get it, which she clearly enjoys. Our training experience with Joy... Read more

    Rachael Watkins

    puppy training cheltenham
    Murphy
    Training with Joy has been terrific and it’s been great to be able to tailor the sessions to what we wanted to learn or practice – both at home and out walking – and Murphy has loved it and soaked it up like a sponge! Joy has made it so easy for us to understand what we need to do to train Murphy, and taught us loads of tricks and games to make it fun for him and us!  We would definitely recommend Joy to everyone, she is so lovely, calm and patient (with Murphy and us!) and has a wealth... Read more

    Stacey & Ben

    puppy training cheltenham
    Rocky
    With so many great reviews, a detailed website and the option of an in-home visit as well as training out and about, Joyful Dogs was the obvious choice.  As well as being quick on communication, Joy was lovely in person and immediately put us at ease.  One-to-one training was not only super helpful for Rocky but for us owners too!  Games like ‘Find It’ are so good at engaging Rocky’s brain and making him work for his reward. We also learned the importance of body language and tone which has made us much more confident when giving cues.  After our one-to-one sessions... Read more

    Amy & Hit

    Puppy training GL50
    Hudson
    Joy introduced us to a large number of techniques to develop Hudson’s training.  To Hudson, they were just games with a treat at the end of it (eg games for ‘find it’, ‘leave it’, ‘fetch’, ‘come here/recall’) but they created a personality that is just right.  The best part is seeing how it all fits together – ie from Hudson being obedient at feeding times (not going for his food unless told), to leaving or dropping items on cue, to just being very friendly around other dogs and people.  I would absolutely recommend Joy.

    Pete Fletcher

    Cheltenham Dog Training
    Coco
    I was having trouble with Coco's recall: Joy explained the importance of maintaining a bond with Coco whilst we were out walking and taught me lots of activities to do just that which Coco found interesting and exciting.  Coco absolutely loved her hour with Joy and I found it inspiring; Since adopting Joy's philosophy we have all seen a major improvement in Coco's behaviour – she is far quicker to respond to us and also 'checks in' with us constantly.  Joy was a pleasure to work with and managed to inspire my teenagers as well as my dog - no mean feat!

    Louise Arthur

    Reactive Dog Training
    Skye
    I chose Joyful dogs because there was link with our dog walker Muddy Buddies.  The 121 sessions with Joyful Dogs have made a huge difference to Skye who is a reactive dog. We learned games and strategies to keep her calm when out walking, meeting people and when visitors arrive at the house. Katie taught me a lot about counter conditioning and that if prepared I can help Skye to see things positively rather than as a threat- we can now walk past individual men and she doesn’t lunge or bark which is great.  Skye is better on lead walks no... Read more

    Jo Shire

    positive reinforcement: 1 to 1 and Recall Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Lottie
    Our Vet recommended Joyful Dogs.  We had 7 sessions with Dannyelle for our cockapoo puppy.  Dannyelle was very helpful and inventive with games and techniques for training Lottie.  She showed us a number of reasons for a dogs behaviour which helped us understand how dogs learn.  Lottie particularly likes the licking mat - Dannyelle recommended freezing it, which makes it last longer & keeps her busy!  Dannyelle is very patient and caring, we would not hesitate to recommend her.    

    Terry & Joy Yiend

    puppy classes Cheltenham
    Tuc
    The 'Puppy Life Skills: Starters' course with Joyful Dogs was enjoyable, informative and fun - well taught.

    Emily & Simon

    lead walking training cheltenham
    Henri
    We chose Joyful Dogs due to the reviews they had online and we are glad we did! Dannyelle has been great tutor, teaching us what we need to do to improve on the areas we needed with our pooch, Henri. From the get go we delve into training on lead walking, which was a big issue, obsessive behaviour and dog mentality. The training has made a night and day difference to both our lives and that of our pooch. Dannyelle gives an insight into how a dogs mind ticks and the behaviours that they display. We would recommend Dannyelle to... Read more

    Samantha P

    Dog Training in Cheltenham
    Red
    "Joy came highly recommended as a gentle and rewards-based Dog Trainer. Our 1;1 training sessions have been a wonderful experience. Joy is highly knowledgeable and was able to meet our exact needs for helping our puppy gain confidence around other people. We learnt lots of games to increase her pride and sense of wellbeing and unlearned lots of rubbish we had previously read on the internet!  Would absolutely recommend Joy"

    Tara & Tim

    puppy classes cheltenham
    Pippin
    Joy and the 'Puppy Starters Course' team have been absolutely amazing!  They gave such clear instructions and were very supportive even if things went wrong.  Pippin has learned a lot - as have I - and I would definitely recommend the Puppy Starters course to any new puppy-parent.

    Grainne

    Ludo - puppy school puppy behaviour consultations cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Ludo
    I contacted Joy to train my dog Ludo not to chase our cats! Over four sessions with Joy we had enormous fun learning techniques to distract and discourage him from chasing them, as well as learning a few new tricks.  I now have a much better understanding of my dog, and he's already far less interested in chasing. I'm delighted, and really enjoying using the techniques Joy taught us. I would recommend Joy to anyone. She has a very lovely manner and is never, ever stumped. Thanks Joy!
    puppy training cheltenham
    Freddie
    After searching google and reading the positive testimonials on Joyful Dogs, we decided to book 1;1 training to help with walking Freddie.  Joy taught us  techniques to encourage Freddie to focus on us when out walking. This has really helped build his confidence as he used to be very timid and refuse to walk. The sessions have also really helped us understand Freddie better and made us realise how important mental stimulation is for dogs. We’ve learnt some great games like ‘hide it’ which Freddie loves to play. Would definitely recommend Joyful Dogs. Thank you for your help Joy x

    Jemma & Pete

    Bear - puppy training in Cheltenham
    “Bear”
    Training with Joy has been so helpful for me and great fun for Bear too. Joy is a very kind, knowledgeable trainer and worth every penny!

    Lissa Crowe

    puppy & dog training course: dog walking, training dogs pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations
    Ziggy
    The Puppy Starters course was brilliant and gave us confidence in how to deal with most situations we have faced using positive reinforcement and encouragement. I really liked the social interactions between the pups.  Ziggy started off nervous but ended up very happy to mix with the other puppies. Helen is a brilliant trainer - thank you!

    Jan W

    positive reinforcement puppy training: One to One and Recall Dog Training Cheltenham
    Rupert
    We found Joyful Dogs through a Google search, luckily we picked the best one!  Joy's 1:1 sessions were extremely helpful, especially as we haven’t been able to attend puppy classes due to COVID. We did our first sessions not long after bringing Rupert home, so it was great to start when he was young, and also importantly to train us too. We worked on all sorts of techniques based around game playing, recall, dog socialising, walking on and off lead, distractions from prey chasing etc. Joy was happy to help us with anything that we needed or had questions about.... Read more

    Dave & Pete

    Dog training Cheltenham
    Leo
    We chose Joyful Dogs based on a recommendation of a friend, to help out our dog Leo who was becoming more intolerant of other dogs and had decided squirrels were more fun than recall! With our 1:1 sessions we learnt how to read Leo’s body language and understand how he was talking to other dogs without saying a word! We used techniques to reward Leo for his positive responses to other dogs and built our trust in him again. Whilst Leo’s recall will always be a challenge when his favourite rodents around we are really glad for Katie’s help and... Read more

    Charlotte

    Recall Dog Training for my dog
    Jarvis
    I had 121 training sessions with Joy when I got my new puppy. We covered basic training, lead walking and recall. I found the training really helpful as there were no distractions for either Jarvis or myself and we covered a lot during each session. Joy also helped with the bonding process with my pup and older dog and he attended one of the sessions as well. Joy uses a variety of locations depending on what you are working on. I would fully recommend 121 sessions with Joy!

    Paula Hunte

    puppy training cheltenham
    Tulip
    We all really enjoyed the course and appreciated Joy’s approach.  It gave us confidence as owners to carry on training at home and helped us understand how dogs think and the best way to interact with our puppy.  There were many simple techniques or ways of training that were a revelation and have stuck with us as our puppy grows.  We love the “Find it” game and play it almost everyday.  We also found our one to one session incredibly helpful as we were able to discuss specific behaviours or challenges.  We quite often say now “What would Joy do?"  Tulip... Read more

    Jane & David

    blue-testimo- dog training cheltenham
    “Blue”
    Our rescue dog Blue was pulling on lead, jumping at people and could be destructive when left alone.  Joy showed us many useful training techniques to make the training fun for our dog.  The important thing I have learnt from Joy is 'timing' - ie treating Blue at the right time. Joy showed us Blue’s potential - and she is a different dog now.  Joy is a very good trainer and it has been a pleasure to work with her.

    Jiejun Ma

    one to one puppy training sessions in cheltenham
    Snoopy
    "We had a couple of 1:1 puppy sessions with Joy which we have really enjoyed and found super useful. We had some specific areas that we wanted to work on and Joy showed us how to deal with these with positive reinforcement methods and the results have been amazing. We have learnt so much and gained lots of confidence in each 1:1 training session, would highly recommend :)"

    Angela

    Puppy training cheltenham
    Poppy
    Huge thanks to Danyelle at Joyful Dogs. The techniques she has demonstrated have been incredible. Dannyelle listened to where we needed help & focused on desensitising Poppy to those things; Poppy is responding to the bucket game in a way that is eye opening, the ways in which we can use this game are almost never ending. I watched youtube videos previously but only after seeing Danyelle demonstrate, could we do it properly. We now see how very important it is. Dannyelle is an asset to Joyful Dogs;  for the first time since we got Poppy, I feel optimistic that... Read more

    Jo Morton

    Lilo: puppy training cheltenham- Dog Training: dog walking, training dogs pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations
    Lilo
    I genuinely can't reccomend Joyful Dogs enough! Since getting our first puppy, Helen has been incredibly helpful, caring and supportive both during the sessions and generally by being available to offer help and advice. We have had two 1:1 sessions so far and they have been brilliant. Helen listens to your specific needs and is incredibly knowledgeable. We also found that by being in our own home meant we could really work on the specific things we need help with and build confidence. We have definitely seen an improvement in our lovely pup's behaviour (and feel much happier/relaxed!) We can't... Read more

    Demi

    dog training cheltenham
    Bubble
    Our puppy, Bubble, is now 2yrs old and she is 'adorabubble'.  The training we did with Joyful Dogs was priceless and I continue to look to Joy's "Dog Blog!" for ideas and inspiration, thank you.

    Debbie

    lilah and bonnie - joyful dogs
    Lilah & Bonnie
    Lilah and Bonnie are super-bright Collie/Springer crossbreeds.  What Joy brings to our house is a calm, patient attitude that has rubbed off on us all.  We watch the way Joy interacts with our dogs and listen to her advice.  It works.  We have made extraordinary progress in a short time and we feel so encouraged by Joy. Lilah and Bonnie, who are generally nervous of people outside the family, love her!  

    Olwynne Goodrich

    Dog walking Murphy: training classes
    Murphy
    We have just completed the 6 week Puppy Starters training classes at Joyful dogs.   The classes were small and extremely well run by knowledgeable and professional leaders.  I have learnt how to walk my pup on the lead and as this was a priority for us as a family it makes me very happy to recommend the style of training and support provided by joyful dogs , thank you from Murphy the puppy and Linda the owner

    Linda

    Puppy Classes Cheltenham
    Betty
    Highly recommend for anyone with a puppy.  We did the 6week Starters course with our (then) 3 mos German Shorthaired Pointer, Betty.   Joy & the team were so welcoming and knowledgeable, our hour long sessions always flew by. We and Betty learnt so much and we have taken away lots of hints and tips which we're still using now.

    Becca & Alistair

    Luna: dog walking:-Puppy classes cheltenham
    Luna
    We looked forward to the Puppy Starters training classes every week and found the sessions so fun and helpful. Our family grew in confidence with Luna and, having never owned a dog before, that was a big deal for us. Helen is warm, funny and knowledgeable and this came across in the sessions. I’d recommend Joyful Dogs to anyone!

    Bekah

    dog walking: 1 to 1 dog training course GL50
    Alby
    Puppy Starters course:  We really enjoyed learning about dog behaviour and interactions. Joyful Dogs gave us good practical information on this and effective training techniques.

    Erin & Alex

    dog training cheltenham
    Nellie
    We found Joy through personal recommendation.  We have learned so much about how our rescue dog’s reactive behaviour can be helped through the stimulus of training. We’ve learned basic commands like down and stand as well as search and retrieve techniques. We’ve also learned to use positive reinforcement to help her not be overly concerned when people visit the house.  Nellie is now calmer and has learned behaviours that help her cope when people visit the house ... she has also become more playful!

    Maxine & Brian

    puppy starters training course cheltenham
    Toto
    We have really enjoyed our Puppy Starters training course and have learned a lot.  We would definitely recommend it!  Loved the agility games too.

    Molly, Poppy, Rosie, Colin & Patrick

    rescue dog training cheltenham
    Baxter
    Baxter is our Romanian rescue puppy.  Although he has settled well, we noticed that he was very nervous around visitors to our house and towards other dogs when we walked him. (barking and lunging at other dogs when they came too close.) I heard about Joy via recommendation and I am so glad she has been able to help Baxter. Joy explained Baxter’s behaviour really clearly and worked with us on distraction techniques whilst we are out with him (recall, finding treats and the ‘flirt pole’-he loves this!), as well as how to welcome guests into our home with minimal... Read more

    Alison

    Dog training cheltenham
    Brody
    You've taught me everything I wanted to learn!  Plus, last week's "settle down" lesson has been a success too! Brody now settles on the floor beside the sofa while I work or read ... then he comes up beside me for a nap or a cuddle when I'm ready.  You are an amazing teacher. Thank you for helping me to get to know how dogs tick.

    Christina Harlin

    rescue dog training: dog walking, training dogs pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations
    Flo
    I chose Joyful Dogs because my dog Flo has been looked after by one of the team (Helen) previously; so, Helen knew Flo’s background and I knew Helen’s feel for and love of dogs. I was easily able to explain the challenging situation and to discuss Flo’s growing anxiety around other dogs. Helen recommended working with Katie in 1:1 sessions. The 1:1 sessions with Katie are working really well with Katie’s clear demonstrations of counter-conditioning ‘in action’ and clear explanations of what we were aiming for. The use of positive encouragement during managed encounters with other dogs was carefully explained... Read more

    Lorraine

    121 dog training cheltenham: good dog trainer & individual training to rescue dog
    Luther
    We found Joy online through her website and her experienced background in dog-training & helpful blogs convinced us to book 3 x 1;1 sessions with her.  These were perfectly tailored for Luther & his temperament and Joy ensured that we covered enough techniques & exercises to progress Luther's training in our own time. We saw immediate improvement in Luther's behaviour, we went from only lead walking him to having the confidence to go off lead in public parks within 3 days. We continue to use what we learnt in our sessions on a daily basis & Luther's behaviour continues to improve. ... Read more

    Emilie & Joe

    Happy dog Bruce dog training Dog Trainer Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Bruce
    After bringing our beautiful puppy, Bruce, home it quickly became clear that we would need a little bit of extra help in managing some of his more ‘over the top’ behaviour/general spaniel madness. Following a recommendation from a friend and reading some of Joy’s blog posts, it was Joyful Dogs’ calm, rewards-based approach to training that encouraged us to sign up for both a 1-2-1 session and group puppy class. Joy was brilliant with Bruce and he was immediately calmer in her presence, we learned a lot about how we act around and communicate with him- less is definitely more!... Read more

    Hannah & Josh

    Pippin: 1 to 1 Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Pippin
    I was recommended Joyful Dogs by someone who was having problems with their Cocker Spaniel.  Pippin, my 3.5yr cocker spaniel had started to get snappy with other dogs and would just stand still if approached from the front or behind. We decided to have 4 x One to One Training Ssessions with Dannyelle at Joyful Dogs, which have been excellent.  Dannyelle taught us that Pippin was fearful and nervous in these situations, I had also become nervous walking Pippin as I was worried she might hurt another dog, but with Dannyelle's help we have learnt to build both my and... Read more

    Laura B

    puppy training cheltenham
    Tiggy
    Really enjoyed our sessions with Joy and the team.  There is no doubt Tiggy has learned a huge amount – with plenty of fun and stimulation - she is always exhausted after class so that must be a good sign!  Thank you for all your advice and support

    Jessamy

    puppy training cheltenham
    Otillie
    Joy helped me really enjoy training Ottilie. She's knowledgeable and straight forward with her advice using kindness and fun in training sessions.  I loved her lessons as did Ottilie. One of my favourites being when we just sat on a blanket training Ottilie to be calm and not react in a park situation. I had 7 private lessons and it was such good value.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Joy. She's fab.

    Sarah Watkins

    puppy training cheltenham
    Teddy-Lola
    We've just completed our Puppy Starters course with Joy and had a wonderful few weeks.  Things have moved on since I trained up my last dog so I was eager to learn the current techniques.  I chose Joy based upon her  positive reward based training.  Teddy Lola loved every minute and the classes have given us a great foundation to build on.  I found Joy  to be relaxed, friendly and welcoming and would definitely recommend.

    Emily

    Puppy Improvers cheltenham: training plan: Recall or one to one Dog Training skills for rescue dogs
    Sherlock
    We thought the Puppy Improvers course was excellent!  Our dog Sherlock loved it!  The course was really informative and helps build a base to work on at home; the 'Behaviour 101' exercises were particularly useful.

    Elliot

    puppy classes cheltenham
    Sadie
    I signed up for puppy training including a home visit and I have to say that it exceeded my expectations. Helen was so helpful and also extended the service to several phone calls and messages regarding some issues with our puppy. Highly recommend Joyful dogs for puppy classes and especially Helen - also for 1-1 training sessions. I chose Joyful Dogs because they use only positive reinforcement methods. I wasn’t disappointed and I think that the exercises we did in the classes increased the engagement between my puppy and I. I definitely saw improvement in her behavior especially with the... Read more

    Tina

    Puppy training cheltenham: Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
    Buddy
    Having spent six weeks on Joy's Puppy Starters course, my Jack Russell - Buddy - has definitely improved his obedience, along with his ability to zone out distractions and concentrate on me a lot more.   Buddy is a very active puppy and has bags of energy and is into everything; the variety of games and exercises Joy taught gave him lots of new skills that I can continue to work on.  I would recommend Joy highly!  I will be signing up for her Puppy Improvers course soon!  

    Dan

    121 puppy training cheltenham: Dog Training: dog walking, training dogs pet behaviour counsellors, behaviour consultations
    Margot
    As a first-time dog owner, I was incredibly nervous about training Margot, especially as I’d read that the first three months were so critical in a dog’s behavioural development.  However, I need not have worried!  Joy, with her calm, caring and common sense approach, gave me the confidence to enjoy the process and both Margot and I have hugely benefitted from our 1:1 sessions with her.  Lead-walking (not as straightforward as it may sound!), recall and general behaviour have all been enhanced by Joy’s excellent tuition.  Joy is also extremely organised and efficient and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.

    Kirstie

    Puppy training cheltenham
    Dylan
    A fun course - Joy was fantastic!  Our puppy Dylan really enjoyed it and it was good for us to learn the background behind training.  We particularly enjoyed the scent games and outside games!

    Charlotte & Rob

    Happy do Minnie: Puppy school Puppy classes - 1 2 1 Dog Training good dog trainer & individual training plan
    Minnie
    Having had a 1:1 training session with my 8 year old dog prior to her assessment for the Pets As Therapy charity, I had no hesitation in enrolling our new addition, Minnie, in the Joyful Dogs puppy classes.  The classes are not our closest, however based on the experience I'd had with the 1;1 session, I was more than willing to travel to attend the puppy classes (even on a Sunday morning at 9am!)   The classes made me aware of what I was doing with MY body language and positioning and how this is interpreted through my puppies eyes. I... Read more

    Kerry & Kieran

    puppy training cheltenham
    Lexi
    "Joy has a lovely way with her: It reminds me of the type of primary school teacher who is adored by her young pupils.  Joy’s puppy school classes were fun, informative and helpful.”  

    Tutti Borsdorf

    Dog Training: recall training for dogs
    Bonnie
    We are so grateful to have found Joy when we got our Cairn Terrier puppy Bonnie. Our one to one training sessions during Covid totally put our minds at rest about missing group puppy classes. We met in secure and private spaces to start with and progressed to public parks where Bonnie became more and more confident, as did we! Joy gave us so many helpful tips and strategies and Bonnie, at six months, this morning raced around Pittville Park with us all and her recall in all situations was faultless. Joy now says ‘my job is done’, we shall... Read more

    Sheena & Nigel

    whitepaw: dog walking, puppy school pet behaviour counsellors : Rescue Dog Training Cheltenham & Charlton Kings in Gloucestershire
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