Initial Dog Assessment

Every dog and owner are different, which is why I always start with an initial assessment. These sessions are longer than standard 1:1s and it give us the time to really dig into what’s going on.

It’s a chance for me to get to know you, understand your day-to-day, observe your dog, and ask the right questions so we’re not just guessing. We’ll cover all aspects of the challenges you're facing, then move into some practical work and set out a clear, solid plan for moving forward.

This session lays the groundwork for everything that comes next and gives you direction right from the start.

Why we start with an dog initial assessment

Before we can make real progress, it’s important I understand what life looks like with your dog. The initial assessment gives us the time and space to talk things through properly, observe what’s going on, and get to the root of any struggles.

It also gives me a chance to get to know you, how you think, what you’ve already tried, and where things might be feeling a bit stuck. We're building a clear picture from the beginning, which makes the training that follows so much more effective.

What Happens During the dog Assessment?

The session starts with a relaxed conversation where we go over your dog’s history, routines, challenges, and anything else that might be impacting their behaviour. I’ll observe how your dog responds in the environment and how they interact with you, and we’ll talk through what’s working and what isn’t.

From there, we’ll begin some practical work based on what your dog needs in that moment. You’ll leave the session with a clearer understanding of what’s going on and a path forward that feels doable.

How the dog Assessment Helps You Move Forward

This session gives us time to slow things down and properly look at what’s going on, without rushing to quick fixes. By observing your dog, asking the right questions, and seeing how things play out in real time. I can give you clear, honest feedback and guidance that fits your situation.

It’s not just about surface behaviours it’s about understanding the full picture, so we can start making real progress with confidence and direction.

FAQs on Initial Assessment

How long does the initial assessment last?

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?

Do you start training during the assessment?

Where does the assessment take place?

What if my dog has serious behavioural issues?

Start With a Thorough initial Dog Assessment

The initial assessment isn’t just a box to tick it’s a valuable first step in getting things on track. You’ll leave feeling more in control, with a better understanding of your dog and a plan that makes sense for your day-to-day life.

If you’re ready for clear guidance, honest support, and a fresh perspective, this is where we start.

Excellent
Turner Dog Training5.0
Based on 18 reviews
Rebecca Howie
2 months ago
We had a fantastic experience at the puppy training class with our Labrador puppy, Tucker. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and completely non-judgemental—perfect for both owners and energetic pups!

Angela and Fiona were both very knowledgeable and clearly love working with all kinds of dogs. I left each session feeling more confident as we work towards making Tucker our ideal family dog. The small class sizes were a huge bonus, as it meant the advice was tailored specifically to Tucker’s personality and needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. We learned so much and saw real progress. I would highly recommend this class to anyone looking for supportive, effective, and thoughtful puppy training. 🐾
Jade Barr
3 months ago
Myself and my miniature poodle puppy, Kaiser have recently completed the puppy training block. I have thoroughly enjoyed each session and found it very interesting and Angela has been great at breaking everything down so I can understand and is extremely knowledgeable and amazing at what she does, I have felt supported every step of the way and not to mention seeing my wee pups confidence starting to come on has been amazing to see. I'd highly recommend Angela for everything dog training related!🐾🐕
Ross McTaggart
4 months ago
Angela has helped us with some developing less walking problems with our dog. We couldn’t recommend Angela highly enough. The process and techniques are simple and easy to work with. Angela is patent and completely non judgemental. Her only concern is for dog and owner to take away the stress.
Laura Fennell
5 months ago
Angela has been great at helping me with my puppy during group classes. The classes are small so it's not overwhelming and allows plenty of time to be spent on each puppy as needed.
Darren McEwan
12 months ago
Contacted Angela for a anxious dog issue , she has been great her training is helping my dog be able to be left alone without chewing furniture
Tamsin Hooker
2 years ago
Our dog Iris stayed with Angela whilst we were on holiday. The updates were regular and Iris looked like she was having the time of her life! She enjoyed Angela’s dogs Ivy and Maisey’s company and she came home super happy! Angela not only boarded but also trained alongside and helped improve Iris’ training and skills. I couldn’t fault the communication of the handovers and drop offs and the regular updates and pictures really put us at ease. We also came home to a domestic emergency with our house, Angela happily kept Iris for an extra night and it was no bother to her at all. We can’t wait to use Angela’s boarding again and I’m sure Iris would say the same if she could talk!🤣
Paul G
2 years ago
We’ve had an exceptional experience with Angela at Turner Dog Training. Her expertise in handling our lively Vizsla, Sophie, was evident in the remarkable progress we made with engagement, lead walking and obedience.

In addition, Angela's careful guidance helping us introduce an e-collar as an extra tool to help us deal specifically with severe reactivity showcased her professionalism and dedication. The thorough and gentle conditioning phase, under Angela's guidance, has yielded fantastic results. Our relationship with our dog Sophie has blossomed, and we now getting back to enjoying normal dog walks with newfound ease.

Angela's overnight home-boarding services were equally outstanding – Sophie felt at home, and her return from a week-long holiday with Angela was marked by a surprising calmness in our usually anxious dog. Angela kept us regularly updated with texts and fabulous photos of Sophie during her stay.

We are sincerely grateful to Angela for her invaluable assistance, and we wholeheartedly recommend her services to any dog owner seeking skilled and compassionate training. Angela's expertise and genuine care make Turner Dog Training a top choice for transforming the relationship with your furry friend.
Allana Lees
3 years ago
We used the home boarding service for our dog Maggie for 10 days during the summer holidays. Angela sent us daily updates and did some additional training. We were apprehensive about leaving maggie but she loved the experience and we will definitely use Angela for our next holiday.