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.

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
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!🤣
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.
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.
This was the first ever night Bleu has stayed out without me or my partner I was really nervous about leaving her however, Angela made everything so much easier I knew bleu would be in the best hands, I got pupdates and pictures which I loved seing her face ❤️ appreciate all the time and effort Angela put into bleu she is still tired today would definitely recommend
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.
Angela is amazing! So good with Roxie and made our wedding day so special by bringing her in. Couldn’t recommend enough
Angela really is fantastic at what she does, she is so passionate about dogs & truly puts your pet first!
We required puppy visits for our boy Harris, Angela was amazing from the start; she done an initial visit with Harris to make sure they bonded & so that we could see how professional and qualified she is, she took control of the situation by providing us with all info we needed as well as even demonstrating some training. We’re 1st time dog owners so were very nervous about having a stranger take care of our boy & enter our home 5 days a week but Angela settled these nerves so quickly with consistent pics/video updates, we truly trusted she had Harris’ best interest at heart. She is so on the ball with noticing when things aren’t right; she managed to recognise an injury that Harris had developed, and stayed with him until we got home & on another occasion was also quick to remove a Tick from his face when she found it! Angela gave us some great training advice throughout & was always happy to have a chat when we crossed paths on her visits. Overall an amazing dog walker/trainer that has set the bar very high for us in the future! We’d recommend Angela to anyone & will definitely use her boarding/training classes in the future. Good luck in your new venture Angela, we’ll miss you! ☺️ x