dog behaviourist in South Wales, monmouth and gloucester
As an expert dog behaviourist and trainer in South Wales, I provide one to one training to resolve adult and adolescent behavioural issues, to dog training classes, scentwork classes and more.
FIDO educates dog guardians in learning how to communicate with their pets. When you can relate to your dog in a way that makes sense to them, it is the beginning of true communication and a great bond. We use reward-based dog training, we never force or use aversive methods, and we apply common sense and a great deal of compassion.
Relationship building is at the heart of all we do - that’s why Helen is known as one of the best canine behaviourists and dog trainers in South Wales and Gloucestershire.
Dog Problem Behaviour Counselling
Every dog deserves a second chance
FIDO supports dog owners and their dogs to replace inappropriate behaviour with more appropriate behaviour. Together we will identify the root of the issues, either in your home or here at FIDO’s dedicated training centre.
We will work together to address the problem through an understanding of dog psychology and the deepening of your relationship with your pet. You will be shown how to communicate effectively to increase your dog’s level of security and strengthen your bond.
As people, we understand the world that our dogs live in much better than they do, and your dog needs your support. You can guide them to change the way they feel and therefore the way they behave.
At FIDO we have developed our own systems of rehabilitation based on years of experience. Whatever your issue with your pet:
aggression problems
boisterous behaviour
fearful behaviour
barking
socialisation
reactivity on lead
aggression towards people or animals
separation distress
separation anxiety
resource guarding and more
We can help. Helen is a fully certified, insurance-claimable pet behaviourist and dog psychologist. She has worked with dogs most of her life and has decades of experience to share with you.
Socialisation and Training Classes
A trained dog is a happy dog
A careful blend of structured puppy and dog socialisation, basic dog obedience training, and education in the fundamentals of canine psychology and dog ownership.
Learn all the skills you need to build a happy relationship either with a new puppy, rescue, or older dog who needs a bit of direction. Over the course of eight one-hour weekly sessions, we cover:
basic obedience
general health care
how to avoid behaviour problems
teaching the skills to deal with behaviour issues when they arise
The classes are tailored to suit both new dog owners and those with many years of dog experience.
Our classes are aimed at supporting you as dog guardians to build and maintain the best possible relationship with your dogs. We concentrate on good manners, focus, and developing the bond between dog and human.
The classes are open to both puppies and older dogs on the basis that they need to learn to get on with one another. The combination of training and socialisation gives dogs the structure to learn social skills, as well as basic instructions. The dogs make new friends and learn to focus on their owners even in a distracting environment.
Home study information and training videos to support you are provided to accompany every session.
One-to-One Dog Training In South Wales
Focussed attention brings fast learning - sessions with our dog behaviourist in South Wales, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire.
One-to-one dog training sessions offer tailored learning at the pace that you and your dog are comfortable with. For many reasons you may prefer not to join group dog training classes. Perhaps your dog is too young, cannot cope with a group environment, has a specific behaviour issue you wish to address, or your work commitments make classes not feasible.
Training sessions can be organised in your home or at the FIDO training centre depending on personal preference and the aim of the training session.
Puppy training
We teach the basic skills your pup needs to master to become a happy and balanced member of your family.
Training sessions are tailored to give you the tools to continue dog training on an ongoing basis, covering any aspect of learning you choose.
Socialisation is an important aspect of bringing up a dog and it can be a challenge before your puppy has received all their vaccinations. Puppies need to be exposed to the sights and sounds they will encounter as an adult so that they can approach any new situation with confidence. The younger the dog when they experience new things, the easier they will find novelty as an adult.
Pups can still learn good manners and socialise with other dogs through the controlled introduction of our own trained dogs to puppy training sessions.
Adult Dog training
Every dog is an individual and has their own character. Their response to dog training is individual too.
At FIDO we bear this in mind as we introduce your dog to the skills they need to master to become your ideal companion. Together we work to teach the necessary training skills to a high standard before increasing the level of distraction you expect your dog to deal with. We then teach them to follow your instructions outside the home.
There are different ways we can approach dog training depending upon the character, breed and temperament of your dog. All FIDO training is based on motivating your dog in a positive way. We encourage your dog to want to please you and we introduce ways to make dog training fun for you both in order to achieve this.
FIDO Follow-On Intermediate Dog Training
The more you do with your dog, the better the bond you share.
For those keen to go beyond basic dog training with their dogs and who enjoy keeping them stimulated with new experiences, we run FIDO Follow-On dog training classes.
These are dog training classes designed to reinforce basic training and to stretch dogs’ minds and bodies to include more challenging and off-lead work. The classes do not aim for competition obedience, but good manners, focus and fun. The classes run for eight one-hour weekly sessions and written notes and videos are offered to supplement learning after each class.
‘prepare for your puppy’ package
Set yourself and your new puppy up for success right from the start
The FIDO Puppy Information Pack covers introducing your new puppy to your home, keeping them safe, setting the ground rules for good behaviour, and basic puppy training. It also gives advice on general healthcare, species-appropriate nutrition and behaviour basics.
We show you how to perfect house training for puppies, how to deal with puppy issues like nipping and jumping up, and how to bring your puppy up to be an ideal companion.
This can also include choosing the ideal breed of dog to suit your lifestyle if required.
FIDO scentwork classes
Your dog’s nose is amazing! Help them to use it.
Scentwork is a great activity for dogs. Dogs have the most extraordinary sense of smell, and we can help them to learn how to use it effectively whilst they are having fun.
The FIDO ‘Find It’ training classes build a good basis for learning scentwork that you and your dog can expand on in the future. We want our dogs to become independent problem solvers and to think for themselves. That’s one reason why it’s so good for them and it also creates a great bond between dog and owner.
The classes run for eight weekly sessions and each dog is admitted to the training hall individually for two sessions during the hour. This individual approach lets each dog have the ideal amount of time to learn and opens up the course to dogs that struggle in the company of others.
Puppy and Adult
Socialisation Events
All FIDO clients (and their dogs!) are invited to our FIDO dog walks. These are monthly group dog walks organised to maintain and improve canine socialisation skills and give owners the chance to meet up.
Puppies under a year old are invited to the FIDO Puppy Club, a puppy get-together. We practise controlled socialisation and puppy play in a secure environment under the watchful eye of a fully qualified behaviourist. This gives the puppies a great opportunity to build their social skills in a balanced way. New owners can meet each other and share their experiences of puppy raising and its challenges.
Important information
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The following measures have been introduced in F.I.D.O for visiting clients:
– Minimum of 30 minute spacing between appointments
– Cleaning between each client/course session with an antiviral spray and disposable anti viral wipes
– Social distancing (within advised government guidelines)
– I am willing and able to wear a face mask / visor throughout if you wish – just let me know before you arrive. You may also wear one at any time during your consultation.
– There is a hand sanitiser station just inside the training hall, another inside and a third in the client lavatory.
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I am happy to make home visits, will use a hand sanitiser before my arrival and will wear a mask/visor if you would like me to. Social distancing will be maintained inside your home and/or the consultation may be held outside under the same conditions. Please understand if I do not accept the offer of refreshments.
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Please DO NOT visit or allow a visit if you have a high temperature, a new cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or any other potential symptoms of the Coronavirus. Where possible, please take your temperature on the morning of your visit. For more information on potential symptoms, please see the Government guide to symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/
Please let me know via phone or text if you are unable to attend, ideally with 48 hours notice, though for both parties if symptoms develop that may be Covid-related, cancellation fees will not apply.
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These T&Cs have been created in the interests of safety, responsibility and client welfare. F.I.D.O. reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will take immediate effect and it is the responsibility of our clients to read these.
These Terms and Conditions are subject to UK law.
The contents contained in any quotation (verbal or written) and these Terms and Conditions form the agreement between F.I.D.O. and the client relating to the work undertaken. No variation of them will be binding to F.I.D.O. unless it is agreed in writing and signed by Helen Atton of F.I.D.O. Each clause of this Agreement is independent and operates separately in its own right.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions your statutory rights are not affected.
F.I.D.O. stipulates that no aversive training methods shall be practised by the client on his dog(s) at any time during the period of time the course of training persists.
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Payment is required in full before attendance to a class. To ensure you are guaranteed a place on a course, it is advisable to pay by BACS or send a cheque as instructed in the course joining email. By so doing you are acknowledging that you are aware of our terms and conditions. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they arrive at the right venue and at the correct time.
We cannot guarantee a place on a course unless prior payment has been made via a bank transfer, cheque or cash. If you request a place on a course without payment there is no guarantee that a space will be available on commencement of the course. We will endeavour to contact you when places are limited.
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We limit the number of dogs in our classes to provide the appropriate trainer to dog ratio. Booking in advance guarantees a place on our courses.
If you are concerned that your dog may be aggressive or overly nervous in the training course environment, please contact Helen to discuss a pre-course assessment. You must not knowingly book a dog that shows aggression or nervousness onto a training course, unless it is a specific course that is intended to address these issues. At the assessment, the decision will be made as to whether the dog will be permitted to attend the course. We reserve the right to remove dogs that are aggressive in class and alternative arrangements, such as one to one training, will be made with your agreement.
We are unable to refund course fees once the course has commenced and partial refunds for missed classes are not given. Please notify us beforehand if you will miss a class. If you have to miss a class for any reason you will still be provided with the written session notes for information.
Courses are NOT transferable. It is not possible to transfer onto another course unless you have advised us at least 4 days prior to the start of the course you have been booked on. If we are able to fill your space then we can offer a transfer to another course with no further cost. This will only be offered once. If we are unable to fill your space with less than 2 days’ notice, no refund or transfer will be given.
When arriving at the training centre please avoid meeting other dogs on lead until instructed to do so. A significant part of the training revolves around dogs learning that social contact should always be under the control of their owners and also some dogs may react badly to being near other dogs when restrained on lead. Do not crowd doorways and allow plenty of room for a dog to enter and exit the hall if and when you are invited to work there. On arrival please enter the training yard and find a space with your dog at least 2 metres from others. Do not allow dogs to play together outside the venue before a class, as this can cause excitement, poor habits and a lack of attention during the session.
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Payment is required in full either before attendance or at each session for single sessions. For programmes of sessions, full payment is required in advance. It is simplest to pay by BACS or to send a cheque made payable to Helen Atton to Wonastow Mill, Mitchel Troy, Monmouthshire, NP25 4BD. By so doing you are acknowledging that you are aware of our terms and conditions. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they arrive at the right venue and at the correct time.
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F.I.D.O. will create the agreed training timetable for the use of each client. The client may use the timetable only in its original form and only for its original use for the animal named and described within the work. Sessions and training are to be completed no onger than 4 weeks after the agreed programme duration.
Please be aware that the success of behaviour work cannot be guaranteed with any animal.
F.I.D.O. will create behaviour and training programmes to the specifications of the problems assessed at the first training session and will make amendments to the training and behaviour programme accordingly.
The training and behaviour programme is specific to the dog(s) that the programme has been designed for and should not be used in part or whole with any third party.
The client shall agree not to sell, destroy, deface, alter or part with work created by F.I.D.O. or permit it to be given or done so by any third party.
Amendments to programmes and training/classes may incur an additional charge beyond that of the original invoice.
All amendments must be agreed by both F.I.D.O. and the client.
F.I.D.O. reserves the right to refuse to provide service or create work at its own discretion.
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All dogs must be kept under the owner’s control and on a lead, except or unless specifically requested by an instructor. You are responsible for the conduct of your dog at all times.
We provide a safe and secure environment and endeavour to apply good practices with all our training services. We do what we can to run all classes in as safe and professional manner as possible. However, dog training is not without its risks, therefore participation in training and behaviour services is at the owner’s risk. F.I.D.O. cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury or damage to any persons, or dogs attending a course, or to their property howsoever caused during the provision of dog training activities.
A toilet break before each class or session will ensure your dog is empty and comfortable. Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. Take home all used poo bags and do not leave these on the premises or outside in the car park.
For livelier, excitable dogs it can be beneficial to exercise your dog before class with a game or a short walk. Do not over-exercise your dog before a class otherwise they will be too tired. You might also like to restrict feeding before attending, to avoid car sickness in young dogs and to help your dog pay attention in class.
Please consider others in class and switch off your mobile phone. We ask that you do not hold conversations on your phone during a class. Photography or video recording is not permitted in class. We may occasionally record for promotional and training purposes, and your acceptance of these terms and conditions allows this, however please let us know if you do not wish to appear.
Please close all stock gates when driving through the premises to ensure the safety of livestock.
Owners are advised to have appropriate pet insurance cover that includes third party liability insurance. F.I.D.O. has public liability and relevant business insurance to run classes and provide behavioural counselling, providing adequate cover for our business liabilities.
Although we trust you find the information and guidance given interesting and informative, the contents of courses and handouts are for general information only. We believe the contents to be true and accurate as at the date of the session but can give no assurances or warranty regarding the accuracy, currency or applicability of any of the contents in relation to specific situations and particular circumstances.
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We are more than happy to welcome family members to classes. It is valuable for the entire family to learn the training methods and commands used for their dog. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Children are encouraged to behave appropriately in the presence of unfamiliar dogs and are requested not to run in class, or distract other dogs from working. For safety reasons it is advisable all children are educated in how to approach an unfamiliar dog. We do provide instruction in how to interact with an unfamiliar dog.
Young children may find it difficult to maintain their attention during classes. Please be aware of this before you come as distracted children can be a challenge to supervise. If you provide your children with entertainment during a class, please ensure it is quiet and will not distract the class.
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Cancellations for a course that has been paid must be made with at least 48 hours’ notice. We are unable to refund course fees once the course has commenced. No refunds are given for non-attendance at a course.
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The information offered and any treatment recommended results from F.I.D O.’s experience and personal views plus information offered by the client or person responsible for the animal(s) and or F.I.D.O.’s own conclusions resulting from personally gained evidence of the animal and the related behavioural problem.
Treatment plans will normally not be successful overnight. Success requires a good deal of patience and F.I.D.O. requests that clients and their families (if applicable), follow the instructions given daily in order to achieve the desired results. F.I.D.O. cannot guarantee that such programmes will be 100 % effective, as each animal is an individual case. Nor is it possible to foresee if another problem may arise as a result of the treatment. All programmes are specific to a particular animal and should not be tried on any pet other than the animal whose name appears on the information.
F.I.D.O. encourages clients to contact their veterinary surgeon prior to putting the actions into effect, if they are concerned about their dog’s health. By booking one of F.I.D.O.’s services, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions. Once booked and paid for, no refund is available.
F.I.D.O. reserves the right to cancel or change an appointment at any time by notice with immediate effect, without cause. By booking you will agree to keep the date and time of the consultations. If changes to the date and/or time need to be altered by you, then 48 hours’ notice will need to be given in order for re-booking to be possible.
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All material, both text and images included in documents are the property of F.I.D.O.
F.I.D.O. holds copyright of all work created.