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This course is for puppies and dogs who have completed a Puppy or Adolescent/Adult Beginners class with Focus Dog Behaviour and Training. It’s ideal if you’re ready to keep building skills, confidence, and real-life reliability in a structured way.
Beyond Beginners is a five-level progression programme. It’s a fun and practical course that blends traditional obedience with elements of Scentwork and Talking Dogs Rally, helping you and your dog stay motivated while developing real-life skills — all without needing to pay for separate courses.
Each level includes six lessons. Classes are booked week by week, giving you more flexibility and time to practise between sessions. Dogs and handlers progress through the levels at their own pace, and the programme is designed to be both progressive and rewarding for you and your dog.
Yes, but to enrol, your dog must have already completed a beginners course, either with me or another reputable training provider. This ensures everyone has the right foundation before progressing.
Each level has its own assessment criteria, which you’ll receive at the start so you know exactly what you’re working towards. This gives you a clear focus and helps track your progress as you move through the programme.
No – if you’d prefer not to be assessed but still want to attend regular, structured training, you’re more than welcome. The assessments aren’t formal or intimidating, but your choice will always be respected. There’s no pressure to change your mind.
Beyond Beginners encourages more independent working than a beginners course. Each dog and handler team has their own station and a station file, equipped for the exercises they are working on that week. Teams may be working on different skills at the same time. You’ll be coached through each exercise and given individual guidance as needed.
Beyond Beginners encourages more independent working than a beginners course. Each dog and handler team has their own station and a station file, equipped for the exercises they are working on that week. Teams may be working on different skills at the same time. You’ll be coached through each exercise and given individual guidance as needed.
Yes, you need to bring a mat/bed/something for your dog to settle on (a cheap bathmat will be enough), water and a water bowl, a chew toy and training treats. Details of what to bring are in the online materials.
Beyond Beginners runs on a fortnightly schedule and rotates with Beyond Your Home – an excellent companion class that takes your training into real-life outdoor settings.
To keep your progress steady, it’s best to attend regularly. However, the course is designed so you can pick up where you left off if you need to miss a session but there’s no need to start over or feel like you can’t return after a break.
The sessions are 50 minutes long. dog's have a short attention span and classes require a lot of mental processing. Your dog will tire quite quickly.
As per the Training Terms and Conditions; children are welcome to attend certain group classes with appropriate adult supervision.
The children, and the safety of children, remain the sole responsibility of the supervising adult at all times.
If the children are disruptive to the class, the supervising adult will be asked to remove them from the class.
Please don't hesitate to contact me. It's important to me you are happy and well-informed before you book.