“Practice makes……” – Fun progression classes for older puppies and dogs .
Looking to continue your dog’s training journey beyond puppy class? Our “Practice Makes…” progression classes are designed for older puppies and adult dogs who already know the basics and want to keep learning in a fun, structured environment.
These sessions offer the perfect opportunity to strengthen existing skills, build new ones, and enjoy quality time with your dog—whether you’re working on specific goals or just want to have fun together.
🎯 What Are the “Practice Makes…” Classes?
After completing a puppy training course, it’s easy to feel like you’re suddenly on your own. These progression classes are designed to support you and your dog as you take your training to the next level—with guidance, games, and good company.
Each session focuses on real-life skills such as recall, loose lead walking, and impulse control, with built-in distractions to make training more realistic and effective. We also include fun challenges like trick training and confidence games to keep both ends of the lead engaged.
🐕 Who These Classes Are For:
- Graduates of puppy classes who want to keep building on foundations
- Dogs who enjoy learning and thrive in a small group
- Owners looking for ongoing dog training in Yorkshire
- Anyone working on specific skills who needs a safe, supportive space to practice
Please note: These classes are not suitable for dogs who are reactive to other dogs unless they are already comfortable working at a distance in group environments.
📍 Class Locations & Schedule
We currently run two groups:
- Sunday mornings – Belmont Unleashed, Starbeck
- Wednesday evenings – Hopewell Dog Park
There’s no long-term commitment. Classes run on a rolling monthly basis at £50 per month.
Classes are currently full, but you can email us here to join the waiting list and be notified as soon as a spot becomes available.
🧠 Skills We Work On
Our progression dog training classes help reinforce real-world behaviour with added distractions and higher expectations. Here are just some of the behaviours we practice:
| Behaviour | Goal / Criteria |
|---|---|
| Loose Lead Walking | Walk together without tension, even in new environments |
| Polite Greetings | Calm interactions with people and dogs—no jumping or pulling |
| Close Walking Off-Lead | Your dog stays near you off-lead, ignoring distractions |
| Recall | Responding to their name—reliably, with or without distractions |
| Settle on a Mat / Without a Mat | Relaxing calmly in place, with or without a mat as a visual cue |
| Calm Exits from Car / Gate | Waiting patiently before exiting without needing a verbal cue |
| Parking the Dog | Sitting or lying calmly while you chat or pause during a walk |
| Wait / Stay | Holding position without repeated reminders, even with distractions |
| Behaviour Chains | Linking multiple behaviours into smooth routines |
| Emergency Stop | A reliable stop at a distance—for safety and control |
| Trick Training | Just for fun! Learn spins, bows, “middle,” and more |
