Dog Training Classes & Workshops in Sussex
Supportive, Small-Group Training for Real Dogs and Everyday Life
Training in a group can be a wonderful way to develop practical skills, build confidence and enjoy learning alongside your dog.
However, not every dog finds a busy or traditional class environment easy.
That is why Ravendale classes are designed to feel calm, supportive and low-pressure, with smaller groups and kind, reward-based training.
Whether you are raising a puppy, improving everyday manners, developing scentwork skills or looking for carefully managed support with reactivity, the aim is to help both you and your dog feel comfortable, understood and successful.
Classes and workshops are available in and around Horsham, West Sussex.
A Calm and Supportive Learning Environment
Dogs learn best when they feel safe enough to think.
Large, noisy classes can sometimes leave dogs and owners feeling overwhelmed. Smaller groups allow more space, individual guidance and opportunities to work at a pace each dog can manage.
During Ravendale classes, you can expect:
✔ Kind, force-free and reward-based training
✔ Small, supportive groups
✔ Clear demonstrations and practical coaching
✔ Training adapted to different dogs and abilities
✔ Realistic exercises for everyday life
✔ Space and management where dogs need additional distance
✔ Guidance without pressure or judgement
Your dog will not be expected to greet every dog, work closely beside others or remain in a situation they cannot cope with.
Could a Class Be Right for You and Your Dog?
Classes may be suitable if you would like to:
🐾 Build puppy foundations
🐾 Improve loose-lead walking
🐾 Strengthen recall
🐾 Develop focus around distractions
🐾 Practise calm greetings
🐾 Help your dog settle around others
🐾 Build confidence in a managed environment
🐾 Learn scentwork or other enrichment activities
🐾 Develop practical everyday manners
🐾 Enjoy structured activities with your dog
Dogs do not need to be perfectly trained before joining.
However, they do need to be suitable for the particular class environment. Some dogs may benefit from one-to-one support before entering a group.
Classes and Workshops
The Ravendale timetable may include:
Puppy Training
Support for puppy biting, recall, lead walking, social development, handling, settling and everyday foundations.
Puppy classes focus on helping young dogs learn calmly rather than encouraging uncontrolled interaction or expecting every puppy to play together.
Good Manners and Social Skills
Practical training for adult and adolescent dogs, including focus, recall, loose-lead walking, settling and polite behaviour around everyday distractions.
Reactive Dog Classes
Carefully managed sessions for dogs who need additional space and structured support around other dogs.
These are not traditional classes where dogs work closely together.
Exercises are adapted to each dog, and safety, distance and emotional wellbeing remain the priority.
Dogs with significant aggression, a bite history or behaviour that cannot currently be managed safely in a group may need to begin with a Behaviour Assessment.
Urban and Real-World Training
Training in suitable outdoor environments to help dogs practise useful skills around the everyday sights, sounds and distractions they are likely to encounter.
Scentwork
Enjoyable, enrichment-based sessions that encourage dogs to use their natural sense of smell.
Scentwork can help build confidence, provide mental stimulation and give dogs and owners a rewarding activity to enjoy together.
Dog Parkour and Confidence Building
Low-impact activities using the environment to encourage body awareness, confidence, communication and safe exploration.
Exercises are adapted to each dog’s age, mobility and physical ability.
Mantrailing
A scent-based activity in which dogs learn to follow a person’s individual trail.
Mantrailing can provide mental stimulation, build confidence and allow dogs to use their natural abilities in a structured way.
Workshops and Special Events
Occasional workshops may focus on specific skills or topics such as recall, loose-lead walking, body language, calmness, enrichment or behaviour awareness.
Not Sure Which Class to Choose?
You do not need to work it out alone.
Before recommending a class, I may ask about:
- Your dog’s age and training history
- How they respond to other dogs and people
- Any signs of fear, anxiety or reactivity
- Whether they have growled, snapped or bitten
- What you would like help with
- The type of environment in which they learn best
This helps ensure that the class is suitable for your dog and that everyone can participate safely.
Does Your Dog Struggle Around Other Dogs?
A group setting is not always the kindest or most effective starting point.
A Behaviour Assessment may be more appropriate if your dog:
- Regularly barks or lunges at dogs or people
- Growls, snaps or bites
- Has a bite history
- Redirects onto you, the lead or another dog
- Becomes too overwhelmed to eat, respond or recover
- Guards food, toys, spaces or people
- Cannot currently be managed safely within a group
Beginning with individual support does not mean your dog has failed.
It simply allows us to understand what they need and build the foundations that may help them work around others more successfully in the future.
Start with a Behaviour Assessment
What to Expect from Your First Class
Starting a new class can feel nerve-racking, particularly if your dog becomes excited, distracted or uncertain in unfamiliar situations.
You will receive information before attending so you know:
✔ Where to go
✔ What to bring
✔ Which equipment is suitable
✔ How the session will be organised
✔ Whether dogs will need additional space
✔ What to do if your dog becomes overwhelmed
You will not be judged if your dog struggles.
The aim is to help you learn, make adjustments and identify what will support your dog most effectively.
My Training Approach
Training should help dogs and owners understand one another—not create fear or conflict.
Ravendale classes use:
🐾 Kind, force-free methods
🐾 Reward-based learning
🐾 Evidence-informed training
🐾 Gradual progression
🐾 Clear communication
🐾 Practical exercises for everyday life
I do not use intimidation, physical punishment or equipment designed to cause pain.
Dogs are treated as individuals, and exercises are adapted wherever possible to help them learn successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dogs Interact During Classes?
Dogs are not automatically allowed to greet or play with one another.
Many dogs learn more successfully when they have personal space and are not expected to interact.
Any carefully managed interaction will depend on the class, the individual dogs and whether it is appropriate.
Can My Reactive Dog Attend?
Possibly, depending on the nature and severity of the behaviour.
Some reactive dogs may be suitable for a specialist, carefully managed class. Others will need a Behaviour Assessment and individual support first.
Please provide honest information about your dog’s behaviour so I can recommend the safest option.
What Should I Bring?
Requirements may vary, but you may be asked to bring:
- A comfortable harness or collar
- A standard lead
- Plenty of small, high-value treats
- A treat pouch
- Water
- A mat or blanket
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Any equipment listed in your booking information
What If My Dog Becomes Overwhelmed?
You may be advised to create more distance, take a break or leave the working area temporarily.
Your dog will not be forced to continue.
If a group environment is not currently appropriate, I will discuss alternative support with you.
Are Classes Suitable for Children?
Children may be able to attend certain sessions when accompanied and supervised by an adult, but this will depend on the venue, class type and individual dogs attending.
Please ask before bringing a child to a class.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes and workshops take place at selected indoor and outdoor venues around Horsham and the surrounding areas of West Sussex.
Please check the individual listing for the exact venue, date and time.
Find the Right Class for You
Whether you are beginning puppy training, strengthening everyday skills or looking for an enjoyable activity to share with your dog, Ravendale offers supportive learning without pressure or judgement.
View the current timetable to see which classes and workshops are available.
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Not sure which option is right for your dog
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Ravendale Training and Behaviour
Partridge Green, Horsham, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom