Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
Happy Dogs Training School which is based at Elmtree Canine Country Club, in the picturesque Theobalds Park Estate on the borders of Enfield, North London and Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.
We're also easily accessible for the local and surrounding areas of Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, Barnet and Potters Bar.
Click here for directions to our location >
What type of classes do you offer?
We offer a wide range of classes, courses and workshops from Puppy Classes, Pet Obedience, Life Skills, Agility, Pet Gun Dog, Kennel Club Good Citizen, Hoopers, Parkour, Loose Lead & Recall, Pick & Mix, Scent Work and Tracking.
- Kennel Club Good Citizen Status Listed Club.
- Group Training.
- 1-2-1 Training.
More info on our classes can be found here >
How many dogs are in the class?
Classes are kept small at 6 dogs per class to offer individual support.
What age can a puppy join a class?
Our puppy classes are for puppies from around 12 weeks of age up to 6 months of age, with young puppies typically joining a week to ten days after their second injection, dependent on the advice of their vet.
What qualifications do your trainers hold?
All our trainers are fully qualified and have a wealth of knowledge and experience, please see below our Qualifications & Accreditations...
PDTI, MGoDT, IMDT, BIPDT, CHUK accredited trainers, Absolute Pro Dog trainers,
Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma, Canine Behaviour Training Diploma,
Level 2 NASDU, Animal Management Level 3 Extended Diploma, Dog Training Diploma, Canine First Aid.
All our trainers continually update their knowledge through study and courses to ensure they have the most up to date ethical and scientific based information to be able to help you and your dog.
Do you use reward based training methods?
Yes, at Happy Dogs Training School, we use scientifically proven, kind positive reward based training, which ensures your dog learns in a kind and safe environment and has lots of fun and games at the same time.
Learn more about positive reinforcement training >
When are your classes?
Our classes are for an hour long and run on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting.
Are your classes held outside?
Yes, all of our classes are held outside throughout the year, so please make sure you and your dog come dressed appropriately.
Being an outdoor training school, we have so many benefits; more space, in a more natural environment, more distractions etc. but this does mean we are sometimes at the mercy of the weather!
What happens due to adverse weather conditions?
Classes will go still go ahead in light rain. If the rain is heavy or we experience extreme heat we will cancel the class. You will receive a cancellation email at least 1 hour before your class is due to start, and you class will resume on the following week.
What shall I to bring to classes?
Lots of treats! For example, cheese, hot dog sausage, chicken, ham, kibble, soft dog treats. We do have lots of treats for sale, if you forget or need extra, we do use lots of treats, so make sure they are in small bits!
Please do bring a mat/blanket to go on the raised bed to make your dog feel more comfortable.
A toy that your dog can play tuggy with (if you do not have one of these, do not worry as we have lots of try in class and we do have some for sale)
Your dog must be on a normal lead, not an extendable.
A doggie water bottle - we have water bowls set out in the arena's, but some dogs/owners prefer their own.
Can my family attend?
Yes, although we do ask for only 2 members of the family within the arena at any one time, and also ask that children are supervised at all times.
Can you advise which course would be most suitable for my dog?
Absolutely, if you are unsure which course would be most suitable for your dog, please do get in touch; either by email or phone for friendly help and advice.
Do you offer 1-2-1 training?
Yes, we do offer bespoke one to one sessions, which are tailored to the individual dog and owner. Please get in touch for more details.
When are your next courses starting?
If you would like to know when our next courses are starting, please email us at happydogstraining@elmtreepethotel.co.uk for more information on our courses, you can also ask to be added to our mailing list, which is sent out every month with the starting dates and times of all our new courses and workshops.
More Info on our course start dates and times can be found here>
How do I Book?
Booking is by email only. You will be sent an email with a provisional confirmation of your course booking or 1-2-1, which will include our bank payment details, and a personal reference number for your payment.
We will reserve your place on the course for 5 days (calendar). During this time, we would ask that you make the payment. Unfortunately, if payment is not received within this time, with regret we will allocate this place to another customer.
If we experience bad weather (rain, extreme heat) in the weeks preceding your course, then we may have to delay your start date. This will be a maximum of 2 weeks. We will advise of any start date delays via email.