About Me

I’m Geoffrey Dolle and I’ve worked in animal training and care for 25 years. I ​attended l’A.F.A.S.E.C. (the Association de Formation et d'Actionary Sociale de ​Ecuries de Courses), leaving in 1997 with a Brevet d’Etude Proffessionnel Agricole ​(equivelent to a British NVQ3). I then spent 20 years working as a Lad and Head Lad ​caring for race horses at various racing yards in France and the UK before making a ​career transition into dog training in 2017.

As a dog trainer I chose to specialise in behaviour modification after personally ​experiencing a situation with a reactive dog being put down. After that devastating ​experience I made a commitment to never let that happen again. I am committed to ​assisting owners of reactive dogs with behaviour modification training to improve ​the behaviour of their dogs, improve their relationship with people and other dogs, ​and avoid the need for euthenasia. I’m fully insured.

I’m very happy to answer any questions you may have about balanced dog training ​to explain the process and allay any concerns.

I’m based in North Kent but also travel to where ever help is needed!

Balanced Dog Training

There is an assumption that balanced dog training is all about using harsh and painful treatment to force a dog to modify its behaviour, ​this is not the case. The training has its routes in an early 20th century human psychology model of operant conditioning, developed ​by the psychologist B.F Skinner, that states behaviour is influenced by consequences. This psychology model was first applied to ​animal training in the 1980s. Balanced dog training utilises all four quadrants of operant conditioning to modify a dogs behaviour. To ​encourage a positive behaviour the trainer will use, if needed, the four quadrants.

The majority of balanced dog training involves re-enforcement to encourage the wanted behaviour but on occasion it is judged an ​aversion action may need to be applied. An aversion action will be applied at a level proportionate to the unwanted behaviour. My ​aim is to positively stimulate the dog, both mentally and physically, to fully engage them in the learning process.

Services

Training Packages

[Contact us for details of prices of services and packages.]

Dogs Stories

Charlie

Charlie is a French Bulldog who was ​aggressive to other dogs. Positive ​reinforcement training had been tried ​by the owner but had failed and he ​was on the verge of being put down ​when I was brought in. With Balanced ​Dog Training his aggressive behaviour ​was modified to the point that he ​could socialise with other dogs and be ​a dog. Click on the YouTube button ​above to see his progress.

Morph

Morph is a Border Collie Cross who would ​be highly reactive and aggressive towards ​people, even me! At the start of the ​session, he was aggressively barking and I ​decided hands free guidance of the ​owner was the best approach. By the end ​Morph was relaxed enough to fall asleep ​with me there. Click on the YouTube ​button to see Morph before and after.

Yoggy

Yoggy was an excitable GSD x ​Malamute prone to over-excitement, ​particularly when out walking with ​whining, pulling and lunging on the ​lead, and barking at other dogs. By the ​end of the first session Yoggy had ​started to focus on his handler and to ​walk on a loose lead without whining ​and pulling. Click on the YouTube ​button above to meet Yoggy and see ​his first session.

Woody

Woody was a reactive border terrier. ​When I say reactive that’s what the ​owners thought until we looked at him ​and gathered that Woody was just an ​over excited little dog who didn’t know ​how to deal with it when in presence of ​another dog! To find out how Woody ​progressed with his training click on ​the YouTube button above.

Hazel

Was an anxious mixed breed rescue dog ​whose owner had sent her to a purely ​positive dog trainer for 3 weeks of basic ​training at a cost £3K. We were called ​in to address anxieties, a loss of focus ​and lead pulling. By the first walk and ​train session Hazel was walking to heal ​hands free. A video of her Behaviour ​Assessment Session can be watched by ​clicking the YouTube button above.

Reviews

Enzo (German Shepherd) - “Geoffrey came into our life in January this year. I was the owner of a German shepherd just over 2 years old. From the age of one ​he had become reactive to anything that moved, including people, dogs and cars. We had been through about 5 trainers, all had different ideas from ​equipment to training. I no longer felt able to walk him and had lost confidence with him out and in the house. The last trainer who was supposedly very ​experienced with reactive dogs banned us from training class following an altercation with a German shepherd . We were told to rehome him as I would never ​be confident with him. I Stumbled across Geoffrey when looking for a trainer for one last go. From the minute he walked into our home things changed. ​Equipment so that I felt comfortable handling the dog ,to telling me that within 6 months I would be walking my dog around the village off lead. Well I still ​have a way to go but things are so much better. I am slowly getting confident handling him, and reactivity has decreased to where i can now read the signs ​and most of the time prevent escalation. He has become the dog we had hoped for and we are grateful for all the work and time Geoffrey has invested in us.” ​Janet (Kent) Sept 24

Hector (German Pinscher) - “Geoff came to our house today to help with a few behavioural issues we were having with our German Pinscher Hector. He was ​professional yet calming with his approach to teaching us how to handle these issues. Hector showed great improvement just after a few hours and Geoff ​proved that with practice and perseverance we will be able train Hector into the dog we want and feel safe to be around. Would highly recommend Geoff and ​will continue our training in our home as well as attending his walk and train sessions. Thank you for all your help Geoff” Kirsty (Kent) Aug 24

Milo (Chihuahua Mix) - “I called upon Geoffrey to come and help with my 19 month old dog, Milo. He was very patient (with us and the dog!) and ​approachable. He took the time to explain everything and demonstrate ways to deal with undesirable behaviour. Amazingly, there has been an almost instant ​change in Milo and he’s already calmer and listening better - although I do realise I have to build upon and maintain the solid foundations Geoffrey has put in ​place. I highly recommend Geoffrey’s services if you have any issue with your pet, not only will he help you initially, he’s also made it clear he’s there for ​future advice and training if/when needed. I’m looking forward to attending some of his pack walks, too.” Val (Kent) Apr 24

Arnie (XL Bully) - “Recently had a 1-1 session with Geoffrey and my XL bully, as my boy got older and stronger and I became less interesting he started ​pulling me down the road and really took the fun out of walking my dog. After just one session and the right collar and lead combo I've got my boy walking ​by my side and I'm proudly walking down the road showing off how nice my dog walks with me. Would highly recommend Geoffrey to anyone looking to ​improve their relationship with their dog.” Ryan (Kent) May 23

Charlie (Vizla) - “We recently had a 1:1 with Geoffrey for our 2 year old Vizsla and three days later we have a completely different dog. He was not a bad dog ​but required some things nipped in the bud like calmness in the home and walking to heel. Three days later we have a calmer dog out on walks who is ​watching us and responding to us even with distractions - today we even managed no hands on the lead! This is the first time we have ever gone to a trainer ​and haven’t felt judged and walked away thinking our dog is awful! We cannot believe the difference since Geoffrey came and gave us the advice and training. ​We also love how Geoffrey went out of his way a couple of days later to check in to see how things are, it was so appreciated. Wish we found him sooner! ​Thank you and see you on the pack walks!.” Jessica (Kent) Feb 23

Rosco (Bulldog) - “Thank you thank you thank you, today we had our first session with Geoffrey. And I can honestly say what a difference, I’ve used other ​trainers in the past and not really got very far. I have an old English bulldog who is very strong and I want him to enjoy life and have fun. But certain things ​were holding us back with him. Geoffrey spent time with us and my dog to teach us ways to help him and ourselves! Now we have a lot of homework to focus ​on! I highly recommend him to anyone thinking about getting in contact!” Carla (Kent) Jul 22

Rosie & Reggie (Dogue de Bordeaux & Staffie Cross) - “We had the pleasure of meeting and working with Geoffrey last week. We have used other dog trainers ​in the past and there was little improvement in their behaviour…..until now. We have 2 dogs, both bullie breeds so can be quite a handful. Even after 1 session ​with Geoffrey and us, we can see a huge improvement. We as owners have learned a lot and as a result see the benefits in our fur babies behaviour’s already. ​It goes to show that 1 type of training may not always work for your dogs, so don’t loose hope. We are looking forward to this journey ( even though we’re ​aware there’s a lot more work and consistency required from us ) but the results will be worth it.” Ollie (Kent) Jun 22

Margot (Rotweiller) - “We had a session with Geoffrey for our Rottweiler puppy. Geoffrey was brilliant, taught us where we were going wrong! Very ​professional. The session was a lot of fun. We have already seen a big improvement in our puppy’s behaviour. Would highly recommend.” Lisa (Kent) Jun 22

Lexi (Romanian Rescue) - “We highly recommend Geoffrey! He is amazing! We had tried a couple of other dog trainers in the past but after our first session ​we saw immediate improvements. Lexi our Romanian rescue, selective in her reactivity (people and dogs) (and her hearing!) has improved tremendously. ​Geoffrey has patiently trained us/me! and Lexi, explaining everything so clearly. We have continued with walk & train sessions of which Lexi and I love. A ​fantastic dog trainer. I could go on and on!.” Sarah (Kent) Mar 22

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