Adolescent Dog Training · Bristol
What happened to your sweet, obedient puppy?
The teenage phase is real — and it’s where a lot of owners start to struggle. You’re not doing anything wrong. But the right support makes all the difference.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
Just when you thought the hard part was over…
Your dog starts testing boundaries, ignoring you, or finding new ways to push your patience. Walks have become unpredictable, recall feels impossible, and everyday life is more stressful than you expected.
Your teenage dog may be…
— Ignoring recall the moment something interesting appears.
— Pulling, lunging, or becoming overstimulated on walks.
— Reactive to other dogs, people, or the environment in ways that worry you.
— Jumping up, over-excited, or struggling to settle at home or in public.
— The dog you knew seems to have disappeared — and you are not sure what to do next.
And you may be feeling…
— Frustrated that the puppy you knew seems to have gone.
— Embarrassed or anxious about walks and outings.
— Exhausted from managing your dog’s behaviour every day.
— Like you have tried everything and nothing is working.
— Worried this is just how it is going to be from now on.
But with the right guidance, it does not have to feel this hard.
WHAT WE COVER
Real-life challenges. Practical, lasting solutions.
Every session is tailored to you and your dog — focusing on the behaviours that are actually affecting your daily life. Here’s what we commonly work on during adolescence.
Impulse Control & Over-Excitement
Jumping up, mouthing, over-excited greetings, difficulty settling at home or in public — we build the ability to pause, think, and choose calmer responses.
Recall & Listening
For dogs who ignore cues, struggle to come back when called, or become easily distracted by other dogs, people, wildlife, or busy environments.
Loose Lead Walking
Pulling, lunging, freezing, or becoming overstimulated on walks — whether in Bristol’s parks, residential streets, or busier areas.
Reactivity
Barking, lunging, growling, or avoidance linked to fear, frustration, or overstimulation — we address the root cause, not just the symptom.
Behaviour Around Visitors
Rushing the door, jumping up, barking, or struggling to settle when people arrive — building calmer, more reliable behaviour at home.
Confidence & Social Skills
Helping dogs build confidence, cope with social situations, interact more calmly, and learn how to self-regulate in stimulating or stressful settings.
AWARD WINNER - Bristol Dog Trainer of The Year
QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED DOG TRAINER IN BRISTOL
Here is How We Can Work Together.
Three ways to work together — choose the level of support that feels right for where you are right now.
Not sure which is right for your dog? That is exactly what the first conversation is for — just get in touch and I will help you figure it out.
In my experience, most clients find that Confidence gives them everything they need. But if you are not quite ready to commit, Clarity is a great place to start. And if you want the fastest possible progress — Complete is for you.
For owners who want clarity before committing
Clarity
Something is not quite right. You can feel it. But you are not sure how much support you actually need.
A thorough first session at your home (2 hours), a written report, weekly email check-ins for 4 weeks, and a Zoom review at week 4 to decide on next steps together.
No WhatsApp support. No pressure to continue. Consultation fee credited toward a programme if you decide to go further.
£299
For steady, sustainable progress
⭐ Most popular
Confidence
This is where things really change.
Four sessions over 8 weeks, written notes throughout, and WhatsApp support.
Enough time between sessions to practise, embed what you have learned, and come back with questions, videos, and wins to share.
Most clients tell me the biggest change is not just in their dog. It is in how confident they feel.
Pay £489 upfront or £250 per month for 2 months.
£489
For faster momentum and more frequent contact
Complete
Every week we meet. Every week we adapt. Every week you have someone who knows your dog telling you exactly what to do next.
Eight sessions over 8 weeks — building momentum, catching challenges before they become habits, and making faster, more consistent progress.
Pay £699 upfront or £250 per month for 3 months.
£699
All programmes include vet referral and liaison where appropriate, and insurance claim support where applicable.
My services may be covered by your pet insurance policy depending on your provider. A formal vet referral can support the claims process.
Not sure which is right for you? Just get in touch and we will figure it out together.
MAINTENANCE SUPPORT
Recommended after your programme
Progress does not have to stop when your programme ends. Most clients find that continued support — even just once or twice a month — makes the difference between lasting change and slipping back into old patterns.
After your programme we will discuss what ongoing support looks like for you and your dog — tailored to where you are and what you need next.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
In their own words.
"She has taught me valuable skills and really helped me with my confidence — and in turn with Teddy's confidence and trust in me."
Kirstie & Teddy
First-time owner · Adolescent Training
"I am now able to keep control of the dog and have confidence in myself on walks. When we have visitors he is able to settle much quicker. Thank you Giulia."
Rebecca, James & Ralph
Blue Staffy · Adolescent Training
"I feel more in tune with my dog's natural needs and how I can use them to develop her training further. She has given me so many tools and skills to get through the rollercoaster of adolescence!"
Libby & Ivy
Working Cocker Spaniel · Adolescent Training
"We managed to make loads of progress where before we had been a bit stuck. The WhatsApp support was very helpful so we could address issues immediately between sessions."
Elsie, Ben & Sandy
German Shepherd Cross Rescue · Adolescent Training
"Giulia came a long way with our 7-month-old Labrador Blaze in just 2 sessions. We had problems with him being very excitable on the lead and since the lessons he has been absolutely amazing."
Luke & Blaze
Working Labrador · Adolescent Training
"We felt lost during the adolescent phase and now with the training provided we are coming out the other side with a great dog. Giulia made things simple and explained things well. No question is a silly question."
Zoe & Ralph
Cockapoo · Adolescent Training
my approach
You are in safe hands.
Named Bristol’s Best Dog Trainer 2023/24 and one of the most qualified trainers and behaviourists in the area.
I am trusted by vets, behaviourists, and hundreds of families across Bristol.
I know how frustrating and overwhelming the adolescent phase can feel.
I also know that most owners who come to me have already tried things — YouTube videos, training classes, advice from friends — and still feel stuck.
You are not doing it wrong.
You just need the right support at the right time.
And that is exactly what I am here for.
EXPERTISE
Experience you can trust
With years of experience — including leading adolescent dog classes at Dogs Trust Dog School Bristol — I’ve worked with hundreds of teenage dogs and their families to overcome challenges and build strong foundations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Certified, qualified & recognised
As a qualified Dog Trainer and Accredited Canine Behaviourist — member of ABTC, PACT, and INTODogs — I use only science-backed, ethical methods to ensure lasting results.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
A joined-up approach
I work closely with vets, veterinary behaviourists, and other professionals where appropriate — ensuring your dog gets the most complete and coordinated support possible.
SUPPORT
With you throughout
My signature WhatsApp and email support means I am with you between sessions — not just in the room. Because adolescent dogs do not wait for our next appointment to find trouble.
READY TO START?
Let's get your dog back on track.
The adolescent phase is temporary. But without the right support it can feel endless — and the longer it goes on, the harder it can become to shift.
You do not have to keep managing this alone. And you do not have to wait until things get worse before asking for help.
Just get in touch. Tell me what is going on. And let’s figure out the best next step for you and your dog together.
Qualifications and Memberships
Let's Stay in Touch
I’d love to keep in touch and keep you updated on all things My Kinda Dog. Just leave your details for news, updates and all things dog.
Areas
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St George
Kingswood
Speedwell
Soundwell
Eastville
Brislington
Hanham
Easton
Knowle
Fishponds
Clifton
Redland
Westbury
Stoke Gifford
Bradley Stoke Surrounding areas
Contact
- info@mykindadog.com
- 07888254301
Is your area not listed? Don’t worry, we can train together online! It’s just as effective as in-person training and for some training issues, it’s even better!