Frequently asked questions ...
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, although covid restrictions are being relaxed, pre-booking is still necessary. Places are in demand so contact us first (preferably by phone on 020 8809 6762) or if you have any personal questions about the suitability of the class for your particular dog.
Is it a set course and/or with a start and finish date?
No, we are very flexible. Sessions are booked individually. An initial 2.5hr introductory assessment session, with 1hr follow-up sessions ... times may vary.
Do I have to sign up for six sessions?
No, you are invited to join the two and half hour introductory assessment session (at £25) prior to individual training sessions or further classes. Call Sue 0n 020 8809 6762 if you wish to discuss any specific issues.
What happens after six weeks?
You can carry on attending classes @ £5/session. We do have more advanced classes and run Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy, Bronze, Silver and Gold testing sessions. Some people get 'bitten by the training and behaviour bug' and stay with us for years, others even start assisting the Instructing Team.
Are there any time limits?
There is a limit of twelve months following the first session(s). If you wish to start again after a long lapse to top up due to experiencing growing-up problems, or to take awards etc, you may need to join the first session again for £10 before resuming classes for £5/session.
If I have done training elsewhere before, can I go straight into the more advanced classes?
You will be invited to join the more advanced classes provided you meet the standard expected, however you will still need to attend the initial 2.5 hour introductory assessment session first to do so.
It seems cheap?
... but do not be fooled into thinking 'you pay for what you get'. You are not paying for a cosy hall and you are not paying for the Instructors' time as they all volunteer. We work outside in the real world, where people experience most of their challenges, we all endure cold and wet as well as sun and heat, and with the support of the park, our overheads are relatively low, which keeps the costs low and affordable for all. We do however pride ourselves in providing a professional service with well qualified, trained, experienced instructors who share our passionate to help people understand dogs and become model citizens for responsible dog ownership and good behaviour for the sake of the dog in today's society. Our Instructors all work on a voluntary basis and your money goes on running costs, educational courses, equipment with the rest going to charity - see end of year 'posts' to see our list of donations (approx £10,000 per year).
Do I have to attend classes prior to booking a home visit or individual session?
No, however fees are cheaper for registered Alpha clients, and if issues are dog-related it helps to attend the 2.5 hour introductory assessment session first, which often reduces the need for a home visit.
What's in the name Alpha?
This is an interesting question ... often linked to old fashioned methods of dominance, roll-overs and force. We are so well established that it is difficult to change the name but if we did we would probably go for something along the lines of 'LOGICAL' Dog Training. We are very behaviour-based and work on teaching people to understand and respect the natural instincts of their canines companions, to reward good behaviour, prevent incidents that lead to abuse, help them and you communicate effectively, to have a mutually fulfilling life together.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, although covid restrictions are being relaxed, pre-booking is still necessary. Places are in demand so contact us first (preferably by phone on 020 8809 6762) or if you have any personal questions about the suitability of the class for your particular dog.
Is it a set course and/or with a start and finish date?
No, we are very flexible. Sessions are booked individually. An initial 2.5hr introductory assessment session, with 1hr follow-up sessions ... times may vary.
Do I have to sign up for six sessions?
No, you are invited to join the two and half hour introductory assessment session (at £25) prior to individual training sessions or further classes. Call Sue 0n 020 8809 6762 if you wish to discuss any specific issues.
What happens after six weeks?
You can carry on attending classes @ £5/session. We do have more advanced classes and run Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy, Bronze, Silver and Gold testing sessions. Some people get 'bitten by the training and behaviour bug' and stay with us for years, others even start assisting the Instructing Team.
Are there any time limits?
There is a limit of twelve months following the first session(s). If you wish to start again after a long lapse to top up due to experiencing growing-up problems, or to take awards etc, you may need to join the first session again for £10 before resuming classes for £5/session.
If I have done training elsewhere before, can I go straight into the more advanced classes?
You will be invited to join the more advanced classes provided you meet the standard expected, however you will still need to attend the initial 2.5 hour introductory assessment session first to do so.
It seems cheap?
... but do not be fooled into thinking 'you pay for what you get'. You are not paying for a cosy hall and you are not paying for the Instructors' time as they all volunteer. We work outside in the real world, where people experience most of their challenges, we all endure cold and wet as well as sun and heat, and with the support of the park, our overheads are relatively low, which keeps the costs low and affordable for all. We do however pride ourselves in providing a professional service with well qualified, trained, experienced instructors who share our passionate to help people understand dogs and become model citizens for responsible dog ownership and good behaviour for the sake of the dog in today's society. Our Instructors all work on a voluntary basis and your money goes on running costs, educational courses, equipment with the rest going to charity - see end of year 'posts' to see our list of donations (approx £10,000 per year).
Do I have to attend classes prior to booking a home visit or individual session?
No, however fees are cheaper for registered Alpha clients, and if issues are dog-related it helps to attend the 2.5 hour introductory assessment session first, which often reduces the need for a home visit.
What's in the name Alpha?
This is an interesting question ... often linked to old fashioned methods of dominance, roll-overs and force. We are so well established that it is difficult to change the name but if we did we would probably go for something along the lines of 'LOGICAL' Dog Training. We are very behaviour-based and work on teaching people to understand and respect the natural instincts of their canines companions, to reward good behaviour, prevent incidents that lead to abuse, help them and you communicate effectively, to have a mutually fulfilling life together.