Dog Training & Behaviour Support in Christchurch
I’m Michelle LeBourn. If you’re in Christchurch and looking for help with a puppy or a behaviour concern, I’d like to hear what you and your dog are finding difficult. I offer one-to-one, personalised support rather than a fixed course. That could mean talking through puppy foundations, or making sense of anxiety, reactivity, lead pulling or recall that feels unreliable. We’ll consider your dog as an individual and decide together what kind of support may be appropriate.
Puppy training with room for questions
The early weeks can bring a surprising number of decisions. I can help you prioritise the everyday skills and routines that matter to you, while keeping your puppy’s needs and confidence in mind. Individual sessions let us spend time on your questions rather than following a group agenda.
Your initial puppy consultation is 90 minutes, followed, if useful, by one-hour sessions. We meet at home or at a location we agree in advance, provided it is suitable and the appointment has been confirmed.
Understanding what your dog is communicating
Behaviour that looks challenging can have different causes and contexts. If your dog is anxious, reactive, pulling on lead or finding recall difficult, I’ll ask about the situations where it happens and what your dog does before and after. That helps us look beyond the visible behaviour and plan carefully.
I work in a reward-based way and don’t believe in forcing a dog through fear. We can discuss practical management and training steps that respect your dog’s comfort, as well as the limitations of what can be addressed in a session.
Agreeing a practical place to work
If farmland or Fenland droves are part of your usual surroundings, the distractions there may be different from the ones your dog encounters indoors. We can talk about those differences without assuming an outdoor session is the best starting point. The environment needs to suit your dog and what we agree to work on.
I’m based in Marshland St James near Wisbech. Just let me know your address and I’ll confirm travel and the best way to work together, whether that’s at home, somewhere we agree, or online.
A free first conversation
Before deciding on support, you can book a free 20-minute consultation. Tell me what you’ve noticed and what you would like help with; I can explain how I work and check whether your preferred appointment type is suitable. Online sessions are another option if a visit isn’t appropriate. We’ll consider whether your questions can usefully be addressed remotely rather than treat online support as automatically suitable for every concern.
Support informed by qualifications
I hold BCCSDip.ProCanBhvPct. I’m fully insured and canine first aid qualified, and recommended by local veterinary practices, the RSPCA West Norfolk and Second Chance Spaniel Rescue. A useful plan needs to fit the dog in front of us and the life you share.
I’ll help you think about what’s realistic, whether that means working on one skill at a time, adjusting a routine or making difficult situations less overwhelming. My approach is ethical and reward-based. I can offer considered guidance, not a guarantee of a particular result.
Questions about support in Christchurch
Can you confirm a home visit in Christchurch?
We’ll need to discuss your precise address first. The free consultation lets us confirm travel, availability and whether your home or another agreed location is suitable.
Can we work on recall without starting around farmland distractions?
Yes, where that is appropriate. We can discuss what your dog finds difficult and choose a manageable first step instead of beginning in the hardest environment.
Could I choose online sessions instead?
Yes, online sessions are available. During the free 20-minute consultation, we can talk about your goals and whether online support would suit your situation.