Dog Training Tips

Who Is It Best For?

Group classes are an excellent fit for:

Puppy owners looking to socialise their dog in a controlled, positive environment while learning the fundamentals

Dogs who benefit from learning around other dogs, building calmness and focus in the presence of distractions

Owners who value community — learning alongside others who understand the challenges you're facing

Those looking for a more affordable entry point to structured, professional dog training

Dogs making progress with behaviour who are ready to practice skills in real-world social contexts

What Should You Expect?

In a James & Frankie group class, you'll find a structured, science-based environment where every exercise has a clear purpose. Our group programmes currently include:

Puppy Classes — a 6-week foundation programme designed to build communication, confidence, and key life skills from the very start

Reactive Dog Programmes — specialist group work for dogs who struggle with other dogs, people, or their environment

And additional classes across core training topics

Because we keep group sizes small, you'll still receive meaningful individual attention within each session — not just a one-size-fits-all experience.

All three formats are also available in an online version through James & Frankie — and for many owners, this is genuinely the best fit.

Online 1:1 sessions allow your trainer to observe your dog in their home environment, which is often where the most important behaviours occur. Online group programmes offer the same curriculum and community as in-person classes, from anywhere in the country.

If you're based further afield, have mobility considerations, or simply prefer working from home, our digital programmes offer the same CLT-based, science-led approach without compromise.

Which Dog Training Format Is Right for Your Dog?

If you're still unsure, use this simple decision guide:

Choose 1:1 Structured Sessions if:

Your dog has a specific behaviour you want to address

You want flexible scheduling and targeted support

Your dog is reactive, anxious, or has a complex history

You prefer to work privately without other dogs present

Choose a 1:1 Bootcamp / Intensive if:

You want significant progress in a condensed timeframe

You're dealing with layered or urgent behaviour challenges

You find it hard to maintain consistency across weekly sessions

You want a deep-dive approach rather than drip-feeding training over months

Choose Group Classes if:

You have a puppy and want socialisation alongside training

Your dog is ready to work in the presence of other dogs

You enjoy learning alongside other owners facing similar challenges

You're looking for a structured programme with a clear beginning and end

Not sure? Start here: Book a consultation with James & Frankie and we'll help you identify the right path based on your dog's individual profile — no pressure, no upsell.

Dog Training Across Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield & the West Midlands

James & Frankie is based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham (B74) and works with dogs and owners across the West Midlands, including:

Birmingham — 1:1 dog training, group classes, and online programmes

Sutton Coldfield — local training in parks, nature reserves, and community spaces including Sutton Park and Powell's Park

Lichfield — 1:1 sessions and online support

Walsall — 1:1 and group programme options

Wolverhampton — 1:1 sessions and digital programme access

Kingstanding and surrounding areas — flexible in-person and online delivery

Whether you're searching for a dog trainer in Sutton Coldfield, a reactive dog specialist in Birmingham, or puppy classes in the West Midlands, James & Frankie brings the same science-based, compassion-first approach to every format and location.

Why James & Frankie?

James & Frankie isn't your average dog training business. Founded on the principles of Communicative Learning Theory (CLT) — a framework that places communication at the heart of how dogs learn — every session, class, and programme we offer is built around one central belief: that a well-trained dog is a dog that understands its owner, and an owner who understands their dog.

Our approach is:

Science-based — grounded in the latest understanding of canine cognition and behaviour

Compassion-first — no aversive methods, no dominance theory, no shortcuts

Genuinely personalised — because your dog is not a template, and your training shouldn't be either

Results-focused — because we want you to see real, lasting change in real life, not just in a training session

We work with puppies and adult dogs, first-time owners and experienced handlers, dogs with no history and dogs with complex pasts. Whatever your starting point, there's a path forward.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're drawn to a 1:1 session, an intensive programme, or a group class — we'd love to help you find the right fit.

👉 Contact us here to book your consultation or enquire about availability

No obligation. Just an honest conversation about what your dog needs and how we can help.

James & Frankie — Science-Based, Compassion-First Dog Training. Serving Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Lichfield, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and across the West Midlands.