Our Classes

At Middlesbrough Dog Club, we believe that training is a family affair. That’s why we encourage all main caregivers to attend alongside their dogs. To join, your dog must have completed their full vaccination course—this will be checked at the first in-person session, so don’t forget to bring their vaccination record.

Location: Hemlington Lake & Recreation Centre, Cass House Road, Middlesbrough TS8 9QW
Day: Currently all our classes are held on a Tuesday evening

Want to come and check we are the right fit for you, we don't have a problem with that. All we ask is that you let us know you are coming, so there is someone on hand to answer any questions, and that it's humans only, no dogs we're afraid,

Paw-Scholars: A Foundation Course for You and Your Dog!

Course Details

Duration: 5 weeks of practical classes, plus an online induction
Cost: £75 (includes a year-long membership to the club)

Class Times: Tuesday's, 18:30 – 19:15

Each class is designed to be fun, interactive, and packed with practical knowledge to keep both you and your dog engaged.

What to Expect

Paw-Scholars is perfect for setting the groundwork for your dog’s training journey while helping you build a strong bond. The course covers essential skills and provides the tools you need to continue developing your dog's behaviour at home.

Here’s how the course is structured:

Week 1: Online Induction (via Zoom)
We’ll cover:
- Who we are and what your membership includes
- UK dog laws and responsible dog ownership
- What to bring to class
- Golden rules of training and how to practise
- Your first homework assignment!
Weeks 1-5: Practical In-Person Training
Each week focuses on hands-on activities, with PDF handouts and videos to complement your learning. Topics include:
- Attention & Focus: Building your dog’s ability to listen in any environment
- Loose Lead Walking & Recall: Basics to make walks enjoyable and safe
- Good Manners: Down, Meet & Greet, Drop, Leave and more
Each session includes homework assignments to reinforce learning at home.

Video Lessons: Some topics, such as Handling & Grooming, Diet and Nutrition, are better suited to video format. This keeps class time fun and prevents boredom for your dog.

Why Choose Paw-Scholars?

We keep our classes small to ensure personalised attention for everyone. Spaces are limited, so booking early is essential! A place will only be secured once we’ve received a completed booking form and payment.

Let’s work together to create a confident, happy, and well-mannered dog. Sign up now to avoid disappointment!

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Paw-Masters

For owners who want to continue learning, keep progressing, and become part of the Middlesbrough Dog Club community.

Paw-Masters is our ongoing development class for owners and dogs who have completed Paw-Scholars or already have a solid training foundation in place.

Unlike a traditional training course, Paw-Masters isn't about reaching the end of a programme and stopping. It's about continuing to build your skills, improving your understanding of training, and developing a dog that can confidently navigate the real world.

Class Details

When: Tuesday evenings, 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Cost: £7 per session (Pay As You Go)

Special Offer: Buy 5 sessions and receive your 6th session free.

What Can I Expect?

Each session combines practical training with ongoing support, helping both dogs and handlers continue developing long after the foundations have been established.

We regularly work on skills from the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, helping members improve reliability, confidence and control in a wide range of everyday situations. Whether you're working towards Bronze, Silver, Gold, or simply want a well-mannered family companion, exercises can be adapted to suit individual dogs and handlers.

Alongside this, we introduce a variety of dog sports, activities and training challenges throughout the year. These are typically delivered in themed blocks, allowing members to explore new areas of training such as scent work, rally, obedience and tricks in a structured and supportive environment.

The programme evolves throughout the year, giving members the opportunity to revisit and strengthen core skills while exploring new activities and challenges. This allows owners and dogs to continue learning, developing and enjoying their training long after the foundations have been established.

The aim isn't to create competition dogs. It's to help owners discover new ways to engage, motivate and enjoy training with their dogs, while continuing to develop practical skills that make everyday life together easier and more enjoyable.

More Than Training

One of the things that makes Paw-Masters unique is the sense of community that develops within the class.

Each session includes a tea and coffee break for the humans, while the dogs practise one of the most valuable life skills of all – learning how to settle and relax around other dogs and people.

It's an opportunity to ask questions, share successes, discuss training challenges and enjoy spending time with fellow dog owners who understand the ups and downs of life with dogs.

Many members tell us this supportive environment is one of the reasons they continue attending long after their original training goals have been achieved.

Who Can Join?

Paw-Masters is open to Paw-Scholars graduates and other dogs with an appropriate level of foundation training.

Members who have completed Paw-Scholars are welcome to attend Paw-Masters sessions as and when they wish, making it an ideal way to continue training, maintain existing skills, and remain part of the Middlesbrough Dog Club community.

If you have not attended Paw-Scholars, we offer a free assessment to help determine whether Paw-Masters would be suitable for you and your dog. As Paw-Masters is often very popular and can regularly reach capacity, we recommend contacting us before attending so we can confirm whether spaces are available.

Because classes take place in a group environment, dogs must be comfortable working around other dogs and people. The class is not suitable for dogs displaying significant reactivity, aggression, or behavioural concerns.

Membership

A one-off annual club membership fee of £10 applies to anyone who is not already a Middlesbrough Dog Club member.

Whether your goal is to improve your training skills, work towards Good Citizen awards, explore new activities, or simply enjoy training alongside a supportive group of like-minded owners, Paw-Masters provides the opportunity to continue learning together.

One-To-One Support

Sometimes a little extra support can make all the difference.

Whilst our group classes are the heart of Middlesbrough Dog Club, we understand that some owners and dogs benefit from a little more personalised guidance before joining a class or while working through the early stages of training.

Our one-to-one sessions are designed to provide practical, friendly support tailored to your individual circumstances.

Puppy Home Visits

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions.

A puppy home visit gives you the opportunity to spend time with one of our trainers in your own environment, helping you build confidence and establish good habits from the very beginning.

We can cover topics such as house training, chewing and biting, crate training, settling routines, socialisation, introducing household rules, and getting started with reward-based training.

Many owners find a puppy home visit provides reassurance during those early weeks and helps prepare both them and their puppy for joining Paw-Scholars when the time is right.

Not Sure If Classes Are Right For Your Dog?

Not every dog is ready to walk straight into a group training environment, and that's perfectly normal.

If you're unsure whether Paw-Scholars or Paw-Masters would be suitable for your dog, we can arrange a one-to-one assessment session. This allows us to get to know you and your dog, understand your goals, and offer honest advice about the most appropriate next steps.

Sometimes a little foundation work is all that's needed before joining a class. If we feel a group environment isn't currently the best option, we'll always explain why and help point you in the right direction.

Additional Support

One-to-one sessions can also be useful for owners looking for extra help with foundation training skills, confidence building, loose lead walking, recall foundations, engagement, or preparing for one of our classes.

As with everything we do at Middlesbrough Dog Club, the focus is on providing practical support, building confidence, and helping owners and dogs succeed together.

If you'd like to discuss whether a one-to-one session would be suitable for you and your dog, please get in touch.