IMDT Accredited Trainer & Specialist Puppy Instructor
Mixed-age, mixed-ability training classes made flexible to suit you!
Toby's Training Club
Looking for casual, fun group classes?
You don't need to be the proud owner of a brand new puppy to enjoy group training classes! Older dogs can also benefit hugely from ongoing learning, and attending casual classes will also provide you with ongoing support and guidance as you encounter new challenges throughout your dog's life.
Book a class
today!
These classes are totally flexible, meaning that you can dip in and out whenever you want. Each session will be different, and we'll cover exercises ranging from cementing the basics to advancing new skills, and even explore some more specialised areas, because why not!
What we'll cover
Core skills, levelled up
Sit, Stay, Recall, Lead Walking... all the key skills you'd expect a well-trained dog to have, pushed further than you might expect to be possible!
Handling like pros
We'll cover important handling skills for considerate and appropriate practice in real-life scenarios, such as basic husbandry, vet visits, and grooming.
Enrichment & Play
A crucial element of any owner's toolbox, I'll give you creative methods of enrichment suitable for all contexts and all dogs, plus exciting new ways to play!
Safety Skills
Learn useful skills for emergency scenarios like how to have your dog stop immediately in place on cue, how to get them into a safe and close position, and what to do if things go wrong when out!
Owner Knowledge
I don't just want to give you the steps to follow along, I want you to understand how training works and therefore come away feeling confident in what you've learnt and able to apply it in future!
Grades & Awards
You'll work towards achieving the IMDT Partnership Grades as you complete the criteria in classes. When you start classes , I'll begin tracking your progress towards these awards, so you'll earn as we go!
Benefits of continued training
Older dogs needn't miss out on the joys and benefits of regular training!
Enrichment
Enrichment is a popular topic for dog owners these days, but it goes beyond buying the latest new toys - why not enrich your dog's week with some training that will stimulate their brain and have them working for more than just treats!
Communication
In puppy classes, I teach the art of two-way communication between yourself and your dog. Over time, these skills can slip a little if we don't continue to put what we've learnt into practice, which then leads to other skills becoming less reliable. Continued training keeps that communication going, with you and your dog learning to stay in touch with one another as you go.
Mobility & Mind
As dogs get older, their needs change. Physical and mental fitness can decline, but there's no reason why we can't help our dogs to stay active and in-shape through regular training which flexes the brain, plus movement-based exercises which work the body!
Bond
Having a really solid bond with your dog is one of the most important things of all, and training can be a big help in forming and maintaining this. It's a chance for you to work together towards goals that benefit you both, to achieve together, and above all, to enjoy spending time focused on each other without distraction.
Grades & Awards
The IMDT Partnership Grades, 1-6
These grades are set by the lead instructors at the IMDT, and offer a structured pathway to follow for those looking for follow-on classes for young-adult dogs. The grades focus on practical methods of upgrading your current core skillset - seemingly simple skills like Sit can be levelled up to the extreme, and you can earn the rosettes for grades 1-6 to prove it!
We'll tick off criteria as you complete them in class, so you can continue with your progress at any time without worrying about taking breaks or specific grading days.
The Goody Four Shoes Award
This is my own take on a 'Good Owner, Good Dog' scheme, and aims to test your dog's basic skillset plus your own knowledge and practice as an owner!
Part of being a good dog owner means being a considerate member of your community, so not only understanding legislation and restrictions but also how to use the training skills you've learnt in order to keep those around you safe - including other people, dogs, livestock, and wildlife! You'll demonstrate core skills and complete a theory quiz to earn this award.
meet your trainer
Hey, I'm Toby!
I'm a qualified professional dog trainer specialising in puppy instruction, and I'd love to work with you and your dog! I've been running group training classes in the Croydon area for a couple of years now, and love every minute of it. Check out some info about my qualifications below, and you can find a full, detailed 'about me' on my main website!
Full accredited member of the IMDT
Specialist Puppy Instructor
Specialist Scentwork Instuctor
Fully insured & K9 First Aid certified
What my students have to say
"I would not hesitate to recommend Toby over and over again"
"Toby Duncan- patient, kind, gentle, knowledgeable, and Surreys very own dog whisperer! What a fantastic start for our beagle, Sunnie. We have learnt incredible techniques and lessons to help Sunnie thrive into adolescence...When choosing a puppy class for your puppy it can be very overwhelming, however I would not hesitate to recommend Toby over and over again and we are thrilled he was the choice we made. He really has been truly fantastic."
"I couldn't be happier with the results"
"I couldn't be happier with the results from Toby Duncan's Puppy Training Classes. My high-energy Boxer has transformed into a well-behaved and responsive companion, thanks to Toby's paw-some guidance and pawsitive reinforcement techniques. Toby's approach to training through fun games has made the learning process a real treat for both my pup and me. It's incredible how much my Boxer has learnt while having such a tail-wagging good time!"
"I genuinely can’t speak highly enough of him"
"If you are looking for a kind, patient, knowledgable & force-free trainer with bags of experience, then Toby Duncan is the man for you. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s thanks to Toby, that our rescue boy is still with us today, and for that I will always be eternally grateful...Nothing is too much trouble for Toby and he deals with stressed out dog parents with infinite tact, diplomacy, empathy & wisdom - I genuinely can’t speak highly enough of him. We have met our fair share of trainers over the years, and Toby is without doubt one of the best around."
"Toby was amazing"
"Toby was amazing, professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and intuitive with both dogs and owners. Our puppy Joy attended Toby’s Perfect Pups puppy course, and she learned so much. Toby helped teach us the language of dogs, leading to positive changes in our behaviour and in our puppy, which has made a huge difference in our lives. Toby is patient, calm, and friendly. He is always helpful and takes time to listen to your concerns."
"Toby is so helpful and friendly"
"I had a great experience with Toby. My puppy attended his perfect pups puppy school, and he has learnt so much! He now does a perfect sit and loose lead walking. His recall has improved a lot along with much more. Toby is so helpful and friendly and he really takes the time to listen to your concerns. Really recommend Toby! Will be coming back for his intermediate course!"
"Highly recommend his classes"
"Toby has been a fantastic teacher for Teddy. He's been professional throughout and always helpful in developing Teddy's skills and general well being as a gorgeous well mannered puppy. We thoroughly enjoyed the classes with Toby. Highly recommend his classes.