Beyond the Dog – An online event

Working with dogs means working with people.

And the human at the other end of the lead can sometimes be the most important and most overlooked part of the picture.

Clients don’t always tell us what they really need. They may describe a behaviour problem when they are actually overwhelmed. Ask for a quick fix when they are feeling desperate. Agree to a plan they don’t really understand. Or struggle to follow advice for reasons that have little to do with motivation.

Beyond the Dog explores what happens when we look beyond the presenting problem and start paying closer attention to the person behind it.

This practical, interactive masterclass will help dog professionals develop better consultation and communication skills, manage expectations more effectively and have the conversations that can make a real difference to long-term outcomes.

What we’ll explore

1. The Client Behind the Problem

What clients say isn’t always what they mean.

We’ll explore the difference between the presenting problem and the real problem, and look at the emotions that can shape how clients communicate, make decisions and respond to advice.

• What clients say vs what they may actually mean
• Why people sometimes say one thing and do another
• Guilt, fear, embarrassment and frustration
• The emotional drivers behind expectations and decisions
• Recognising when the dog may not be the biggest challenge

2. The Consultation

Better conversations start with better questions.

We’ll look at how to prepare for a consultation, build trust and uncover the information you need to understand what is really going on.

• Preparing yourself before the conversation
• Asking better questions
• Finding the real problem
• Building trust quickly
• Understanding what the client actually needs
• Managing expectations from the first contact

3. The Difficult Bits

Not every client will follow your advice. Not every expectation will be realistic. And not every conversation will be easy.

We’ll explore how to handle the difficult moments while keeping the relationship constructive and the focus on achievable progress.

• When clients don’t follow advice
• Unrealistic expectations
• Difficult conversations
• Moving clients away from quick fixes
• Communicating professional recommendations
• Creating realistic next steps

Better conversations. Better cooperation. Better outcomes.

By the end of the masterclass, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the human side of your work and practical ideas you can apply to your own consultations and client relationships.

Because sometimes, to help the dog, you first need to understand the person.

Delivered by

Clare Drew
Chairwoman, The Guild of Dog Trainers

Ross McCarthy
Principal, CIDBT

Beyond the Dog is an online masterclass born from the collaboration between The Guild of Dog Trainers and CIDBT.

Part of the wider FUSION27 collaboration.

Live online | Approximately 2–2.5 hours  28^th October 2026 7pm

The B.E.Y.O.N.D. Framework

B — Before the consultation

Prepare your mindset and expectations.

E — Explore what is really happening

Go beyond the presenting problem.

Y — Your client’s perspective

Understand their emotional and practical reality.

O — Observe the gaps

Identify where expectations, understanding or capability differ.

N — Navigate the conversation

Build trust, manage difficult moments and communicate clearly.

D — Develop the next step

Further details and updates follow us on Instagram (@CIDBT)  @cidbt Instagram

To secure your place, enrol now!