Everything you need to know to make progress with your dog: how sessions work, legal obligations, equipment, food, health and group activities.
Congratulations, and welcome to this rewarding journey with your dog. Whether you are here for a puppy full of energy, an adult dog who needs support, or a companion with a few behaviours to adjust, you have made a committed and caring choice: moving forward together with respect, understanding and the building of a genuine relationship.
As a dog trainer and behaviourist, my role is to guide you step by step. Every dog is unique, and so is every family. That is why I adapt my advice and my sessions to your daily life, your goals and your dog's real needs.
I am available throughout our work together to answer your questions, adjust certain instructions or help you with an unexpected situation.
Hours: every day from 7 am to 8 pm, except Sunday (day of rest).
💬 WhatsApp (preferred) 📸 @jordanmathieu.caninEach session is tailor-made, based on your dog, your environment and your goals. The approach is gradual, kind, and always adapted to your everyday reality.
Length: about 1 hour on average, flexible depending on your dog's age, ability to concentrate, the issue being worked on and the emotional context of the day. Some sessions will last 45 minutes, others 1h15 to 1h30.
Content: each session may include behavioural observation, practical exercises (recall, loose-lead walking, managing excitement, socialisation…), real-life scenarios (town, countryside, stimulating environments) and time to talk and answer your questions. The exercises are designed so that you can repeat them at home.
Location: at your home, in your neighbourhood, or in outdoor settings (park, forest, town…) chosen according to the work to be done. The location is agreed together before each session.
Sessions go ahead, except in extreme conditions (storms, heatwave, weather warnings…). Working in the rain is part of life with a dog, and it is often part of the learning. If conditions do not allow good-quality work, I will offer you a rescheduled date or an adapted session, at no charge.
Yes, provided you let me know at least 48 hours in advance. Within that notice period, the session is treated as due (barring exceptional circumstances or a medical emergency). Of course, I am understanding if a serious unforeseen event occurs — common sense is the rule.
Please let me know as soon as possible. Time lost is deducted from the session, so that I can keep to the following appointments. After 30 minutes without news, the session may be considered cancelled and due.
It can happen, exceptionally. In every case I let you know, and I always make up for it as best I can, either by extending the session or by adjusting a future session.
Yes, depending on my availability. Please ask in advance so that I can organise my schedule accordingly.
Yes, I work all year round, including during school holidays. Only Sunday is a day of rest. As the summer months are often busy, remember to book your slots in advance.
Identifying your dog is not just a formality: it is a legal obligation in France, but above all a safeguard if your dog runs away, gets lost or is stolen.
Every dog must be identified by microchip or tattoo: before the age of 4 months, or from the age of 2 months if it is sold or given away. This identification must be registered with the ICAD (the French national database for identifying pet carnivores).
🔗 Official website: www.i-cad.fr
Having a dog is a long-term commitment… and it also brings legal obligations. You are responsible for your dog's actions at all times.
Every dog must be identified by microchip or tattoo and registered on the national ICAD database. This identification must be up to date and in the name of the current owner.
A lead is compulsory in all public places, even if your dog is sociable or well trained: pavements, urban parks, markets, beaches where dogs are not permitted, shared areas. Your dog may be fined or removed in the event of an incident.
Picking up is compulsory everywhere. Failing to do so can lead to a fine of up to €135. Always carry bags with you.
Excessive barking can be treated as a neighbourhood disturbance, leading to a complaint, mediation or even penalties. Appropriate training helps prevent these behaviours.
In the event of a bite, accident or damage, you are legally liable. Most home insurance policies include this cover, but check. For some dogs, extended cover may be useful or even compulsory.
Your dog must be kept safe: a crate, seat belt, partition grille or dedicated harness is compulsory. Never leave your dog loose in the passenger area.
In France, some dogs are considered potentially dangerous and are subject to very strict legislation (law of 6 January 1999).
Dogs not registered in the LOF (the French pedigree register) whose physical type corresponds to: American Staffordshire Terrier not in the LOF ("pit bull" type), Mastiff (or Boerboel), Tosa not in the LOF. These dogs may not be sold, given away, imported or brought into France.
Dogs permitted under conditions: American Staffordshire Terrier registered in the LOF, Rottweiler (registered or not), Tosa registered in the LOF.
The right equipment is essential for your dog's safety, comfort and training progress.
I recommend an H- or Y-shaped harness, well fitted to your dog's build. It protects the body (no pressure on the windpipe), allows freedom of movement and is more pleasant for learning loose-lead walking.
A short lead of about 1.5 m, or an adjustable multi-point lead. A good compromise between control and comfort. Avoid retractable leads (Flexi): they allow neither proper learning nor safety.
Essential for distance work (recall, supervised exploration). I recommend a long line of 5 to 7 metres, in biothane or hard-wearing fabric.
Even if a harness is preferred for walks, the collar with engraved ID tag should be worn at all times, especially in a house with a garden. Put your telephone number as legibly as possible (not the dog's name).
For dogs living in a house, very active dogs or explorers, I recommend a GPS tracker such as the Tractive: real-time tracking, out-of-zone alerts, route history.
The clicker makes an identical "click" that precisely marks a desired behaviour. It is useful for teaching new behaviours, concentration exercises, and some cases of behavioural rehabilitation.
Advantages: very precise and neutral, makes for quick learning. Disadvantages: requires good timing and a little practice on the human's part.
Your voice remains a powerful and natural tool. It can perfectly replace the clicker if it is used clearly, consistently and encouragingly. I will help you use a reward marker word ("yes", "good", "well done"…).
The bed is an essential point of reference: a place of safety, rest and calming down. Put it somewhere quiet but not isolated, large enough for your dog to stretch out fully. If there are children, the bed must be respected as a "no-humans zone".
Toys are training tools, a way to release emotion and a way to bond. Main categories:
Offer 2 or 3 toys at a time and rotate them regularly to keep your dog interested.
Your dog must be kept safe. Three solutions: a transport crate (small/medium dogs), the boot with a partition grille (large dogs), or the back seat with a dedicated harness and seat-belt attachment. Never leave a dog alone in the car in summer. Take a break every 2 hours on long journeys.
Choose foods rich in good-quality animal protein (identifiable meats), with little or no cereal, and without added sugars or dubious preservatives.
Chewing helps reduce stress, promotes calm, maintains dental hygiene and prevents unwanted behaviours (destruction, nibbling…). Include a chewing session every day.
Recommended natural products: calf hooves, venison legs, beef skins, beef tendons, dried duck necks, horns, natural ears.
Many behavioural problems originate in unidentified physical pain. An irritable dog that growls when handled or refuses certain movements may be suffering from joint, muscular or postural discomfort.
Animal osteopathy is a gentle, manual, whole-body approach that aims to release tension, improve joint mobility, and support growth or recovery. It is particularly useful for growing puppies, after a knock, and for older or sporty dogs. An annual check-up session is recommended.
A puppy's growth (2–12 months) is a period when the skeleton is under constant construction. End of growth depending on size:
During this period: limit impacts and jumping, adapt physical effort, avoid slippery floors and repeated stairs, and keep an eye on food.
A dog whose behaviour changes for no apparent reason always deserves a thought about their overall physical state. Even mild discomfort can cause sudden aggression, avoidance of contact, difficulty settling or unusual tiredness. Before talking about a behavioural disorder, we make sure the body is well.
CHPPiL — Multi-purpose vaccine against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. Recommended for all dogs. First booster at 12 months, then every 1 to 3 years.
Rabies — Compulsory for category 1 or 2 dogs, for travel abroad, and for certain places (campsites, boarding kennels).
Kennel cough — Recommended for dogs in group settings (classes, group walks, boarding, dog sports).
Forms: spot-on pipettes, tablets, collars, sprays. Recommended products: Bravecto, Nexgard, Credelio, Seresto, Vectra 3D. Natural treatments (essential oils, brewer's yeast…) offer some support but do not replace an effective parasite treatment.
Puppy: every month until 6 months. Adult: every 3 to 6 months depending on lifestyle. Remember to worm all the animals in the household at the same time.
Advice: keep your dog on a short lead in town, and teach "leave it" from a very young age.
Advice: always check the muzzle, paw pads and ears after a hike.
Household products: bleach, drain cleaners, laundry capsules, descalers, aerosols, DIY products.
Fertilisers/pesticides: even "organic" ones, some are highly toxic. Metaldehyde slug pellets, glyphosate weedkillers.
Objects: batteries (internal burns), toys with small parts, hard plastic. Human medicines: paracetamol, ibuprofen, antidepressants, creams, ointments.
Monstera, dieffenbachia, ficus, philodendron, pothos, lily, aloe vera (if eaten), oleander, rhododendron, azalea, yucca, cyclamen, poinsettia, tulip, hyacinth, amaryllis, narcissus (the bulbs are very dangerous).
Proven toxicity: chocolate (especially dark), grapes, onions/garlic/leeks, avocado, xylitol (chewing gum, sweets), coffee, tea, alcohol, raw bread dough, macadamia nuts.
Strongly discouraged: cooked bones, very fatty or spicy leftovers, dairy products, poultry skin, salty or sugary foods.
Clinique Ric & Rac – Le Cannet
📞 04 93 45 34 00 · 1266 Avenue du Campon, 06110 Le Cannet
Emergency service available on call outside normal hours.
Clinique des Clausonnes – Valbonne
📞 04 93 65 40 54 · 723 Route de la Valmasque, 06560 Valbonne
Skilled vets, very responsive in an emergency.
Rinse after every walk (forest, beach, salted ground), dry well between the toes, and check for thorns or ticks. Recommended products: Dermoscent Biobalm, Natural Dog Company Paw Soother, or organic virgin coconut oil.
Clean once a week, or if there is a smell or scratching. Take care with floppy ears (Golden, Cocker…). Products: Otolane or Epi-Otic. Never use cotton buds in the ear canal.
Clean with a soft compress and saline solution. If the discharge is heavy, coloured or persistent, consult your vet.
Brush regularly, especially when moulting. Bathing 2 to 4 times a year is enough. Use a dog-specific shampoo (Anju Beauté, Dermoscent Essential, Biogance). Dry thoroughly afterwards.
Tip: do a mini weekly check-up (paws, ears, eyes, skin) — 5 minutes that can save a lot of trouble.
These are not simple strolls: they are genuine group training sessions, supervised and designed to strengthen socialisation, observe natural behaviours, and work on walking, recall and emotional management.
Genuine educational and sensory immersions, with 2 to 7 hours of walking in the Alpes-Maritimes hinterland. Remote forests, wild plateaux, clear rivers, panoramic ridges…
Price range: between €15 and €100 a month depending on the plan. Some companies reimburse up to 80–100% of costs. Waiting periods: 15 to 90 days.
Enjoy it, observe, stay curious, and do not try to get everything "right" at all costs: your dog is learning with you, not against you.
Jordan Mathieu — Dog trainer and behaviourist
💬 Contact Jordan on WhatsApp