A big common means recall comes first.
- Local authority
- London Borough of Merton
- Postcode district
- SW19
- From central London
- 7 mi southwest
- Main roads
- Wimbledon Hill Road, Merton Road and the A3
- Where dogs walk
- Wimbledon Common, Cannizaro Park and the residential streets of the Village
Wimbledon Common and the neighbouring Putney Heath are managed by their own conservators, and byelaws and signs set out what is expected of dog owners. Read the notices at the entrances, because rules can differ from those in a council park. A dog that is under close control at the first sight of a horse, a bike or a picnic is the baseline.
The common has woodland, ponds, a golf course and bridleways, so a dog meets riders, runners and wildlife in one walk. Ground-nesting birds breed in the grass in spring, which is a good reason to keep a dog close and to keep to the paths in the breeding season. A rapid recall and a solid leave-it are the two cues that cover most of these situations.
Many homes are Victorian and Edwardian houses with gardens, and the Village high street is busy with pavement cafés and buggies. A dog that settles beside a table while you have a coffee is a pleasure to own, and the skill is easy to teach in short sessions. Start at a quiet time of day and build up to the busier lunchtime crowd.
Wet weather turns the common's paths to mud for much of the year, and a long wash-down after each walk becomes routine. Teaching a dog to stand still for a towel-down and to wait at the door before coming in saves a great deal of mess. A calm "wait" at the threshold is also a useful habit with young children in the house.
Estimates, not quotes. Real prices depend on the trainer, the dog and the area.
Private Lessons£40 to £80 per lesson→In-Home Visits£50 to £100 per visit→Obedience Programmes£300 to £800 per programme→How to get your plan moving.
- Write down what your dog finds hard, such as pavements, other dogs, visitors or being left.
- Ask each trainer you consider how they teach, whether they work in Wimbledon and what they do when a dog gets overwhelmed.
- Choose one cue to rehearse on your usual loop near Wimbledon Common, Cannizaro Park and the residential streets of the Village, and repeat it daily for two weeks.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Wimbledon.
How to read these pages
Specific advice. Honest limits.
From K9PN. Read the Disclaimer for specifics.
Good questions
Before you begin.
Do dogs need to be on a lead on Wimbledon Common?
The common has its own byelaws and signs, and they can change, so check the notices at the entrances before you go.
What is the best way to teach recall near horses and bikes?
Practise with a long line first, reward every return and call your dog before the distraction gets close. Keep a lead handy for the first sighting.
How can I keep a muddy dog from wrecking the house?
Teach a wait at the door and a towel routine. A mat by the door gives the dog a place to stand while you clean its paws.