training that helps dogs cope with real life
Relationship led, force free dog training for dogs who find everyday life hard and people who are tired of quick fixes and being told they are doing it wrong.
what we do
Puppies
Group classes
1:1 support
gundog
Group classes
1:1 support
pet dogs
Group classes
1:1 support
Hi, I’m Sam. Based in the occasionally muddy Cam, Gloucestershire, GL11, I help dogs and humans work together without losing their minds. No flashy nonsense or magic solutions. Just clear training, good laughs, and more biscuits than anyone admits to.
I’ve worked with all sorts. From rehomed dogs in kennels to raising Guide Dog pups. But it was Lucy, my Kelpie x Collie tornado, who really taught me how to train. She turned my world upside down in the best possible way and dragged me into modern, enrichment-based training that actually works.
I've picked up proper knowledge from Helen Phillips at Clicker Gundog, and now run Ricochet: practical dog training for real life. Think scent work, gundog games, day training, and helping dogs figure out how to fit into the human world (and vice versa).
Currently sharing my life are Callisto, my Working Cocker, Cassidy the Cockapoo and Drift, my working line Vizsla. They all keep me sharp, muddy, and well-practised in the art of biscuit bribery.
Qualifications matter as does CPD and I’m collecting plenty. Not for the showy letters, but because dog training should be ethical, effective and rooted in proper education. I follow force-free, evidence-based methods. No fear, no pain, no outdated nonsense.
-
Current Studies and Memberships
Teacher Training Course – Gundog Trainers Academy (ABTC recognised)
ABTC registered Animal Training Instructor
City & Guilds Scent Dog Handler and Instructor Course – The College of Scent Dogs
Member – Pet Professional Guild
Dognostics - Pet Bereavement Companion (in progress)
Dognostics - The Canine Confidence Course - Desensitization, Counterconditioning & Beyond! (in progress)
Gundog and Clicker Training
Gundog Trainers Academy Handlers Course
CAP 1 – Clicker Assessment Programme Level 1
CAP 2 - Clicker Assessment Programme Level 2
IMDT – The Exercises, Foundation to Advanced
Scent Work and Enrichment
City & Guilds Scent Detection Dog Handling
Dognostics – Fostering Collaborative Care Instructor
Dognostics – Teaching Self-Control in the Presence of Food
South West Dog Skills – Introduction to ACE Free Work
Therapy Dog Training UK – Foundation Training for Assistance Dogs
Behaviour and Reactivity
Cheltenham Animal Shelter – Understanding Dog Reactivity
Using Patterns and Movement to Help Heal Trauma – with Leslie McDevitt MLA, CDBC, CPDT-KA
CPD – Helping Your Reactive On-Lead Dog (Caroline Wilkinson)
CPD – Calming the Storm (Jean Donaldson)
CPD – Cool, Calm and Connected (Sarah Fisher)
CPD – James French Trust Technique
Centre of Excellence – Understanding Canine Anxiety Diploma
Centre of Excellence – Canine Behaviour Training Diploma
Health and Safety
Centre of Excellence – Canine First Aid Diploma
CPD – Dog First Aid UK - Canine First Aid Certification
CPD – Webinar Vet: Allowing Senior Pets to Thrive
General Training and Business
Centre of Excellence – Dog Training Diploma
Centre of Excellence – Canine Business Diploma
Dognostics – 10 Easy Steps to Walking Nicely on a Loose Lead
-
Ever wondered about the name?
"Ricochet" isn’t just about dogs bouncing off the walls (though I’ve met a few). It’s a Bowie track. And a nod to my original gundog roots. Fast, focused, full of energy. Like a bullet. Like a bolt of learning, in the right direction.
Because training should be practical. Powerful. And maybe a little legendary.
shortcuts
More about my training methods
YouTube Channel
Drift and I have a YouTube channel that follows our journey from the day she came home.
Blog
Blogs about dog training, life and all the messy bits in between
Past Project
The Atlas Project
A bold reimagining of a timeless brand.
Let’s Work TogetherIf you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.