Dog Training in the UK: Wild West, But With Wellies

It’s kind, it’s evidence-based, and it actually works

You’re here because your dog’s doing something you’d rather it didn’t. Pulling, lunging, not listening, barking at every leaf that moves — whatever it is, it’s not just frustrating. It’s tiring. And everyone’s got advice. Most of it’s nonsense.

I teach in a way that’s kind to dogs, honest with people, and based on actual science, not TV dog shows or old-school “pack theory”.

What “science-based” means in plain English

  • I use rewards to reinforce behaviours we want

  • I change environments to make things easier for dogs to learn

  • I teach dogs what to do, not just punish them for what not to do

  • And I teach you how to read your dog and handle situations calmly

No bullying. No aversive tools. No dodgy TikTok hacks.

Real-world training for real-life problems

We don’t train in a vacuum. Everything is shaped around your life, your home, and your dog’s needs. That might mean working on:

  • Loose lead walking that doesn’t wreck your shoulder

  • Recall that works in actual fields, not just your garden

  • Polite greetings, calmer evenings, less barking at visitors

  • Confidence-building after a rocky start

  • Puppy basics (without 400 handouts and a goody bag)

If something’s not relevant to your dog, we skip it. If it is, we break it down so it’s doable. Simple.

What I don’t do

  • I don’t use punishment-based tools or techniques

  • I don’t offer guarantees. Dogs aren’t machines

  • I don’t judge you for anything you’ve tried before

  • I don’t teach “quick fixes” that fall apart in the real world

I also don’t do flashy Instagram “before and afters”. I work with messy in-between progress that actually sticks.

It’s not about being perfect

You don’t need to be an expert handler. You don’t need hours of free time. And you definitely don’t need to feel bad for being overwhelmed.

I’ll guide you through the process in plain English, support you between sessions, and never shame you for needing help. That’s literally the point of hiring a trainer.

Sound like your kind of thing?

Message me and we’ll chat about what’s going on, what you’ve tried, and whether I can help.

“Sam’s knowledge and kindness is just what every dog parent needs. She is very thoughtful towards your dog and can easily read the dog’s body language. Sam’s approach is kind and respectful. Can’t recommend Sam enough.”
— Helen and Gigi
A playful golden retriever puppy lying on its back in grass, smiling and looking up at the camera.

Why a training guarantee isn’t fair to you or your dog

Every dog marches to the beat of their own tail. Their learning journey is no different!

Here’s the lowdown:
Practice Makes Progress - The more you train between sessions, the less your dog will pretend not to understand.
Teaching Matters - How the training’s delivered makes all the difference; we’re not just shouting “Sit!” into the void.
Every Dog Learns Differently - Some pups are speed-readers, others take the scenic route. Both are perfectly fine.
Life’s Baggage Counts - Your dog’s past adventures (or misadventures) shape how they react. Like us, they’re not always thrilled by change.
Genetics Play a Role - Breed and personality add their own special flavour to how your dog learns and behaves.

So promising the same result for every dog? That’s about as fair as making a hedgehog a lapdog. Instead, we promise kind, effective, science-backed training. Your best shot at success with a healthy dose of fun thrown in.

You love your dog. Obviously. You feed them nutritious meals, buy them an ever-growing collection of toys (which they ignore in favour of a manky tennis ball), and provide a blanket throne worthy of canine royalty. But when it comes to training… suddenly you’re choosing between a wizard, a sergeant major, and Steve from the village who once owned a Cocker Spaniel.

So how on earth do you find a trainer?

Two dogs, one with light brown fur and one with white and reddish-brown fur, playing outdoors on a grassy field with a bright blue sky and a few clouds in the background.

Here’s the truth bomb: dog training in the UK is about as regulated as a goose in a shopping centre.

Literally anyone can pop a logo on a van, wear a branded gilet, and declare themselves a “dog trainer” — no qualifications, no proper oversight, and in some cases, no idea. One day they’re coaching sit-stays, the next they’re peddling dominance theory and shouting "be the pack leader!" like it's still 2001.

That’s why it’s essential to do your homework. Your dog deserves better than guesswork and goosebumps.

Let’s Talk Science (Yes, That Thing with Brains and Studies)

Thankfully, science — that sensible friend who reads instructions and doesn’t shout — is very clear: reward-based training is the gold standard.

Yes, it’s backed by research, endorsed by veterinary professionals, and doesn’t involve growling at your dog like a werewolf.

Studies show:

  • Dogs learn faster and more reliably with rewards

  • Training this way builds trust and confidence

  • You don’t need to shout, yank, or assert yourself like a dodgy Victorian headmaster

No prong collars. No nonsense. Just biscuits, brilliance, and better behaviour.

What Should You Look For in a Trainer?

  • Reward-based, force-free methods (If they use punishment, run like a Whippet after a squirrel)

  • Relevant education & continual learning (Not a course from 1994 and a "good with dogs" badge)

  • Clear communication (You deserve to understand what’s going on — no smoke, no mirrors)

  • Support for humans, too — training should help you as much as it helps your dog

Because training your dog should feel like a partnership — not a duel in a misty field at dawn.