Winner of the UK's BEST DOG TRAINER AWARD 2020/21 AND 2022/23!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 500+ 5 Star Reviews from Happy Dog Owners
Canine Reactivity Programme
Work With A Fully Qualified and Accredited Dog Trainer or Behaviourist To Resolve Your Reactive Dog Problems
👨🏻🎓 All our trainers and behaviourists are exceptionally qualified AND accredited
🗣 We have over 500+ 5⭐️ reviews from satisfied clients
🐶 We have worked with over 5000 dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes
🤝 We are recommended by Vets, Groomers, many other pet professionals and many pet shops
🏆 Voted UKs Best Dog Trainers by the public for 2020/21 AND 2022/23 (against 11000 other trainers!!)
🥇 Named Dog Trainer / Behaviourists of the Year by SME Awards 2022 and 2023 and Behaviourist of the Year by LUX awards 2023
Award Winning Dog Trainers and Behaviourists
Award-Winning Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
Canine Reactivity Programme Options
Select the Ideal Package Tailored to Your Dog's Requirements and a Pricing Plan That Suits You Best
6 Month Reactivity Programme
Ideal for most reactivity problems that need consistent training and follow-through.
See What's Included
✅ 6 Month Support Program
✅ Up to 6 in-person consultations with your allocated qualified trainer
✅ Bonus 6-month voucher for The Dog Training Academy App (worth £100+)
✅ 6 Month WhatsApp and email support between sessions
✅ Video tutorials so you can revisit training exercises anytime
✅ Behaviour report for your vet if required
✅ Written behaviour plan for complex cases
✅ 6 Month Support Program
✅ Up to 6 in-person consultations with your allocated qualified trainer
✅ Bonus 6-month voucher for The Dog Training Academy App (worth £100+)
✅ 6 Month WhatsApp and email support between sessions
✅ Video tutorials so you can revisit training exercises anytime
✅ Behaviour report for your vet if required
✅ Written behaviour plan for complex cases
12 Month Reactivity Programme
Maximum support with 12 sessions to fully address reactivity issues and create the best possible long-term results
✅ 12 Month Support Program
✅ Up to 12 in-person consultations with your allocated qualified trainer
✅ Bonus 12-month voucher for The Dog Training Academy App (worth £210+)
✅ 12 Month WhatsApp and email support between sessions
✅ Video tutorials so you can revisit training exercises anytime
✅ Behaviour report for your vet if required
✅ Written behaviour plan for complex cases
See What's Included
✅ 12 Month Support Program
✅ Up to 12 in-person consultations with your allocated qualified trainer
✅ Bonus 12-month voucher for The Dog Training Academy App (worth £210+)
✅ 12 Month WhatsApp and email support between sessions
✅ Video tutorials so you can revisit training exercises anytime
✅ Behaviour report for your vet if required
✅ Written behaviour plan for complex cases
Puppy Training Classes in Sunderland - Accreditations & Endorsements
Why Choose The Dog Trainers?
Welcome to The Dog Trainers, the top choice for UK pet owners just like you, who want to make lasting, consistent changes to their dog's behaviour.
We are experienced and certified puppy & dog trainers, and qualified canine behaviourists, with a proven track record of changing lives for the better! But don't just take our word for it – We have been voted Dog Trainers / Behaviourists of the Year 5 times now! You can also check out our 5 ⭐️ reviews (we have over 500 of them!) from satisfied dog owners.
We offer an unrivalled choice of individualised puppy training, dog training and behavioural help options designed to suit your dog's specific needs, with step-by-step support and guidance for results that last!
We will help you develop a beautifully-behaved dog that fits with your family and lifestyle, and show you how to easily and effectively train them with modern, force-free methods.
CERTIFIED DOG BEHAVIOURISTS
Qualified & experienced teams, with industry leading instructors
PROVEN SUCCESS RATE
We lead by our results & have helped thousands of owners just like you
CERTIFIED DOG TRAINERS
Qualified & experienced teams, with industry leading instructors
HIGH SUCCESS RATE
We lead by our results & have helped thousands of owners just like you
FULLY INSURED & ACCREDITED
Fully insured for your peace of mind and accredited by industry standards
POSITIVE TRAINING METHODS
Ethical, modern and positive training from our award-winning business
FULLY INSURED
Fully insured for your peace of mind and accredited by industry standards
POSITIVE TRAINING METHODS
Ethical, modern and positive training from our award-winning business
Which Dogs is This Program For? 🐾
Dogs with Leash Reactivity 🐕🦺: Ideal for dogs that bark, lunge, or show aggression towards other dogs or people while on a leash.
Dogs Reactive to Visitors or Strangers 🚪: For dogs that react negatively to guests or unfamiliar people entering the home.
Dogs with Territorial Behaviours 🏠: Suitable for dogs that exhibit guarding behaviours over their home or family.
Dogs Reactive to Other Animals 🐾: For dogs that show aggression or fear towards other animals, including other dogs.
Dogs with Sound Sensitivities 📢: Perfect for dogs that react to loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
Dogs with Resource Guarding Issues 🍖: Tailored for dogs that exhibit possessiveness over food, toys, or other objects.
Dogs with Fear-Based Reactivity 😨: For dogs whose reactivity is rooted in fear or anxiety.
Dogs with a History of Negative Encounters 🐶: Ideal for dogs that have developed reactivity due to past traumatic experiences.
Dogs Needing Confidence Building 🌟: Suitable for dogs that need to build confidence to reduce reactive behaviours.
Which Owners Is This Program For? 👩🦰👨
Owners of Reactive Dogs 🐕: Ideal for owners seeking to understand and manage their dog's reactive behaviours.
Owners Seeking to Improve Dog Walking Experiences 🚶♀️🚶♂️: For those who want to enjoy stress-free walks with their reactive dog.
Owners Committed to Positive Reinforcement Training 🎓: Perfect for owners dedicated to using force-free, positive reinforcement methods.
Owners Looking for Tailored Behaviour Modification Plans 📝: Suitable for those needing customised strategies to address their dog's specific reactivity issues.
Owners Willing to Participate in Consistent Training 🔄: For those who can commit to regular training sessions and consistent practice at home.
Families Wanting a Calmer Household Environment 🏡: Ideal for families seeking to reduce tension and create a peaceful home atmosphere.
Owners Seeking to Build Stronger Bonds with Their Dog ❤️: For those looking to deepen their relationship with their dog through understanding and training.
Owners Needing Support and Guidance 🤝: Perfect for owners who feel overwhelmed and require professional guidance to manage their dog's reactivity.
Owners Interested in Preventing Escalation of Reactive Behaviours 🔍: Suitable for those who want to address reactivity before it escalates into more serious issues.
See What Our Clients Say
Over 500 5-Star Reviews
Some Past Clients....
Over the years, our training has helped THOUSANDS of dog owners just like you to achieve the best results with reward-based training! Take a look at some of our happy clients...
Places You May Have Seen Us
These features highlight our award winning 1:1 dog training, behaviour modifications and puppy training classes.
Meet The Team
Nathan is the senior behaviourist and founder of The Dog
Trainers. For the last 10 years, his team has helped 5000+ dogs to be calmer and more confident in the human world.
Our company is a highly accredited, if not the most accredited dog training company in the UK, including with regulatory bodies ABTC and UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter. Our main goal is to strengthen the dog-human relationship, using force free, ethical methods and help dogs and humans coexist.
We have 5 highly qualified Canine Behaviourists with natural abilities to communicate with dogs and degree level qualifications in related fields. We also have 2 qualified and accredited dog trainers who have amazing knowledge and skill, that can overcome most training issues, quickly and easily.
Our team take on and successfully rehabilitates the most difficult of dogs using kind methods that can be enjoyed by both the dogs in training and their guardians.
Our Founder, Nathan Leighton, is a renowned dog trainer and behaviourist who has spoke in worldwide at seminars with hundreds of in attendance, from across the UK and further afield.
Our proven training methods only use force-free, science backed training styles to help you develop a beautifully-behaved puppy or dog that fits with your family and your lifestyle, by showing you how to easily and effectively train them with modern, reward-based methods.
We can't wait to work with you and your dog and to see what we can achieve together!
How Does It All Work?
Step 1️⃣
Selecting Your Package and Payment Plan
Begin your journey by choosing the package that best suits your dog's needs and your personal circumstances.
Each package is designed to address specific behavioural issues and comes with different durations and levels of support.
After selecting the appropriate package, you'll be guided through a straightforward payment process.
Your first payment initiates the process, setting the stage for a transformative experience for both you and your dog.
Step 2️⃣
Scheduling Your Initial Session and Behaviour Assessment
Once your payment is processed, you'll have the opportunity to choose a date and time for your first session. This step is crucial as it marks the beginning of your personalised behaviour programme.
Along with scheduling, you'll be asked to complete a detailed behaviour intake form. This form is designed to provide the trainer with essential information about your dog's history, current behaviour, and any specific challenges you're facing. This in-depth understanding allows the behaviourist to tailor the sessions to your dog's unique needs.
Step 3️⃣
Home Visit for the First Training Session
The journey truly begins with the behaviourists first visit to your home. This session is not just about meeting your dog but also about establishing a connection with you, the owner. The behaviourist will observe your dog in its familiar environment, which is crucial for assessing behaviour accurately.
This session sets the foundation for the subsequent training and behaviour modification plan. It's an opportunity for you and your dog to get comfortable with the behaviourist and for the behaviourist to start formulating a customised approach that will guide you through the rest of the programme.
Take the first step towards a happier, well-behaved dog and a more harmonious home life – book your Canine Behaviour Package today and experience the expertise of our AWARD WINNING Behaviourists!
Behaviour and Training Programme Terms and Conditions
Please read these carefully before booking. You will be asked to check a box before purchasing to confirm that you have read these.
Where Will the Training Sessions Take Place
Most training sessions take place in your home or local area, as this is where behaviour problems normally occur.
Training in the real environment helps us work on the behaviour where it actually happens, rather than in an artificial setting.
Depending on the issue, sessions may take place:
• In your home
• On your usual walking routes
• In local parks or public spaces
• Occasionally at a quiet training location if appropriate
For your first session, we will meet you at your home. we will discuss the best location for each session based on your dog's behaviour and the training goals during each session and may change locations for each session where required for best results.
Purpose and Guarantees of the Training and Behaviour Modification
Our training and behaviour programmes are designed to help you understand your dog and build long-term behaviour change.
However, no trainer can guarantee specific results.
Dog behaviour is influenced by many factors including:
• Consistency from the owner
• The dog’s history and genetics
• The environment
• Health or medical factors
We provide professional guidance, structured training plans and ongoing support to give you the best chance of success.
Progress depends heavily on how consistently the training plan is followed between sessions.
We have more information on this in our blog post here: https://www.southshieldsdogtrainer.co.uk/post/why-dog-trainers-and-behaviourists-don-t-offer-guarantee-s
Following Trainers' Advice
Your trainer will provide guidance, exercises and management strategies based on their professional experience.
For the training to be effective, it is important that these recommendations are followed consistently between sessions.
Progress depends on:
• Consistency
• Practice between sessions
• Implementation of management strategies
If guidance is not followed, this will limit the results that can be achieved.
Equipment
Our trainers will provide or advise you on the necessary equipment for the training sessions. You are expected to use this equipment strictly as instructed by the trainers to ensure both effectiveness and safety during training sessions.
WhatsApp/Email Support Fair Use Policy
Many of our programmes include support via WhatsApp or email between sessions.
We strongly encourage clients to use this support to help maintain progress between training sessions.
This support is ideal for:
• Quick questions about exercises
• Updates on how training is going
• Sharing short training videos for feedback
• Clarifying anything from your previous session
Sending short video clips (up to 3 minutes) can be especially helpful, as it allows your trainer to see what is happening and provide more accurate guidance.
Please note that this service is client-initiated, meaning you should contact us whenever you need support between sessions.
Due to the nature of our work, this support does not include phone calls.
Messages will normally be responded to during working hours, and responses may take up to 72 hours depending on workload.
This support is designed to complement your training sessions rather than replace them. If a situation requires more detailed work, your trainer may recommend booking an additional session to properly address the issue.
To ensure fair access for all clients, this service operates under a fair use policy. Excessive messaging or misuse of the service may result in a review of the support provided.
We ask that all communication remains relevant, respectful and related to your training programme.
Social Media and Photos/Videos
During training sessions we may occasionally take photos or short video clips to help with training, review exercises or demonstrate progress.
These may sometimes be used for educational or promotional purposes such as:
• Social media posts
• Website content
• Training examples
We will always ask permission first before using any media publicly.
If you would prefer that photos or videos are not used publicly, simply let us know.
1 to 1 Packages Course Fees and Cancellation Policy
Clients may pay for programmes either in full or by setting up an approved payment plan.
If paying by instalments, a valid payment plan must be in place before training begins. If a scheduled payment fails or a payment plan is cancelled, future sessions will not take place until the payment issue has been resolved.
This applies regardless of whether the failed payment occurs at the beginning, middle or later stages of the programme.
Programme Start Date
For scheduling purposes, the programme time frame (3, 6 or 12 months) begins 7 days before the first booked session.
This allows time for preparation, trainer allocation and access to any support included in the programme.
14 Day Cooling Off Period
For our support programmes, you have the flexibility to cancel within 14 days of booking the package, provided that your first appointment is not scheduled within 7 days of the cancellation.
In such cases, the full programme fee will be refunded.
Changing or Cancelling Appointments
Should you need to change an appointment, requests must be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled session.
Cancellations within 7 days of an appointment will mean that no replacement session will be offered, as the diary time has already been allocated.
Refunds and Unused Programme Time
Once a programme has started, partial refunds are not available.
Training programmes are structured support plans delivered over a set period of time. If a client chooses not to continue with the programme or does not use the sessions included, the unused portion of the programme cannot be refunded.
Sessions, support time and programme access that have not been used do not have a cash value.
For example, if a client books a 6 month programme but only uses one session, the remaining value of the programme will not be refunded.
In situations where a client no longer wishes to continue with the original programme length, the only adjustment available is a downgrade to a shorter programme, provided the downgrade conditions described below are met.
If the conditions for a downgrade are not met, the original programme terms and fees will remain in place.
Programme Downgrades
Clients may request to reduce the length of their programme, provided that the request is made at least one month before the end of the current programme period and the number of sessions used does not exceed the allowance of the shorter programme.
The following downgrade options are available:
• A 6 month programme may be reduced to a 3 month programme, provided no more than 3 sessions have been used and the request is made before the end of month 2.
• A 12 month programme may be reduced to a 6 month programme, provided no more than 6 sessions have been used and the request is made before the end of month 5.
Downgrade requests must be made in writing.
If more sessions have been used than are included in the shorter programme, the downgrade will not be possible and the original programme terms will remain in place.
Booking Responsibility and Time Frames
It is the client’s responsibility to schedule training sessions using our online booking system and to ensure that sessions are completed within the programme time frame. Sessions must be booked within 3 days of a previous session.
Clients must book and attend at least one training session per calendar month.
This requirement ensures consistent training progress and allows sessions to be spaced appropriately throughout the programme.
For example:
• A 3 month programme includes 3 sessions, with at least one session to be completed each month.
• A 6 month programme includes 6 sessions, with at least one session to be completed each month.
• A 12 month programme includes 12 sessions, with at least one session to be completed each month.
If a full calendar month passes without a session being booked and attended, the session allocated for that month will be forfeited.
Forfeited sessions cannot be refunded, replaced or carried forward.
Clients are responsible for booking sessions in advance. We recommend booking several sessions ahead to ensure availability.
Failure to book sessions regularly does not guarantee that appointments will be available later in the programme period. If a client waits until the end of their programme to book multiple sessions and suitable appointments are not available, those sessions will be lost.
If you need to rearrange an appointment, requests must be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled session.
Cancellations within 7 days of an appointment will result in the session being counted as used, as the diary time will already have been allocated.
Liability
While every effort is made to ensure training sessions are safe, working with animals always carries some level of risk.
The Dog Trainers cannot accept liability for:
• Injury caused by a dog’s behaviour
• Damage caused by a dog during or outside of sessions
• Situations where training advice has not been followed
Owners remain responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times.
If a dog has a history of aggression or biting, this must be disclosed before training begins so appropriate precautions can be taken.
To view our FULL terms and conditions, please click HERE
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