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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Bolton area.
With the West Pennine Moors on its doorstep, Bolton is an ideal location for outdoor-focused training, where trainers can teach excellent recall and responsible countryside etiquette.
Hope St, Darwen BB3 3QP
Anyone who knows me & my dog personally they’ll know I’ve been to several dog trainers & it’s always advice that made us stuck in the same vicious cycles. “Don’t put her in the real world yet she’s not ready she’s too over aroused she’s this she’s that” and it made me want to hide my dog away from the world and give up thinking I’d failed. Mark managed to have my dog walking at my side, really thinking about her choices and making her mentally work better with us for a stress free walk with a lot more calmness, no treats just corrections and teaching her the foundations all over again. Trains, buses etc are all very exciting things to her and she will make her own poor decisions of pulling instead of walking at my pace which got very stressful for me to take her places as we travel around the UK together for dog sports & other activities, I just wanted to nip the silly behaviours in the bud to enjoy it more. I was amazed that in just one session my dog was already much calmer & getting better. It will take time, it’s not a quick fix and I’m sure we’re only in the easy part but I’m mega excited to get stuck in with someone who’s supportive of both dog & owner & very patient at having to show me 2847382 times how to do something because I got overwhelmed 🤣 He also will be helping us gain the confidence to stop people getting in our space, he saw the nitty gritty bits of people approaching us, their dogs approaching us, and the way the world is towards us both, everyone has to just want to touch my dog and it ruins our training. He told a few people to basically move on she’s in training not to stroke, blunt but honest. I need more confidence in being that way because I usually just come out with “um, erm, she’s in training, umm” Thank you again & hopefully with each session things will greatly improve! Highly recommend to anyone who wants simple broken down dog training that will make a huge difference. Not having to rely on food heavily & using affection and praise was amazing and exactly what I want out of dog training and my relationship with my dog. 🫶
I cannot recommend mark enough. I have a new found confidence with my rescue, Banksy, feeling in control and respected by him. Before meeting with Mark I was skeptical as to how Bansky would respond to my demands but within 10 minutes of the first session Mark gave me the tools to gain control with issues such as threshold boundaries, reactivity with other dogs, lunging at moving vehicles on the road and recall. I put in the work, practicing the skills Mark taught me over the next month and booked in our second session to focus more on recall. I was amazed with how quickly Banksy caught on. By the end of our second session we were able to have him on a long line lead and not even have to hold onto it with Bansky responding to recall even with distractions from fellow dog walkers. This was a very emotional milestone for me to hit with Banksy as before I met Mark I honestly didn’t think this would ever be a possibility. In terms of reactivity, Banksy is able to walk past dogs without barking and lunging and same for moving vehicles. I can now walk him on a main road with buses, tractors and motorbikes without nearly being dragged into moving traffic. Banksy no longer attacks the back door or tries to burst out the front door and waits for my command. Mark is a miracle worker. He made me feel at ease, was patient and generous with his time, never rushing me and always there to answer my never ending questions. Mark does not charge an obscene amount for these sessions unlike others trainers I have come across and does not charge a consultation fee. He will pack your sessions with as much advice and practice as possible and not string it along multiple sessions for extra money. He doesn’t sugar coat things and gives constructive criticism where needed. If you are feeling like you don’t know where else to turn with your dog, Mark is the solution and turns what you believe to be the impossible into the possible. Mark - thank you so much for everything.
Mark was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. My boy was attacked and became fearful of people and dogs, Mark was very supportive of both myself and my boy. My dog became less fearful and much better behaved after working weekly with Mark. Cannot recommend him highly enough and his dogs are a credit to him and his hard work.
Me and peppa had our first session with Mark today and what a genius the guy is. Peppa is reactive on the lead, constantly pulling and over excited around passers by. Mark explained the process he is going to reinforce and then did a demonstration. Within the first 10 minutes Mark had peppas full concentration which shocked me. He then handed peppa over to me and spoke me through each step and corrected me when I was going wrong. Towards the end of the session we walked to a busier area where there was more distractions and honestly felt like I was walking a different dog. Thanks Mark, just what me and peppa needed.
Mark is an amazing guy very friendly and very knowledgeable his prices are affordable and gives great advice came all the way to mine for a free meet and greet, my dog ,as usual, was very scared of seeing a new person but he calmed him down and taught me so much in minutes and made my dog so comfortable. I completely trust mark and know for a fact he’s the right guy.
Morley's Ln, Astley, Manchester M29 7EW
We were recommended to Sinead by our dog trainer, as we had been struggling with our male malamute after some negative dog experiences, but also battling frustration and lead walking for years. As we aren’t local Sinead has been happy to work with us and our trainer to help guide us through the early work ensuring we are getting the foundations right. The change in my dog after 3 sessions with Sinead is immense! We are just at the very start of our journey and we are already in the best position we have ever been! I can’t express how life changing Sinead has been for not only us but my dog too. The sessions are so informative and real, not sterile environments but also not setting the dogs up to fail. Every small part of the process is explained in so much detail to ensure we understand exactly so that our communication is clear between us and Swayze. But it doesn’t just stop there, Sinead is always at the end of the phone giving advice and feedback when we send over how we are getting on. We set new goals as the weeks go on. The goals are attainable and are set to work around us, she’s our biggest cheerleader too! And celebrates our wins just like we do! She really cares for the dogs and wants to see them thrive. Swayze loves the sessions and Sinead! We can’t thank her enough, we are now not battling with our dog and we are enjoying him and our walks as a team! I can’t wait to see what the rest of this training journey has to come!
Our dog a Zuchon is only small but has a big attitude. He had behaviour issues due to not socialising like he should have due to covid. He would bark at strangers and some dogs. We tried numerous things but we then came across Unity K9. Lewis & Sinead have been amazing not only having patience with Harvey but also with ourselves whilst going through the different training aspects. They are so knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble. I've sent videos to Sinead to check we are doing everything correctly and always had a response. We've had one to one sessions. Been on a group session and also a home visit. The difference in Harvey is amazing and it's not just us that have noticed the difference. So thank you Sinead and Lewis for not only helping Harvey but us also. It's now a pleasure to go for a walk. We would highly recommend.
If you need to train your dog, this is definitely the place to go. Sinead and Lewis are great. They definitely know their stuff, have a lot of time, and patience. My dog, Boris, had been attacked by an XL bully, so he was really reactive. I've been going to Unity K9 now for 4 months and Boris is already a different dog, better behaved, and a lot more chilled. I can't thank them enough.
When a well-known dog charity told us we had no other option but to put my 2 year old German Shepherd to sleep, we found Unity K9 who saved us. We have been working with them for over a year, and they have helped me to see a future where we can live our best lives with our dog. You won't find more caring, knowledgeable, and supportive trainers. We have also used Unity K9 for boarding, I can't recommend this enough. Training was maintained throughout his stay and he came home calmer than ever. Amazing option to have, 100000% recommend.
Lewis and Sinead have worked magic with my very dog-reactive dog. When he first came to me on foster in may 2024 he was two days away from behavioural euthanasia for his reactivity. After working with Lewis and Sinead he was a different dog. It took time and hard work but now I can walk him anywhere and we both have the skills to deal with real life situations such as off lead dogs with no recall, a situation that would have filled me with dread this time last year and prevented me from enjoying my dog. Now we enjoy out time together and out walking. THANKS GUYS
3 Montrose Ave, Bolton BL2 2QX
Rebecca really helped us set some great foundations with our 8 month Labrador, Kala. Each week Rebecca showed us how to train in different aspects from the very basics through to getting our very jolly and treat obsessed dog to walk past her treats and 'leave it'. Would definitely recommend.
We called Rebecca up for some help with our 17 month old puppy, Axel to help us with his impulse control & lead walking. Rebecca was absolutely amazing with Axel - she was particularly great explaining to me how best to understand his behaviors as well as react with a positive, reinforcing attitude. Cannot thank her enough!
I contacted Rebecca after rescuing a 7 month old puppy, who after having had 3 homes and being taken back to the dog home for her behaviour, was very unsure of the world. I have never had a young dog before so was abit unsure on the best way to train her. I can't recommend Rebecca enough, the "Good Dog Course" teaches you real world skills. This enables you to be able to take the training through your every day life, mainly settling in the pub 😉 She ALWAYS uses positive training techniques and has such a gentle approach to dogs. She really understands your dogs behaviours, which means every week your dog will love the training just as much as you will love seeing your dog do things you never thought they could ! The course material is absolutely fantastic but Rebecca really cares about each individual dog and will take time to talk through any specific issues you may be having giving you the confidence to be able to tackle these issues on your own. Massive thank you to Rebecca, I have a different dog to the one I had 6 weeks ago. I would really suggest giving it a go, I assure you it will not disappoint! 😁
Rebecca was so good and patient with my dog Bella, she has learned so much from her. She is super friendly and always provids handouts at the end of each session. Would fully recommend her to anyone who needs their dog training.
Unit 2, Britannia Mill, Samuel St, Bury BL9 6AW
Great place great people with lots of help and support
Cant say very much as l only requested relevant information. Prompt response.
professional, knowledgeable and caring. Fantastic venue also. Really helped me understand my crazy dog more. Thanks Jane
Jane understands the dog and moreover she helps the owner to understand how to get the best out of their dog. Jane helped me train, love and accept my rescue pointer to the point that I can enjoy walks off the lead with him. She helped me notice my dog's inborn qualities and turn them to work in my favour so we can now enjoy each orhers company outdoor and indoor. I only wish I found her earlier. Jane is very clear and instructive in how she trains, she treats dogs with empathy and she really understand them. Her relationship with dogs seems to be special, like with a human friend. She just seems to know what they need, and interprets this back to the owner :). Thank you Jane xx
Tottington, Bury BL8
Thoroughly enjoyed the 6 week training course with Paul. He's very experienced and knowledgeable. Mabel and I have learned a lot 🐕👍🏼🤗
We met lovely Paul recently with Tilly our Cavapoochon for a 1 to 1 session. Paul was fantastic, so caring & so understanding. He explained a lot of ways we can help Tilly & ourselves to understand & communicate with our adorable Tilly. Paul is so kind & caring & Tilly loved him. He explained a lot of issues we have problems with & we now can move forward to helping Tilly achieve the goals she needs. We feel more confident now ourselves with Tilly to moving forward. We would highly recommend Paul's dynamic dogs he's brilliant. Thank you Paul for all your understanding & helping us to get started. Best wishes Maria Jacov & Tilly ❤
We recently attended the Beginners class with our Golden Retriever. The classes were absolutely fantastic and we have come away with so much! Our dog is like a changed man, it's enjoyable to walk him again without having our arms dislocated from the socket!
I have recently just completed Paul's Easy Puppy Classes with my Maltipoo Ruudi. The classes were so friendly and easy to follow. The classes were such a great way to bond and learn the early essential training with my puppy. Paul was so friendly and always able to offer advice on toilet training, socialising, etc. We are both looking forward to continuing our training in Paul's Level training course. Thank you, Paul.
Really good trainer & sessions. Outdoors so in real life setting. Paul is amazing with the dogs & owners! Very good at explaining the reasons behind things to help the owners & homes in on where the owners are in their training & their needs. The dogs love him!!! I found this so helpful for understanding & practical. Every session is followed up with an email & links & Paul also answers any questions quickly in the week!!! Highly recommend!!!!
Welcome to your guide to the best dog trainers in Bolton. This Greater Manchester town offers fantastic access to moorland and country parks. Finding a trainer who can help your dog be a reliable off-leash companion is key. Our list focuses on professionals who use positive, modern, and effective training methods.
Whether you need a puppy class in Farnworth for essential socialisation, one-to-one obedience sessions in Horwich to build a strong foundation, or advanced training, you'll find an expert here. The trainers we list are experienced in handling the needs of dogs in areas like Westhoughton and Kearsley.
For more significant behavioural challenges like livestock worrying or poor recall, we recommend a certified dog behaviourist. These specialists, serving the Bolton area, can provide detailed assessments and create a tailored behaviour modification plan.