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Our curated list of the best professionals in the heart of Canterbury.
With the historic Dane John Gardens and walks along the River Stour, trainers here focus on creating confident city dogs comfortable with historic, busy streets.
Eddington Ln, Herne Bay CT6 5TS
Martyn is a miracle worker, a dog whisperer! My rescue dog wouldnt walk on a lead, particularly he refused to leave the house on a lead and I feared he never would after a year of working with 2 trainers with no success. In the FIRST session with Martyn we managed a walk around the block!! I can't believe it. Obviously we are a work in progress and its just as much about training me as my dog, but i can't recommend CAS highly enough, the results are amazing.
We had been struggling with walking our puppy since she joined our household. She would be stubborn and refuse to walk or would only walk in the direction she wanted to go and pull us when she did walk. It was extremely frustrating and embarrassing having a dog dictate when and where it walked. Martyn had great reviews and was also recommended to us by another dog owner. Its been a week since we met up for one behaviour session and she hasn't sat down or put the brakes on during any walks we have taken since then. It's quite amazing to us how that has happened, having had the problem for the 4 months since we got her. A really big thanks to Martyn for showing us how to take control on her walks. We will certainly recommend him to anyone we encounter who have problems with their dogs behaviour.
Martyn is a miracle worker! I have a fairly reactive dachshund and noticed his reactivity was getting worse the past couple of weeks. I asked Martyn for help and after just one training session we saw a huge improvement in my dachshund’s behaviour. I’m feeling more confident about the future thanks to Martyn!
Thanks Martyn...you've helped a desperate woman be able to enjoy my lovely little dachshund puppy, Stanley! One phone call and 2 sessions have transformed us both. The advice you give is so good and sensible...and it works. Knowing you're at the end of whattsapp makes such a difference too! Stanley and I are both happier and enjoying life now...and he can't wait for next session thru the tunnels and over the grid! Thanks again Martyn..you're a star...actually 5 🌟
High St, Canterbury CT1 2RA
My partner and I have had the privilege of working with Laura to help us understand how our puppy is feeling and reducing her day to day anxious triggers. Currently we are working on stopping her from barking at the doorbell and being less nervous of new people! Laura has fantastic insight and techniques to help with lots of different behaviours and after just a couple of sessions we are looking forward to learning more!
We had the pleasure of working with Laura recently as she was helping us with a very nervous German shepherd, Laura really helped us understand our dog and what she needed and honestly really educated us in dog behaviour. Laura's advice was honest and direct, she will not always tell you what you want to hear but she will tell you what you need to hear and we thank her for that. Definitely recommend
Laura is an amazing canine advocate. My dog adores her and always enjoys his sessions. I can not recommend her highly enough.
We were so lucky to have Laura recommended to us. Within minutes of meeting her, I knew we - as well as our dog - were in safe and exceedingly competent hands. It’s early days for us, but already we’ve made huge progress with our extremely anxious pooch and are reaping the rewards. Laura is teaching us all a lot, and that’s giving us all confidence, and we’re developing an even deeper bond with our dog in the process. Not just that, Laura is a lot of fun, and we look forward to our sessions with her. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Laura to any dog - or owner - who needs her.
Laura is a rare find. She knows how to achieve results and doesn't take short cuts for quick fixes that you may experience elsewhere. She's in it to help for longterm results and positive experiences for both the dog and the owner. With the most genuine approach and interpersonal skills, she communicates with kindness and compassion and has a love for dogs and all animals that is rarely seen.
CANTERBURY GARDEN CENTRE, Canterbury Rd, Herne Common, Herne Bay CT6 7LJ
Me and Otto learnt a huge amount in the kindergarten and Bronze courses. Thanks Dave and team.
We had a 121 session to help our little Rodney a long haired sausage dog. He has started to be reactive when on walks. When we started the session you could see the feet and anxiety with Rodney, but by the end he was calmer, getting closer to the other dogs and we found out he love tracking work. Thank you so much much the time you spent with us was so useful, you gave us so much advice to help and videos. Would recommend in a heartbeat because it was worth it just seeing Rodney so calm and happy. Thank you again! I’ve invested in lots of treats and we are doing our homework to help him on walks. Rodders says thank you too - woof!
Great Kindergarten Training, really helped us with our cockerpoo puppy. Would highly recommend these sessions which were fun and informative. Looking forward to moving on to the Bronze stage.
Great introduction to training in the kindergarten class, good clear instructions with videos to support learning outside of the classes. The classes were fun and a good variety of new skills and behaviours to learn with your puppy. The training area is secure, clean and well equipped, along with Dave is a good communicator and clearly knows dogs and how to train owners 😁. Bramble a very lively Sprocker Spaniel, she really enjoyed the lessons and learned a lot, including loose lead walking something I have never managed to get my other Spaniel to do. We have already signed up for the Bronze class. Highly recommended.
Took Lily my 4 months old italian greyhound here for a beginners training and it was amazing. The whole team were so helpful and responsive. Really liked being able to ask questions on WhatsApp and get really good answers. Will definitely sign up for the Bronze course soon! 😍
Sheepcote, Whitstable CT5 3BY
Ist visit with Reece. Impressed on his knowledge. Definitely having more sessions.
Reece is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, understanding and supportive trainer. I would highly recommend his training and consultancy services.
Our 10-year-old greyhound had become hypersensitive to noises, after an excruciating nine days of November fireworks, and sometimes froze on walks she had previously enjoyed. Reece patiently coaxed her - and us - back to confidence with training routines (and a recommendation for a noise conditioning CD). She quickly picked up on his behavioural cues and was soon much happier. We did continue to work with Reece for six months and were delighted with the results. His friendly, cheerful manner and rapport with the dog, who always greeted him with huge enthusiasm, made the whole process enjoyable rather than in any way stressful. We would recommend him for anyone needing dog training and advice. Steve and Ginny
Excellent 1 to 1 training, Reece is very knowledgeable and helped me and my dog a great deal
Very, very, very good
The Barn Dog Field, Neal's Pl Rd, Canterbury CT2 8HX
Had a great hour here, it's a lovely field. Communication beforehand was great, will be coming again.
My dog loved his time in pond and field he only lasted about 40 mins
Book in advance as gets busy. Large field with picnic tables, and fresh dog water.
I absolutely love the dog barn, I rescued my 2 year old Rottweiler only a week before I took her here. She had been in a flat for 2 years so never really had this sort of freedom and she just loved it. So much space for her to run around, very secure , the 10 minute change over time is perfect for not bumping into other dogs if yours is maybe a bit frightened or not good with other dogs. The price is very reasonable. I've been a few times since then with my children too and it's great fun. I highly recommend the barn dog field. 😊
This is an incredible place to take your pooch, so grateful to to owners for opening up for dogs,soooo safe and the field is massive, mika had a brilliant time,thankyou so much for an opportunity, I would give this 20 stars 🌟 very happy owner and 🐶
Finding qualified dog trainers in Canterbury City Centre means connecting with professionals who understand the unique challenges of training dogs in this historic cathedral city. From managing reactive dogs along the bustling High Street to teaching puppies appropriate behaviour near Westgate Gardens, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training and behaviour modification programmes tailored to Canterbury's medieval streets and busy tourist areas.
Serving the CT1 postcode area including neighbourhoods around Canterbury Cathedral, St George's Gate, and the Marlowe Theatre, we've successfully trained over 800 dogs in Canterbury's city centre over the past eight years, helping them navigate cobbled streets, crowded shopping areas, and popular riverside walks with confidence and excellent manners.
Canterbury City Centre presents distinctive training challenges with its narrow medieval lanes, high tourist footfall, and mix of historic sites and modern amenities. Dogs must learn to walk calmly past street performers near Buttermarket, remain composed around crowds visiting Canterbury Cathedral, and navigate the busy pedestrianised areas around Whitefriars Shopping Centre. The River Stour running through the city provides excellent training environments at Westgate Gardens and Dane John Gardens, though these popular spots require dogs with solid recall and excellent socialisation skills.
Our trainers specialise in urban obedience suited to city centre living, including managing dogs in flats above shops along St Peter's Street, ensuring calm behaviour in dog-friendly cafés around the Old Weavers House area, and teaching appropriate responses to the constant stimulation of buses, cyclists, and tourists throughout the historic quarter.
Our puppy programmes focus on early socialisation within Canterbury's unique environment, exposing young dogs to cathedral bells, tourist groups, street markets, and the diverse surfaces from cobblestones to riverside paths. Training covers essential commands, lead walking through crowded areas, and building confidence in busy urban settings, with sessions often conducted in quieter morning periods at Dane John Gardens before tourist activity peaks.
Canterbury's compact city centre means frequent close encounters with other dogs and people. We address leash reactivity on narrow pavements, help dogs remain calm when passing outdoor dining areas, and teach appropriate responses to the constant activity along Burgate and St Margaret's Street, using positive reinforcement to build tolerance and focus even in highly stimulating environments.
Dog training in Canterbury typically ranges from £45-70 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £180-300. Group classes cost around £15-25 per session, reflecting Canterbury's position as a regional hub with competitive pricing for Kent.
Excellent training locations include Westgate Gardens for controlled off-lead work, Dane John Gardens for distraction training, and quieter early morning sessions along the River Stour path. We also utilise less crowded areas near St Augustine's Abbey and the city walls for building confidence before progressing to busier High Street environments.
Professional dog training in Canterbury City Centre ensures your canine companion thrives in this historic, busy environment. Our specialised approach addresses the unique challenges of city centre living, from navigating tourist crowds to enjoying Canterbury's beautiful green spaces responsibly. Whether you live above the shops on Palace Street or near the King's School, investing in professional training creates a well-mannered dog ready for everything Canterbury offers. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start building the perfect city centre companion.