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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Combe Down area.
With its village atmosphere and surrounding countryside, trainers in Combe Down focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in both a village setting and on rural walks.
Upper Row Farm, Bath BA2 7RB
Very friendly and run very well.
I have had such a good experience on the social walks Emma organises that I felt compelled to leave a review. Emma is so lovely and calm and creates such a non-judgemental and supportive environment for everybody and she's wonderful with the dogs. I would really recommend.
Our 1st time visiting Emma and her training group for a dog workshop on her working farm. The location was beautiful in the open countryside and me and my 2 dogs thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Emma has so much patience, explain things really clearly, is very calm, has plenty of advice and is a very positive trainer. We'll definitely be back for more fun!
I recently took park in Emma's beginner barn hunt workshop with my Airedale Terrier. He loved it and we had a great time. Fab facilities and Emma was great to work with.
1, Poulton Cottages, Tin Pit, Marlborough SN8 1BQ
Superb. We were having issues with our 7 year old Labrador being too vocal. Jake came round and within minutes had him making improvements! Gave us some great tips and advice on his care and how to overcome the challenges we have been having. Two weeks on and he’s improved no end! The barking has almost totally stopped. Jake also helped with some great tips for walking which again have helped considerably. Thank you Jake! Highly recommended.
Our six-year-old cocker was always on a lead. We’d tried various training routes, but always away from home, and his outrageous personality made us unwilling to let him off the lead when walking. Great shame – he deserved far better. And we found that ‘better’ when we met Jake. Four sessions of Jake’s practical yet sensitive approach on our patch, based on a deep understanding of what makes a dog tick, and his life was transformed. Running free, and coming back when called. For the first time, getting all the joy of being literally off the leash. And for us, the confidence of knowing he’d come back to us when we called him. Thanks Jake, you’ve made such a difference to the lives of one dog – and two humans!
Jake has done an amazing job with Bonnie. His knowledge and expertise with dogs is exceptional! We got to a stage with bonnie where we’d only let her off the lead in remote area’s through fear of her running off, however now she comes back every time. Couldn’t recommend jake enough, he has been an absolute pleasure to work with! :)
Jake is truly a fantastic dog trainer. He was so helpful giving us a book with tips, coming to our home, talking to the 3 children and talking to us all so we were all in the same page. Massive changes and quick results !!!! He was at the end of the phone anytime we had more questions or needed him… Recommend him for everyone that wants results.
Jake is an amazing trainer who really understands and adapts his work to your individual dog, I wish we found him all those years ago! We have used 4 different trainers prior to Jake who barley made a difference to diesels behaviour. We were close to rehoming him multiple times, feeling like we were failing our dog as he was so anxious outside. It’s only been a month since we started working with Jake but we now truly feel like we have a different dog! He’s been able to greet dogs he used to freak out at, and hasn’t barked at one person since (was a daily occurrence before). We can’t thank Jake enough for transforming ours and our dogs life!
Unit 1, Charmborough Farm, Charlton Rd, Holcombe, Radstock BA3 5EX
We took our Bernese Mountain puppy, Finn, to Pawsitive Life for training/socialising. Absolutely superb! The trainer, Ieuan, is so cool and relaxed and this makes for a great learning experience for dog and owners. The Email that is sent after each session is so informative and reinforces what we learnt but also what we are going to learn. Would thoroughly recommend!
5 stars isn’t enough for the team at pawsitive life! We feel so lucky to have a place nearby that teaches positive reinforcement and gives our puppy a structured day and lots of love. Our puppy Otto has the best time at daycare, and the team made his transition into daycare the best we could have ever imagined, starting with puppy preschool and transitioning him up to full days gradually, in a way that was best for him. The end of day reports, pictures and videos are the extra touch that just make us feel so happy to see him thriving when we are at work. We also attended puppy classes here, and again, what a great experience. Our pup benefited massively from these sessions, and Ieuan has frequently gone the extra mile to give us extra support and information when we’ve been stuck on areas of training that were both inside and outside the scope of puppy classes. We cannot thank Ieuan, Kat and the team enough for everything they’ve done to create such an incredible space for dogs. We feel very lucky to have found Pawsitive life 🐾
We could not recommend Pawsitive Life enough! They are amazing. Our pup has just started daycare with them after attending puppy preschool. The team are so dedicated to providing the best care for the doggy’s. We are so relieved to be able to go to work and know Obi is in the best of hands. We receive daily reports & pictures of his day which are so lovely to see. We have also started attending the puppy training with Ieuan which is amazing. The group sizes are small, Ieuan spends plenty of time with each individual dog ensuring they get the individual guidance they need.
Our dog Ivy is excited every morning when we take her to Pawsitive Life! She’s really started to come out of her shell and is making friends with so many different dogs! I love the fact that we get reports after every day that she is there, letting us know what she’s been up to and looking at the photos that the Pawsitive team have been taking. You can tell that they genuinely love every dog that is there and makes everyday special for them. I would 100% recommend them, they are the BEST team! X
I cannot speak highly enough about Pawsitive Life and Pawsitive Life Doggy Daycare. Our miniature dachshund has been attending daycare for two weeks now and is absolutely loving it. He is excited each morning I drop him off and the end of day reports and photos prove that he is truly settled and having a wonderful time. You could not ask for a more dedicated and professional team than Ieuan, Kat, Ashley and Eve. It is very reassuring to know that you can go about your daily duties knowing that your four legged family member is in a loving and caring environment for the day.
Adams Field, Bristol Rd, Corston, Bath BA2 9DJ
We found Rich as we wanted to start some basic gun dog training with our puppy we had few 1-1 sessions and didn’t hesitate to join his beginner gun dog course. He is great with dogs, really knowledgeable and great to work with. You don’t feel any pressure he is really down to earth. The course was well structured and we really took a lot out of it. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rich if you are looking for any type of dog training.
We worked with Rich for 10 weeks, completing the Beginner Pet Gundog Course with our stubborn and excitable 12 month old Golden Retriever! Rich has been brilliant, and has helped us improve our dog’s behaviour and focus immensely- we can’t thank Rich enough for his hard work and dedication to him. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him!
Recently attended the Beginners Pet Gundog course - Rich is absolutely brilliant, fantastic with dogs & people. Both my puppy and I got a huge amount out of the course. Very highly recommended!
We first got in touch with Rich wanting some baaic obedience advice for our super bouncy golden retriever puppy. After some 1:1 sessions it was clear we had found the correct person to help us. He took time to listen and address our individual concerns and guided us through. His positive attitude that consistent training pays off has made an amazing difference in our dog’s behaviour. Rich really makes the effort to get to know your dog as an individual, and that has made our training so much easier. We have just completed the beginner pet gundog course, something we never thought would be possible! We would highly recommend Rich for all your dog training needs.
We’ve just completed the beginners gundog course with Rich and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Rich is a knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging trainer who really understands dogs and how to bring out their best. From day one, it was clear that his passion for dogs and deep understanding of gundog training went far beyond basic obedience. He takes the time to understand each dog’s temperament and needs, and the results speak for themselves. I especially appreciated the consistent feedback and ongoing support. Whether you’re training a pup from scratch or refining advanced skills, I highly recommend Country Handlers. This has been a game-changer for both me and my dog. Looking forward to starting the next level!
58 New Terrace, Staverton, Trowbridge BA14 6NY
Very knowledgeable staff
Really good small puppy class and great advice. Well worth giving it a go
Skilled professional dog behaviourist
Finding experienced dog trainers in Combe Down means connecting with professionals who understand the unique character of this historic Bath village perched on the southern slopes overlooking the city. From training puppies to navigate the steep lanes around Ralph Allen Drive to teaching reliable recall in the expansive Combe Down Tunnel area and local green spaces, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes perfectly suited to village life.
Serving Combe Down and surrounding areas including Odd Down, Southdown, Prior Park, and Widcombe, we've successfully trained over 450 dogs in the Bath area during the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the specific needs of dog ownership in this elevated community, from managing walks along narrow pavements to enjoying off-lead exercise at nearby open spaces.
Combe Down presents distinct training requirements shaped by its village character, hilly terrain, and proximity to Bath's attractions. The steep gradients along roads like North Road and Firs Avenue require dogs with excellent lead manners, while the community's network of footpaths including those connecting to Prior Park Landscape Garden demand reliable recall and good public behaviour around walkers and cyclists.
Local dogs frequently encounter varied environments from quiet residential streets to busier routes near Firs Field shops and The Hadley Arms pub. Our training prepares dogs for these diverse situations while addressing challenges specific to elevated locations including wind exposure, steep descents requiring controlled walking, and the social dynamics of a close-knit village community where dogs regularly meet the same neighbours and canine companions.
Our puppy programmes establish crucial foundations during the critical 8-16 week period, introducing young dogs to Combe Down's environment including traffic along Church Road, community activities around The Avenue shops, and varied terrain from steep pavements to grassy areas. Training covers house training, crate training, bite inhibition, and essential commands, with controlled socialisation helping puppies develop confidence around other dogs, children, and village life activities.
Reliable recall proves essential for safely enjoying Combe Down's surrounding countryside including walks toward Claverton Down and the surrounding National Trust areas. We develop bombproof recall despite distractions like livestock, wildlife, and other dogs, along with distance commands and emergency stops. This training gives owners confidence to provide proper exercise while maintaining complete control in varied environments.
Combe Down's narrow lanes and regular dog-walking routes can trigger or worsen reactivity issues. Our positive reinforcement programmes address leash reactivity, fear-based responses, and territorial behaviours, teaching dogs calm responses when encountering triggers on village streets or popular walking paths, replacing lunging and barking with focus and self-control.
Dog training in Combe Down and Bath typically costs £45-70 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £180-300. Group classes generally range from £15-25 per session, offering excellent value for basic obedience and socialisation training.
Suitable off-lead training locations near Combe Down include the former railway tunnel area, footpaths toward Claverton Down, and fields around Odd Down with landowner permission. Prior Park Landscape Garden welcomes dogs on leads only. Always ensure reliable recall before attempting off-lead exercise in unfenced areas.
Professional dog training in Combe Down creates well-mannered companions perfectly suited to village life and the surrounding Bath countryside. Our proven methods combine evidence-based techniques with understanding of local conditions, from steep terrain navigation to community living requirements. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and transform your dog into a confident, obedient companion who's a valued member of the Combe Down community.