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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Craigavon area.
With its unique layout and numerous lakes and parks, trainers in Craigavon focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in a variety of urban and natural environments.
Tower Park, Conlig, Newtownards BT23 7PL
Absolutely amazed at the difference in our spaniel/collie X Toby, after a 5 day intensive train with Gerard. We can now walk Toby in busy areas, without him pulling me off my feet or going crazy at other dogs. Cannot thank Gerard enough for his help, wish we would have come to him sooner.
We have began training with Gerard, GMC K9 Academy to help us with our 4 year old German Shephard Murphy. We were having trouble with Murphy with general bad behaviours ie. jumping on people, kitchen benches and pulling on the lead when walking. After trying out other trainers to no avail we came across a facebook video of Gerard training a Shepherd and decided we would give it a go. Firstly we descovered we were the problem more so than Murphy! Since then with Gerards help and expertise and his ability to explain what Murphy needs from us we are seeing big changes in a short amount of time. Gerard is now helping us towards our goal of having Murphy walk off lead - something we never thought possible. Gerard has helped us understand Murphy and that playing with him is a big step to building a strong bond which enables Murphy to have a happy life and us to enjoy Murphy for the beautiful gentle soul that he is.
We went to Gerard to help introduce our young vizsla, Otis, to an e-collar, and the results have been great. He explained everything so clearly and made it really easy for us to understand. After just 3 sessions, Otis is now off lead all the time with amazing recall and he responds to the e-collar perfectly. It’s been such a game changer for us. Would definitely recommend Gerard to anyone with a high-energy dog.
I contacted Gerard for help with Rovie, who was extremely reactive to pretty much everything, and everything was stressful for him, and for me. Today was my first day of taking him out after his 5 days of intensive training and I am over the moon with the progress he has made! We had such a fun morning on the beach, walking on his flexi lead and playing ball. There wasn’t even a big blow up when an excited dog came running straight at him - just a little intrigue and then we moved on. The trip in the car was even much more calm than it’s ever been. And this evening we did short lead walking to get to the field, where he played ball on his long line lead. We even walked home along a busy carriageway where he didn’t react to the cars at all, when he previously would have been lunging and barking at everything that went past. I’m so grateful for the work that Gerard has done with Rovie, and the advice and confidence he has given me to be able to help Rovie be less fearful of the outside world. It’s going to make such a difference! Thank you from both of us!
Before working with Gerard, I was scared to walk my dog Brian(2yr old Old English Sheepdog) past moving cars, bicycles, runners and other dogs. He would barkand lunge agressively at anything that made him uncomfortable and I could barely hold him. I would walk him as early as I could to avoid everyone and it was making a negative impact on my life and the people around me. I honestly thought I would have to give Brian up to someone who could handle him better. In two months we've had two sessions with Gerard and Brian is completely different. I can walk him past dogs. He now sits quietly as we wait for cars to pass us on narrow country roads. His recall is getting better everyday and overall he is becoming much more confident. I was even able to walk him through my local town past dogs and people on narrow footpaths with cars everywhere and he was perfect. Gerard has honestly changed our lives and we are so grateful for it!
27 Ballynacoy Rd, Lisburn BT28 3XW
I was at my wits end with my 4yr old Dachshund who was periodically attacking my gentle 10 yr old Lhasa Apso but 1 session with Yvonne and I understood better what I needed to do in order to support both dogs and reduce the likelihood of an attack. After our 2nd meeting I was even better armed with a plan of action which has been really helpful and hasn’t taken long to see huge improvements. I am so much more hopeful for the future of their relationship and so glad I stumbled across you Yvonne! Thanks so much for your guidance and support. I really appreciate it and so do both dogs lol x
What a great find. The dogs loved it and a full hour for a fiver, bargain. And we were greeted by the gorgeous Daisy. A great place if your dogs just want to play with no distractions.
Yvonne is great! I've done man-trailing, 1:1 classes and muttley crew, all of which have been well worth it.
Yvonne is incredible! From the first day of meeting our pup she has changed his whole world! A terrified puppy is now already becoming a much more confident adolescent! Could not recommend more highly- a total MUST for every dog owner- new or not! Yvonne’s knowledge is incredible and she is a total dog whisperer as far as we are concerned. Thank you Yvonne for giving our pup such confidence!
I brought my springer pup to Daisy Dog Academy for a recall class and more recently the Mantrailing Induction course. We both thoroughly enjoyed the classes and I gained a lot of insight and understanding into my dog’s world, particularly on the Mantrailing course. I highly recommend the Academy, Yvonne’s knowledge and genuine love for her work and for the dogs is very apparent. Thank you Yvonne.
285 Rathfriland Rd, Dromara, Dromore BT25 2EW
Suzi was great with oz in our one to one!
Very effective and analytical methods used to train pets (and owners) in important control, recall in a relaxed, fun and informative environment. Highly recommended.
Rosemount Park, Belfast BT5 7TR
I can’t recommend Sharon enough. We adopted a rescue pug with reactivity issues. One session with Sharon and she was a different dog. She provided us with the tools needed to help modify her behaviour. She barely looks at a dog now and is extremely disciplined. She is the best around without a doubt. I couldn’t believe the positive change in my dog. She knows her stuff and is the best around. Really lovely person too!
We booked in with Sharon to help us fix our Australian Shepherds pretty severe reactivity to other dogs, we were having to avoid taking him out to places with lots of other dogs (which is hard in itself) we had 1 session with Sharon and immediately saw results, we had a follow up 1 month later and the difference is unbelievable. We’re now on the group walks to get him used to being nutural around other dogs on normal walks and they’re so beneficial. Sharon is down to earth and explains everything really well. She is super knowledgeable and I couldn’t recommend her more! Looking forward to more sessions!
Sharon has been working with my dog and I since we rescued him in Feb 2024. Her training and expertise has been invaluable to us - for a dog who was found as a stray and knew only the sit command, he now enjoys off leash freedom, has learnt many commands and manners. Sharon's walk and trains are a great booster for his training every fortnight. Her training methods are bullet proof and I am very pleased with the results.
So grateful for the help I received in training our very energetic golden retriever/red setter 3 year old sully! We had goal of walking more at ease (he is very stubborn) and taking him for lunch/coffees in public places. The improvement in two sessions has been amazing and best money we have spend while I have been pregnant to get him prepared! Couldn't recommend enough!
Sharon has been helping us with our Vizsla, Bruce, since he was around 12 weeks and we couldn’t recommend her enough! From puppy classes to working on specific goals, such as recall and developing his ‘off’ switch, Sharon has taught us so much and offered lots of support in between our scheduled classes. Her help is always constructive and there has never been a time when we’ve felt judged for not getting things right. We really couldn’t recommend her enough. She really is the dog whisperer!
Dunkirk Rd, Waringstown, Craigavon BT66 7SW
Richie has been AMAZING with my dogs. I adopted a dog from the dogs trust who had trouble with recall and I no longer have to worry about it. And it doesn’t stop there, the work he does to rescue and rehome dogs in his spare time is something that needs to be recognised. Will ALWAYS HIGHLY recommend. Xx
I am so grateful to Richard at Emerald tails who has been working with my 2 dogs. I’ve been with other trainers but working with Richard has yielded the quickest results, especially in lead walking my very social/bouncy Labrador puppy. As the photo shows they know when he is due to call and can’t wait for his arrival. Richard has an amazing way with dogs and can’t recommend him highly enough. Very professional and down to earth.
He Really cares about animals and gives a great insight to training, amazing how quick the wee doggy took to it. Very professional yet extremely friendly. I would highly recommend this
Finding qualified dog trainers in Craigavon means connecting with professionals who understand the specific needs of this vibrant Co. Armagh town where urban areas blend seamlessly with beautiful countryside. From training puppies in residential estates near Lurgan Park to managing reactive dogs along the walking paths at Craigavon Lakes, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored to local conditions.
Serving Lurgan, Portadown, Brownlow, and surrounding areas across the BT62-BT67 postcodes, we've successfully trained over 1,800 dogs throughout Craigavon Borough in recent years. Our expertise addresses unique challenges from navigating busy town centres to enjoying off-lead exercise at Oxford Island Nature Reserve.
Craigavon presents distinct training requirements shaped by its unique blend of urban development and accessible green spaces. The borough's excellent network of parks including Lurgan Park, Tannaghmore Gardens, and the expansive Craigavon Lakes provides wonderful training environments where dogs encounter numerous other canines daily, making proper socialisation and reliable recall essential for safe, enjoyable walks.
Our trainers specialise in addressing local challenges including desensitising dogs to traffic on busy routes like the A3 and M1 corridor, building confidence around the bustling Rushmere Shopping Centre and Craigavon Boulevard Retail Park, and developing excellent manners for community living in housing estates throughout Brownlow, Taghnevan, and Mourneview. We understand that many Craigavon residents enjoy the area's proximity to stunning countryside, requiring dogs with solid recall for walks around Lough Neagh shores and local nature trails.
We provide comprehensive dog training services throughout Craigavon Borough, covering Lurgan, Portadown, Brownlow, Waringstown, and surrounding villages. Our trainers regularly work near key locations including Craigavon Civic Centre, Lurgan Town Hall, Portadown Town Centre, and Tannaghmore Gardens, utilising local parks and quiet residential areas for effective training sessions. We serve communities from Bleary to Derrymacash, throughout estates near Drumgor and across neighbourhoods surrounding Edgarstown and Moyraverty, with initial consultations typically scheduled within 48 hours of contact.
Our puppy programmes focus on the critical 8-16 week socialisation window, introducing young dogs to Craigavon's environment including town centre sounds, park activities, and various surfaces. Training covers house training, crate training, bite inhibition, and essential commands, with controlled socialisation at locations like Lurgan Park helping puppies develop confidence around other dogs and people.
We address leash reactivity, fear-based responses, and aggression through positive reinforcement and systematic desensitisation. Training in real-world environments like the Craigavon Lakes walking paths gradually builds tolerance, replacing reactive behaviours with calm focus even in busy situations.
Our advanced training develops reliable off-lead control essential for safely enjoying Craigavon's beautiful open spaces. We build bombproof recall despite distractions at Oxford Island, Tannaghmore Gardens, and along Lough Neagh shores, ensuring dogs respond reliably while receiving proper exercise.
Dog training in Craigavon typically costs £35-65 per hour for private sessions, with package deals ranging from £250-450 for 6-8 week programmes. Group classes generally cost £10-18 per session, while comprehensive puppy courses average £140-260. Many trainers offer free initial consultations to discuss your dog's specific needs.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation period between 8-16 weeks makes early exposure to Craigavon's environment essential for developing a confident dog. However, dogs of all ages benefit from training, and adult or rescue dogs can successfully learn new behaviours.
Excellent training locations include Lurgan Park for controlled environments, Craigavon Lakes for distraction training, Tannaghmore Gardens for socialisation, and Oxford Island for advanced recall work. Quiet residential streets in areas like Kernan or Taghnevan also provide ideal starting points for lead training.
Professional dog training in Craigavon creates well-mannered, confident companions perfectly suited to life in this wonderful borough. Our proven methods combine evidence-based techniques with local knowledge, ensuring your dog thrives whether exploring Lurgan's historic parks or enjoying Portadown's community spaces. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a perfectly trained dog.