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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Harpenden area.
With its beautiful common and surrounding countryside, trainers in Harpenden focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are a pleasure to have in this affluent town.
17 Long Mdw, Markyate, St Albans AL3 8JW
Neil at HT Dog Training was absolutely fantastic! He’s worked wonders with my Jack Russell, helping her build so much confidence and focus. Every session was brilliant, always varied, engaging, and perfectly tailored to her needs. I really appreciated Neil’s approach to training, using positive reinforcement and always teaching with patience and kindness. His communication was excellent too; he was always just a message away whenever I needed extra advice between sessions. I can’t recommend HT Dog Training highly enough!
There aren’t enough words to describe just how fantastic Neil at HT Dog Training is. The improvement in the obedience, focus and overall behaviour of our rescue Husky is remarkable! Neil doesn’t actually train the dog… he coaches the owner on how to train the dog. His methods are, in principle, simple and follow the same fundamental impulse control techniques regardless of the behaviour being taught… he doesn’t baffle you with science (but he knows it all), he just explains the process in very easy to understand and relatable language, which really helps to add the context! Neil sent me the picture attached… if you had told me my dog would sit between my legs and remain focused on me like this after just 6 sessions, I’d have laughed so hard! As Neil always says, ‘there’s no such thing as a stubborn dog, just a dog that hasn’t been given a good enough reason to do what’s being asked of him’… and Neil will equip you with everything you need to find that good reason every time (well, 80% of the time, because dogs are still dogs)! I’m forever grateful for the support and guidance Neil has given us, and can’t wait to continue the journey!!
Excellent puppy training course. Neil is very well qualified and sets realistic training and goals. I was nervous on my first lesson with Bonnie but Neil made us feel at ease. The classes are fun but you and your pup are learning at the same time. Neil also has time for individual questions and always offered constructive advice. Looking forward to continuing on to the next classes that Neil offers.
We absolutely love our 1-2-1 sessions at Husky Tails Training. Its a fantastic investment to have that bond and be able to walk together. The sessions are enjoyable and Neil is a lovely person which makes the sessions easy flowing and tailored to our needs. We will recommend to everyone and thank you so much for taking us on as clients 🥰
I would highly recommend Neil at HT Dog Training - I needed help with loose lead walking as my dog was pulling & also being reactive with other dogs. So going for walks was becoming stressful. Right from the beginning my French Bulldog absolutely adored Neil and really enjoys the training sessions, he is fully engaged and is learning quickly. I feel much more in tune with him & his needs and this has made our connection even stronger. Which was an unexpected bonus from our training sessions. Thank you so much we are finally enjoying our walks !
Caxton Point, Caxton Way, Stevenage SG1 2XU
The minute Lee walked in and told us he was training us and not our puppy, made us realise we have to work at this to make our puppy well behaved and happy. His advice and continued support is making everything click in to place, making it a little easier for us each day by having a happy puppy that is learning good behaviours through consistent, challenging and fun training. Thank you so much Lee 👍🐶
Lee is an absolute legend. The difference with my dog since we met him is astounding. He showed me how to deal calmy and kindly with her reactivity during one walk, and was not interested in padding out sessions for money making purposes - he genuinely wants to help and believes in what he does. My dog adores him and their weekly adventure walks with the gang are the highlight of her week. Cannot recommend him enough. Thank you, Lee.
Lee is a very nice person & really easy to talk to, he is very knowledgeable on dogs he came out today & gave me a few tips & hints on how to desensitise my rescue dog that i took in a few weeks ago who is doberman & rottweiler cross would highly recommend him to anyone thankyou again.
Lee is fantastic. Great communication, and we have photos from the walks. Olè loves seeing his mates, and Lee also does dog training that works.
Lee has done a few 121 lessons with a Freya and walks her once a week. Highly recommend him. We have a seen great improvement in her behaviour.
6 Grove Rd, Harpenden AL5 1PX
Great friendly and helpful.
This is Teddy 🐶 he got diagnosed with hip dysplasia and have been coming to Healing Hounds for hydrotherapy and physio ever since. Tamsin and her staff are absolutely amazing with Teddy and he’s had great improvements. The help he has had from them is one in a million and I would highly recommend Healing Hounds to anyone and everyone.
I took my dog Otis today for his first session and had such a lovely experience. Zoe explained everything in detail and really took the time to get to know him before getting in the pool. He was quite a challenge but Zoe worked really hard to make him feel at ease and he did so well. He’s got a few more sessions booked in and I am so glad I found Healing Hounds. I’d highly recommend their services.
Both owner and staff are absolutely amazing with my mastiff cross Dave (Even after he slobbered them both without buying dinner or a drink first :)) Who was sadly diagnosed with hip dysplasia , which I was totally devastated about. They have now give me confidence that his condition will be managed well with hydro and possibly other therapies or operation. Very genuine and really care about the animals they work with Which goes a long way with me
We are amazed at the improvement in Lassie. Her hip displasure was causing slow laboured walking and limping in front leg. After a combination of physio and hydrotherapy at Healing Hounds, she is leading the way on walks, happy again and chasing squirrels. She didn't even like the water before!
Adam Cottage, Markyate, St Albans AL3 8AD
Suzie at Leadership dog training, is patient, informative and helps you to understand your dog. Can't rate her high enough.
Suzy is absolutely fantastic xx
Merlin loves it
Bury Farm Cottage, Church End, Kensworth, Dunstable LU6 3RA
We have been working with Clare for about 9 months, meeting every other month with homework. My dog can be very nervous around other dogs and selective about which hounds he will allow close to him. Walks were becoming a war zone and between he and I our adrenaline was through the roof! Clare has taught me to become calm and breathe (!) when we see another dog and showed me how to install confidence in my boy, who then trusts me and encounters with other dogs are now far more straightforward. He’ll never be the life and soul of the canine club, but I’ll settle for a peaceful walk any day. We’ll continue to work with Clare as I believe she is brilliant!
Finding qualified dog trainers in Harpenden means connecting with professionals who understand the distinctive character of this affluent Hertfordshire town. From training puppies along the tree-lined paths of Harpenden Common to managing reactive dogs near the bustling high street, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training and behaviour modification programmes tailored to this charming commuter town.
Serving all areas including the town centre, Batford, Kinsbourne Green, and Wheathampstead Road, we've successfully trained over 850 dogs across Harpenden and surrounding villages in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the unique needs of dog ownership in this leafy town, from navigating weekend crowds at Harpenden Farmers' Market to enjoying off-lead exercise across the extensive common land.
Harpenden presents specific training requirements shaped by its character as a prosperous market town with excellent green spaces and strong community values. The extensive Harpenden Common, Rothamsted Park, and numerous woodland walks provide outstanding training environments, but the town's popularity with dog owners means your companion will encounter many other dogs daily, making proper socialisation and recall absolutely essential.
Our trainers specialise in preparing dogs for Harpenden's lifestyle, including calm behaviour on the Thameslink services to London, polite manners in the town's dog-friendly cafés and pubs like The Spotted Dog and The Silver Cup, and reliable off-lead control across the common's 360 acres. We understand local expectations for well-mannered dogs in this community-minded town where responsible pet ownership is highly valued.
Our puppy programmes focus on the critical 8-16 week socialisation period, introducing young dogs to Harpenden's environment including high street activity, train station sounds, and the varied terrain of local commons and parks. Training covers house training, crate training, bite inhibition, and essential commands, with controlled socialisation sessions helping puppies develop confidence around other dogs and diverse situations.
We develop reliable recall essential for safely enjoying Harpenden Common and surrounding countryside walks. Training builds bombproof responses despite wildlife, other dogs, and picnickers, ensuring your dog responds reliably whether on the common, in Batford Springs, or exploring woodland paths around the town.
Dog training in Harpenden typically ranges from £50-85 per hour for private sessions, with 6-8 week packages costing £350-600. Group classes cost £18-28 per session, while puppy courses average £200-320. Prices reflect Hertfordshire's higher cost of living and the expertise of local trainers.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation window between 8-16 weeks makes early exposure to Harpenden's environment essential. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations at approximately 10-12 weeks, though adult dogs benefit from training at any age.
Harpenden Common offers excellent training space with varied terrain and controlled distractions. Rothamsted Park provides quieter environments for nervous dogs, while Batford Springs and the paths around Kinsbourne Green offer progressive distraction training. Early morning sessions typically provide calmer conditions before peak dog-walking hours.
Professional dog training in Harpenden creates well-mannered companions who thrive in this desirable Hertfordshire town. Our proven methods combine expert techniques with intimate knowledge of local conditions, ensuring your dog becomes a confident, obedient member of your family and the wider community. Whether you live near the common, in Batford, or around the high street, investing in professional training ensures your dog embodies the high standards Harpenden residents expect. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a perfectly trained dog.