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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Hucknall area.
With its rich mining heritage and local parks, trainers in Hucknall focus on creating well-behaved family pets that are a pleasure to own and live with.
Shireoaks Hill Bungalow, Farm Creswell Rd, Cuckney, Mansfield NG20 9NW
A must-read for anyone struggling with a reactive dog! If you're dreading walks, crossing streets to avoid other dogs, making excuses like "No, you can't play with everyone," or feeling stressed every time you head out with your dog…. then this review is for you. We have Desmond, our 2-year-old standard schnauzer, who had developed some pretty intense reactive behaviors. Cats, dogs, people, anything that moved or blew in the wind would send him into a spiral of anxiety. Unfortunately, a lack of proper training and guidance only made things worse, leading to a very stressed-out dog (and owners!) who dreaded every walk. We had tried multiple trainers, online advice, and even spent hundreds on various tools like haltis and leads, hoping they'd work. Nothing did. Desmond needed more than just distractions; he needed to be understood. In a last-ditch effort, I reached out to Justin. Our first phone call was a game-changer. Justin's understanding of Desmond's behavior and his calm, knowledgeable approach immediately put us at ease. After talking with my partner, we booked Desmond in for a 4-week training program with Next Level. Up until he was due to go, we were filled with doubt and nervous anticipation, could this actually work? Was it going to be worth the money? Could they really help with such a reactive dog? We read through every review we could find, hoping to relate to someone else’s experience, yet still couldn’t shake the “what if it doesn’t work” feeling. The fear of disappointment was real. But in the end, we couldn’t have been more wrong. The transformation is absolutely mind-blowing. What was once an unmanageable, reactive dog is now a calm, happy companion. We literally can’t walk him without filming because we’re still in disbelief at how much he’s changed. Before, Desmond would lunge, bark, growl, spin, and thrash around—he was a nightmare to walk. We’d avoid crowds and walk at odd hours to minimize stress, but it never felt like we were making progress. Now, he's a totally different dog. He’s relaxed, content, and actually enjoys his walks, and so do we. We can now pass people, dogs, even cyclists on the same side of the road without him reacting. No more bulky harnesses or complicated gear—just a happy dog, one lead, and the confidence we always wanted. From start to finish, the whole experience was seamless. When we picked up Desmond at the end of his 4 weeks, we spent the day with Justin and Chris, the trainer who built such a strong bond with him. We practiced basic commands like "heel" and "sit," then did some real-life scenarios like doorbells, crate training, and a trip to a local dog park filled with distractions. That’s when we truly saw the change in Desmond for the first time—it was honestly like a weight had been lifted off him, and we couldn’t stop smiling. Since returning home, we’ve kept up with the training, checking in with the team for tips and advice. The support has been incredible, and we’re happier than ever with Desmond’s progress. In short, this was the best investment we’ve ever made for Desmond and for ourselves. He’s now living his best, stress-free life, and we’re thrilled to be enjoying our walks together. A huge thank you to Justin, Chris, and the entire Next Level team for giving Desmond the chance to live a happy, relaxed life. We can’t thank you enough! P.S. Desmond still misses you, Chris! 🐾 Just got the end of writing the review and I was hoping to attach some videos of his transformation but Google doesn’t allow. So here is some pictures of Desmond out & about recently, to places we’d never gone before as they were just too busy. One of our daily walks.. as you can see Desmond has no tension on the lead and is glued to my leg!! And trip to local park for a pup cup, a paddle and a game of fetch/tug.
Bob was strong and getting upset when seeing other dogs jumping on people , now walks by my side and doesn’t take any notice of other dogs , cats . Great job Justin and Luke .well worth the money👍👍👍
We can’t thank Next Level Dog Training enough for the transformation we’ve seen in our cocker spaniel, Razz. Before we started training, Razz had some serious behavioural issues—his constant barking when left alone at home was not only stressful for us but also heartbreaking, knowing he was so anxious. And walks? Let’s just say we were the ones being walked—we had no control over him once we stepped outside. Enter Chris from Next Level. The connection he must have developed with Razz was instrumental from the get go. It was clear Chris truly understood dogs—his calm, consistent approach built immediate trust, and we saw progress faster than we imagined after watching video messages being sent back to us. Watching Razz place his total trust in Chris gave us real hope and confidence. He not only taught Razz what was needed, but went above and beyond what we expected. The tutorial we received picking up Razz was educational to us and we will absolutely continue all the hard work put in. It wasn’t just Chris, though. Every single staff member at Next Level is fully committed to getting the very best out of every dog they train. Their passion, patience, and professionalism shine through in everything they do. They’re not just training dogs—they’re improving the lives of both pets and owners. We owe a huge thank you to Justin, Chris, and the entire team at Next Level Dog Training. Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference in our lives. Razz is calmer, more confident, and we finally feel like we’re working together as a team. Walks are now a joy, and our home is more peaceful than it’s ever been. We highly recommend Next Level to anyone looking to build a better relationship with their dog. You won’t find a more passionate or effective team anywhere!
I took my GSD Buddy because he was dog reactive and I had tried several so called dog trainers to help me but had no success so after he had escaped from the house and attacked a dog, although without injuring it, I decided it was time to look for some better qualified trainers who could spend more time with him. After a detailed conversation with Justin I decided to book him in for four weeks. I received videos and updates on his progress and on collection was shown how they had trained him to not respond to reactive triggers and how to proceed at home . They told me I could contact them anytime with any concerns and even go back if necessary. Buddy had only been home a few days and we are both getting use to the new training but it has been going well and I accept that he is never going to be friendly to dogs but at least I can walk past them instead of having to avoid them. Next Level is a very professional dog training facility and Justin and Luke who was Buddy’s trainer were very friendly and answered any questions or concerns I had and I would fully recommend them for any dog training problems
A huge thank you to Justin, Luke and the team for all your hard work with our 3 year old Vizsla, Axel. From about two years old he started to get aggressive tendencies towards some other dogs. We personally spent a great deal of time with him trying to find the trigger, so we could make necessary corrections. Unfortunately we were unable to do this, so we contacted 'Next Level'. We were quite anxious at first as we thought Axel suffered from separation anxiety, and wouldn't be able to handle 4 weeks in kennels. We were however, reassured on the first progress update, and he was indeed fine. Further updates and photos/videos followed showing the progress he was making which again is reassuring. We could see the progress he was making and we were excited about it. On hand over, Luke gave us a thorough briefing on what he had achieved with a full demonstration with Axel, before giving us the opportunity to practice. We were instantly enthused as we seemed to have much more control over him. It is now almost two weeks later, and we have been consistently thorough with the same routines. The results so far are very encouraging. Instead of being aggressive to other dogs, he now chooses to ignore them and simply walk by. It is early days yet but we are very encouraged. We are very confident that moving forward, we will be able to once again enjoy Axel's company and not have the fear of him wanting to attack other dogs. We feel we are certainly winning this battle and that's all due to this amazing team at Next Leve Dog Training.
17 Seymour Rd, Eastwood, Nottingham NG16 3NA
I contacted Gem regarding our two year old daschund Charlie regarding anxiousness on walks and in the house and reactivity to spaces in particular. The moment Gem stepped into our house, she was calm with Charlie and gave him treats to encourage positive reinforcement. She really helped us with strategies to prevent excessive barking on both walks and in the house and recommended certain products that would help increase mental stimulation for Charlie. I would definitely recommend Gem as a dog trainer to anyone who is looking for reassurance or help on basic or behavioural training
Gemma is absolutely amazing! We started with her for our Staffy for some basic training and behaviour work and we saw progress even after just a few sessions. Gemma recognised the potential in our Staffy and she is now being trained as a Therapy Dog, which has not only helped her behaviour but will help other people too. I don’t have a bad word to say about Gemma. She is incredible!
Gemma has been amazing and helped me with my 5 month old Boerboel teaching him manners and showed me ways of keeping him mentally stimulated I never even knew I would highly recommend her as she is positive down to earth and truly wants the best for you and your dog can tell she dose it from a place of love for animals
Gemma is always on hand to support with me and my partners dog. She is knowledgeable, patient and clear. Nothing is too much for her and she has been a great help in getting our dog to be the perfect little family member
Gem has been so helpful with our whippet Humphrey! We asked Gem to come and work with us as Humphrey is quite anxious and was starting to become quite reactive around other dogs. She came to do an assessment of his behaviour, giving us some things to work on. Then Gem came back to observe his behaviour on a walk and gave some really helpful advice and strategies for managing his reactivity. Since working with Gem we have noticed a positive difference in Humphrey’s behaviour. It is clear how much Gem understands dogs and I would recommend her to anyone looking for some help with their furry friends! Thanks Gem :)
5 Papplewick Ln, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 7TN
I would definitely recommend dog-a-holics to anyone looking to apply for a dog grooming qualification or course. Amanda is super supportive and was always available for any questions i had or help i needed throughout the course.
Absolutely loved my week training, all the knowledge learnt will hopefully take me into a new career in Dog grooming. Well worth the time and money 🤗
What a fantastic place to go and train to be a dog groomer. Lovely people to work with everyone made me feel very welcome and relaxed. Met some gorgeous doggy’s aswell!
Well Amanda as been absolutely brilliant ,always there for help and support when I have needed it.if any one I know wanted to do this course, I would certainly recommend Amanda 😀
I am very pleased i picked dog a holic for my training, Amanda is an amazing women makes you feel very welcome and the girls that are also their are amazing never felt so welcomed and i love coming in 💜
Watnall, Nottingham NG16 1JS
I got in touch to help with my dogs reactivity and socialising issues after I had reached a plateau. We've had two sessions and I have to say they are responsive, kind and patient. Already seeing a huge improvement in just a few weeks. Couldn't recommend highly enough! good dog trainers are hard to find, this is a gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Who knew our cheeky Cairn Terrier Pickle could be trained so quickly?! Tara is absolutely amazing! 💛 From the very first session, she understood exactly what Pickle needed — and what we needed as a family too. Her calm, positive approach and deep knowledge of dogs (and humans!) has made such a difference. Pickle is happier, more focused, and actually listens now — it’s like magic 🪄🐾 Thank you, Tara, for your kindness, professionalism, and all the laughs along the way. We feel so lucky to have found you! Highly recommended to anyone who wants real results and a happier dog 💕 – Caroline Henry
Tara has been great training our puppy buddy, she has so much patience and answered every question we had! I would highly recommend Tara!!!
Being first time dog owners, we got our toy poodle puppy Betty at 11 weeks old, we realised we needed some help and guidance in training her to become a confident, well mannered obedient dog, and for myself and my partner to make us the best doggy parents we could be. We started Betty with the puppy 1 to 1 training where Tara came to our house, she put us at ease and Betty took to her straight away so her training has come on leaps and bounds and we have the knowledge off Tara now to progress Betty into adulthood. They have now took Betty on a puppy socialisation class and a mini adventure, where she gets contact with other puppies and are in different environments in the trusted hands of Tara and Neil, who are both lovely people. We look forward to Betty joining in other classes to fulfill her life with different experiences. A huge thank you to you both for making our few few months with Betty a pleasure.
Hucknall, Nottingham NG15
Racheal is absolutely fantastic and we’d never go to anyone else for our lizard care and dog walking services. Branston has come on leaps and bounds since walking with Rachael and I feel great knowing he’s in such expert hands whilst I’m at work. I’m very specific with how I like Branston to be walked and Racheal sticks to all of my requests and gives me frequent updates on how Branston is doing. Since Branston has been with Rachael he’s been an absolute delight to walk at home! He heals fantastically and now can be taken off lead with focus work and called back in when on walks with myself or my husband. We’re so grateful to have a dog Walker who works with us to train Branston for the better. On top of this Racheal worked hard to match Branston with a group of like minded dogs who all get on and have a cracking time on walks with her. Additionally, when we’ve had emergencies at weekends and needed someone to tend to Branston she has always been there when needed. Soon we’ve got weekends coming up when she’s taking care of our pet lizard also. All in all I’ll be forever grateful that we found Racheal. You always need someone you can trust when you have animals, and someone you can call on for those last minute emergencies. Racheal is just that! Thanks so much! Kat 👩Branston 🐕 and Lorenzo🦎 xxxx
Rachel is an amazing dog walker, she has been walking our beagle for a year and a half and it has been great seeing pictures of him playing with other dogs. His relationship with her is fantastic and she treats him like one of her own. Rachel is very reliable and very professional, she is always happy to speak if you need her, can’t recommend enough 👍
Our little beagle Oscar loves his adventures with Rachel & his doggy gang! We love the updates on Facebook and he’s always tired at the end of the day! We don’t have to worry whilst we’re at work as we know he’s going to have a great time and will be looked after! ❤️
I cannot recommend Rachel's dog-walking services enough! She has been walking my dog Shelby for the past few years and it has been an absolute joy to see the positive impact she has had on him. From the very first meeting, Rachel showed a genuine love and care for Shelby. She took the time to get to know him and his personality, and it's clear that she genuinely enjoys spending time with him. Shelby is always thrilled to see Rachel and is so excited to go on his walks with her. Rachel is incredibly professional and reliable. She always shows up on time and communicates clearly and promptly. She goes above and beyond in her care for Shelby, and I feel completely confident leaving him in her hands. In addition to her excellent care for my dog, Rachel is also a pleasure to work with. She is kind, thoughtful, and a great communicator. It's clear that she truly cares about her clients and their pets. I would highly recommend Rachel to anyone in need of a dog walker. She is simply the best! And if you happen to know anyone who needs a walker, do send them her way - they won't regret it. Thank you, Rachel, for your continued support and for all that you do for Shelby! 🐾
Lead the Way Hucknall is amazing! Rachel has a great rapport with people to make them feel safe and as though they are leaving their furbabies with someone trustworthy. She is very friendly and always very flexible. She had helped me out multiple times when I’ve had last minute changes. Bert absolutely loves Rachel. He loves going out with her!!! At the weekend, when Rachel doesn’t have him, he sits and waits for her at the window. I am confident in the knowledge that Bert is safe and always well looked after. She communicates well with me. I couldn’t thank her enough for the care she gives us as a family 🖤
Welcome to your guide to the best dog trainers in Hucknall. This Nottinghamshire town is a great place for dog owners. Finding a trainer who can help your dog be a polite companion is key. Our list focuses on professionals who use positive, modern, and effective training methods.
Whether you need a puppy class for essential socialisation, one-to-one obedience sessions to improve leash skills, or advanced training, you'll find an expert here. The trainers we list are experienced in handling the needs of dogs in the Hucknall area.
For more significant behavioural challenges like anxiety or reactivity, we recommend a certified dog behaviourist. These specialists, serving the Hucknall area, can provide detailed assessments and create a tailored behaviour modification plan to help your dog feel more secure.