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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Ivybridge area.
On the southern edge of Dartmoor, trainers in Ivybridge are experts in preparing dogs for moorland walks, teaching reliable recall and responsible behaviour around livestock.
Blowiscombe Farm, Milton Combe, Yelverton PL20 6HR
Nick helped us with our reactive rescue collie Lyra. Both the initial consultation and subsequent group sessions helped understand causes and solutions; Lyra is now able to join an agility training with other excited dogs. thank you!
Nick has just undertaken a session with our 4 year old rescue Frenchie, Daphne. We were concerned she was aggressive with strangers coming to the house. Nick clearly identified the cause of the behaviour was anxiety and walked us through some scenarios and ways to manage it in a way that makes sense to Daphne and to us as owners. I was then able to understand what we need to do to address these problem behaviours. We had an intensive session using our house, hoover, garden and street. Nick asked us relevant questions to work out what was going on and patiently went through scenarios with us. It was good to see Daphne’s confidence develop as the session progressed. Nick has a calm demeanour and is an excellent listener. He was great to work with as he trains you and your dog together. He has made excellent suggestions which will be practical to implement. He is also up for follow-up questions. I would wholeheartedly recommend him for anyone who is unsure what to do with a problematic behaviour they are inadvertently reinforcing.
Had a home visit from Nick. Struggling with barking and reactive, I didn't look forward to going on walks or having the dogs in the van. Bit nervous at first about Nick coming to the house, due to how reactive my dogs are. Nick suggested to meet outside. As expected Otto reacted straight away. Nick watched, gave me a few instructions. Shocked with the changes straight away. Explained his behaviour and why he was reacting. Nick has relaxed manor. Clearly see he cares about the dogs. Information Nick has is incredibly informative. I've changed vets, one of my dogs has been very poorly every year, total change. Took his advice on what I was feeding them, happy dogs. I feel calm, it great in control and happy dogs. Otto goes to training class on Saturday morning the improvement is impressive. Russell will be going next for the training sessions. Thank you Nick, you have restored calm in my home and back out on walks.
A +++++ Wow, what an amazing experience it was having an initial consultation and follow up session with Nick. So knowledgeable, explained everything clearly, particularly why we were performing each action and, the desired outcome. Guided through each step and, with respect, talked through errors in communication between myself and my boy. A lovely person , made the training session a pleasure rather than a chore and he re-assessed my boy as we went to make adaptations to training if required. I learned an awful lot, new techniques, got rid of those nasty old school ways and, was delighted to do so as after one session? A much happier dog, much more responsive and, looking to me for his next command! That’s just one session! Very, very impressed and highly recommend not just to owners who need help but trainers also as Nick is a brilliant trainer’s Mentor should you feel you’d like to update your skills . Excellent!
8 Leatside, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7BA
Alison has been brilliant at helping us train our dog Cleo. Cleo was very reactive to other dogs, Alison has provided us with a range of techniques to help us. We have seen a massive difference in Cleo already which has made her walks more enjoyable. The in person training sessions were so helpful and Alison has always got back to me with any questions or difficulties we've had. I would highly recommend to anyone who needs some help with training their dog. We have learnt so much.
We took our pup to Alison’s training classes and couldn’t be happier with the experience! Alison is fantastic—so engaging with both the owners and the puppies. Her classes were informative, fun, and incredibly supportive. She provided us with a wealth of tips and techniques to continue training at home, and the results have been amazing. Not only has our puppy learned a range of new commands, but she’s also grown so much in confidence. You can really tell that Alison genuinely cares about each puppy’s well-being, which makes such a difference. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring trainer!
Really informative and inclusive class. Variety of lessons and a lot of training material given. Fun and lovely trainer and classes, my pup had a great time meeting everyone.
If you’re looking for a dog walking service, look no further than Pawsonal. Alison is amazing. My mum nervously engaged Alison when she was unable to walk her little dachshund Walter anymore. Mum didn’t know what to expect. Walter is a nervous little dog who never leaves mum’s side and has never walked off lead!! Alison has been so patient with Walter (& very supportive of mum). Short walks to start, gradually introducing him to the van and other dogs. WOW, now Walter can’t wait for his weekly walks. Out to Alison he goes, in the van and group walking off lead, it’s so lovely to see. He comes back tired out and satisfied. Thank you Alison for such an amazing service Highly recommended *****
Alison is fantastic, my Luffy (Loofy) Is a very bouncy, hyper jackrussle cross pug. He has grown alot and loves his walks so much when I am at home he looks at the door waiting for Alison to arrive.
Unit 4 Cadleigh Cl, Ivybridge PL21 9GB
What an amazing time we had today! We booked a session for Hunters birthday party - he had such a great time - highly recommend! We will be coming back for other birthday parties - the soft play area is as a hit Thank you everyone at pugs & pals ❤️
Lucy loves her visits to Pugs and Pals. They really do care for all the dogs.
Friendly, unique, fun environment for the dogs. Value for money
I can’t recommend this daycare enough! It’s wonderful to see how excited my dog gets when we arrive and how much she adores the staff. I use their services whenever I can, and it’s always an excellent experience 💞
7 Strashleigh View, Ivybridge PL21 9GS
We took our 7month working cocker pup to Helen. We found her very knowledgable and extremely pleasant. She taught us many things and they actually work lol. Most of our friends notice the change in him, can’t recommend thus lady enough, she really knows her stuff
Brilliant session with Helen, I learnt how emotions can affect my dog's behavior. it was amazing to see Coco's behavior change while using the mindfulness technique! Helen is so calm and knowledgeable. So much good advice.
Had a brilliant 6 sessions with Helen and my 16 month old boxer. She was very jumpy and excitable at the start of the sessions but by the end we were all surprised at how calm and focussed she was. Huge improvement in her behaviour and my handling of her. Now to continue the good work on my own !
Such a fantastic course! Before coming across Helen's course I was feeling completely overwhelmed with a new Spaniel puppy. The internet is full of training advice but this is often contradictory and confusing and I wasn't sure where to turn. This course cuts through all of that, the advice is really clear and the videos demonstrate exactly what to do. It covers all the main aspects of puppy training, in a logical and meaningful order. It's made the whole family feel so much more confident and in control. 100% recommend!
Paws & Listen (Helen) are amazing. I took my adolescent Vizsla, who was completely untrained, to Helen to try to build her confidence and get her to do some basic commands.The 1-2-1 training was outstanding. Helen has an excellent eye for reading a dog’s body language (even the smallest change in behaviour). The facilities are perfect for training in a 1-2-1 setup but Helen was also more than willing to travel to outside locations (this is so we could try the learnt behaviour outside in a busier, louder environment). My dog has come on so much under Helen’s tutelage and gained confidence and can do many commands like one of the dogs you see at Crufts ! Thank you Helen, Mavis (and myself) are all the better for having had your calm, kind approach to training and helping us understanding each other. I am sure we will be back for more training as she (we) enjoyed it so much (and because Mavis misses the chicken too) 😉
4 S View Park, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4JE
“I can’t say enough great things about Carl We reached out because our Cockapoo was having trouble with life as a puppy growing up in a busy house, specific issue like leash pulling, recall, and we were amazed by how quickly Carl helped us see real progress. His approach is positive, patient, and incredibly effective. From the start, Carl took the time to understand us and our dog’s unique personality and created a tailored training plan that perfectly suited our needs. He explained everything in clear, easy-to-follow steps, and his passion for working with dogs is so obvious in everything he does. Every session was fun, and our dog secretly loved him! The changes in our dog’s behaviour have been incredible. CHOPS is now more focused, better behaved, and happier overall. Carl truly goes above and beyond, offering continued support and answering any questions we have outside of our sessions. We are still working progress as we approach adolescent years Carl has given us the tools to get us through. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about your dog’s well-being and is committed to getting results, look no further than Carl and Canine support. Highly recommend them to anyone wanting the best for their dog!”
Great session with Carl and he gave great advice. Highly recommend
Carl is very dedicated to his work. He is very knowledgeable and we learn a lot from him in our first session. I've been to training sessions and socialise groups since my dog was a puppy and only to Carl he accepted a treat from his hand, which was a great progress. I am looking forward for the next session so that I can help my dog in his wellbeing. Thanks Carl! I Definitely recommend
Finding experienced dog trainers in Ivybridge means connecting with professionals who understand the unique needs of this South Devon market town nestled between Dartmoor National Park and Plymouth. From training puppies in the residential areas near Ivybridge Community College to managing reactive dogs along the scenic Erme Valley Trail, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored to rural and suburban living.
Serving all areas including Ivybridge town centre, Harford, Ermington, and the surrounding villages, we've successfully trained over 800 dogs across South Hams in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the specific challenges of dog ownership in this area, from navigating busy Glanvilles Mill to enjoying off-lead exercise at Longtimber Woods and the nearby moorland.
Ivybridge presents distinctive training requirements shaped by its position as a gateway to Dartmoor. The proximity to open moorland means dogs need exceptional recall skills to safely enjoy spaces like Harford Moor and Western Beacon, where livestock, wildlife, and challenging terrain demand reliable control. Our trainers specialise in rural-specific training including livestock awareness, moorland safety, and wildlife distraction management essential for responsible countryside access.
The town's blend of residential estates, riverside walks along the River Erme, and access to South West Coast Path sections requires dogs comfortable in diverse environments. We understand local challenges including training for narrow Devon lanes, busy market days, and the seasonal influx of tourists and walkers during summer months when popular routes become considerably busier.
Our puppy programmes focus on building confidence during the critical 8-16 week period, introducing young dogs to Ivybridge's unique environment including farm animals, moorland terrain, river crossings, and the varying surfaces found on local trails. Training covers essential skills like recall, lead walking, and appropriate behaviour around livestock, preparing puppies for safe countryside adventures while establishing crucial obedience foundations.
We specialise in developing bulletproof recall essential for safely enjoying Dartmoor's open spaces. Training includes emergency stops, distance commands, and distraction work with sheep, ponies, and ground-nesting birds. Sessions in controlled environments progress to challenging moorland locations, ensuring your dog responds reliably even when encountering wildlife or other dogs on popular walking routes around Ivybridge and beyond.
Our behaviour modification addresses reactivity issues that often emerge on narrow footpaths and busy riverside walks. Using positive reinforcement techniques, we help dogs learn calm responses to triggers encountered along the Erme Valley Trail and throughout Longtimber Woods, building confidence and improving on-lead manners for more enjoyable walks through town and countryside alike.
Dog training in Ivybridge typically ranges from £35-65 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £180-320. Group classes cost approximately £10-18 per session, offering excellent value for basic obedience training in a social environment.
Yes, livestock training is essential for Ivybridge dogs. We teach reliable recall around sheep, cattle, and ponies, along with appropriate behaviour near farm animals. Training typically requires 4-8 sessions depending on your dog's age and existing obedience level, ensuring safe moorland access.
Begin training immediately at 8 weeks old. Early socialisation to countryside sights, sounds, and livestock is crucial for developing confident dogs suited to Ivybridge's rural-suburban environment. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations around 10-12 weeks.
Professional dog training in Ivybridge creates confident, well-mannered companions capable of enjoying everything this beautiful area offers, from riverside walks to moorland adventures. Our locally-focused training combines proven techniques with understanding of South Devon's unique requirements, ensuring your dog becomes a responsible countryside resident. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and start your journey toward achieving a perfectly trained dog ready for Ivybridge life.