Our curated list of the best professionals in the Neath area.
With Gnoll Estate Country Park providing a fantastic local resource, trainers in Neath focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are a pleasure to have in this historic town.
Henbarc Farm Cottage, Llandarcy, Skewen, Neath SA10 6JD
Absolutely brilliant place! Lots of space, variety of activities and lots to sniff! Will definitely be back!
Would absolutely recommend Softpaws Adventure Park. As an owner of a reactive and highly anxious dog, walks and any form of exercise has been difficult but not anymore now that we have found this perfect space to take our Doggos for off-lead fun. They loved it and it was such a relief to see them run and play freely and safely. Couldn’t be happier as a customer and we will definitely be returning.
Great place dogs can run free and get so excited when we arrive . Natalie and Rob are lovely and always willing to help with anything. Just lovely to walk dogs and relax.
Lovely 6am call, brilliant place will be a regular customer with my Pom
Took my dogs there this evening for the first time. Its a beautiful place. Dog friendly. They were able to run wild without the fear of them running away. It's all enclosed. Owners lovely. Will be making it a fortnightly visit. Thank you!
8 Eastbourne Grove, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9DR
We reached out to Emily just over a month ago. Our dog has struggled with lots of different things but especially reactivity to other dogs on walks. Going out of walks became stressful and not enjoyable until now. We started training through WhatsApp straight away and we have already seen a massive difference. Her approach to training is so friendly and understanding but also detailed in an easy to pick up manner. It’s been really refreshing to have a trainer who understands what you’re trying to do/achieve and advise clearly and accurately. Training over WhatsApp has been a surprisingly great fit for us too! It’s allowed us to take training at our own pace and be able to send videos to Emily who can give us training tips on what to do next time but also gives us a lot of reassurance and positivity that we are also going the right thing. Would 100% recommend Emily and her training to anyone who is considering training their dog.
I can't praise Emily at Clever Canines enough! I signed up for Whatsapp training sessions with her after rehoming Baxter, an 8 month old cavapoo, from Many Tears. He was extremely nervous and scared when he arrived home, to the point that we were a bit concerned he might nip if we tried to handle him at all. Emily sent clear videos showing various training strategies - first helping him to learn his name and come when called, progressing to getting him able to tolerate a collar and lead (this felt miraculous!), then walking on a lead (more miracles!), settle quietly on a mat when we ask him to, and we're currently working on getting him to sit without being asked if I stop while we're out walking. He's already well on the way with this. After receiving each of the videos I've put the techniques into practice and sent videos back, to which Emily has responded with tailored advice for us. As well as suggesting training sessions, Emily has also responded to requests I've made for techniques to deal with specific things (e.g. barking at the window), again with videos and tailored advice. All the training is reward based and fun for me and Baxter and it's really helped us bond. Baxter is now a confident, happy little dog who's a pleasure to be with everywhere we go! Emily is patient, helpful, friendly and approachable and always responds to messages quickly. I know Baxter wouldn't be the great, happy little companion he is now without her help. Absolutely superb and such good value. To anyone considering this training I say - do it, do it, do it!!!
The personalised training via WhatsApp which Emily offers is absolutely brilliant. As a first time dog owner, it is such a blessing to be continously able to ask for advice regarding my puppy. Emily is always really quick to answer and along with personalised suggestions about how to work on certain behaviours, also sends videos about how to train specific things. All of which has been really useful so far and I would 100% recommend Emily.
We have worked with Emily since our lovely golden retriever girl was 11 weeks old and she is now 14 months - Emily’s advice and support has been the absolute best investment we made during her early days. I am a confident dog handler with experience with difficult dogs and knowledge of behaviour, but I have learnt so much from Emily over the past year. We have been battling with whether to pay for another year of her services, but Sprout is now so impeccably behaved and we feel well equipped for her future because Emily is so good at what she does that she’s done herself out of a job! Most notably, Emily has helped us with a few specific behaviours with simple and sometimes creative solutions: Constant mouthing that was rectified within a few days of using Emily’s advice Attention barking in early adolescence Anxiety on walks as a puppy Increasing her wake time from 5am to 8.30! Pulling on walks Aside from these specific instances of behaviour, Emily has helped us to really understand Sprout which has given us more patience with her behaviour: recognising how strongly her behaviour is impacted by her stomach, establishing a routine and updating when needed, and understanding when she’s stressed and anxious. Most of all Emily has shown enthusiasm about Sprout, patience with us, and so much support, sympathy, and understanding. We will genuinely miss having her at the end of the phone and will absolutely be back in touch during the next stage of ours and Sprouts life.
Thank you Emily for all your help and support. We came to Emily for support when our dog became a slightly reactive with other dogs and for tips to help her socialise well with other dogs. Thanks to Emily and her really helpful tips we are enjoying our walks much more. Highly recommended
Tennant, Park, Skewen, Neath SA10 6HU
An amazing place run by the most fab people - I take Dash twice a week & he cries to go in!! He enjoys his playtime there with his new friends & I get peace of mind from the regular pupdates. Can’t recommend highly enough 🐶❤️🐶❤️🐶
Placed ole in daycare to be in the company of other dogs. I was apprehensive as I haven’t left him before. From the minute he arrived he was welcomed and settled in straight away. He loves going and I love the updates with photos. Would highly recommend recommend. Thank you both, you offer an amazing service.
Amazing place, Bertie has been coming here since it opened he loves his time there and is shattered coming home after a full day of playing. Great communication and updates from owners with photos sent throughout the day, would 100% recommend.
Great day care for Monty who loves being in the company of other dogs. Always have piece of mind when dropping him off that he’s in good hands and always have updates and photos through the day. Highly recommended and wouldn’t take him anywhere else
Our dog Maisie has been going to The Canine Cottage for the last few months and it has really brought her out of her shell and helped her socialise with other dogs. Love seeing the pictures that get sent of her playing with the other doggos.
C/o Pennard Community Centre, Swansea SA3 2AD
Both I and my dogs love it here. We've made loads of friends, human and canine and get to practice good behavior in a safe space with lots of other dogs. The volunteer trainers are absolutely amazing! It's the best £3 a week I've ever spent ☺️🐶
Lovely dog class with a good dog trainer who was very welcoming knowing it was our first time there look forward to being a regular with my dog, only problem I had was it was hard to find in the dark as there wasn't many signs but found it in the end would definitely recommend to friends and family for there dogs!!x
Dog loving people, what's not to like. Relaxed cheerful sessions
2 Arthur Terrace, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4HE
Thanks to Craig my five month old labrador cross collie is showing me that its me that needs training. It's all about staying calm and being patient.
We approached Craig for help with our rescue dog who'd become a bit reactive after an altercation with another dog. We've had a few sessions with Craig now and he's awesome! Really nice guy and very patient. He really knows his stuff, is personable, reliable and punctual, and most importantly, we've seen a huge improvement in our dog since we started with him and this is improving week by week! Since the pandemic, we were unable to find anybody who'd actually come out and train with us out "in the field", which I think is essential for help and support with anyone with a reactive dog as your confidence goes, but Craig met us in person from the very first session onwards. Thoroughly recommend for all of your dog training and behavioural needs!
Absolutely fantastic, Craig set us on the right track to be able to get the most out of our Pup. Thank you.
Amazing
Finding qualified dog trainers in Neath means connecting with professionals who understand the specific needs of this historic Welsh town nestled in the beautiful Neath Valley. From training puppies in residential areas near Neath town centre to managing reactive dogs along the scenic trails of Gnoll Estate Country Park, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored to local Welsh conditions.
Serving all areas including Skewen, Tonna, Cadoxton, and Briton Ferry, we've successfully trained over 1,800 dogs across the Neath Port Talbot region in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the unique challenges of dog ownership in this area, from navigating the busy High Street to enjoying off-lead exercise in Victoria Gardens and along the Neath Canal towpaths.
Neath presents unique training requirements shaped by its combination of urban town centre, surrounding valleys, and proximity to countryside walks. The area's excellent network of parks including Gnoll Estate Country Park, Victoria Gardens, and Aberdulais Falls provides outstanding training environments, but also means dogs regularly encounter wildlife, other dogs, and diverse terrain that demands solid recall and lead manners.
Our trainers specialise in addressing local challenges including desensitising dogs to the sounds of nearby industrial areas, preparing dogs for the wet Welsh weather conditions, and building confidence for exploring woodland trails and waterfall walks popular with Neath residents. We understand the community atmosphere where dogs frequently accompany owners to local cafés and along the regenerated canal paths, making excellent public behaviour essential.
Our puppy programmes focus on building confidence during the critical 8-16 week socialisation period. We introduce young dogs to Neath's environment including town centre activity, country park trails, and the various weather conditions typical of South Wales. Training covers house training, basic commands, lead walking, and controlled socialisation in locations like Victoria Gardens, creating well-adjusted dogs ready for valley life.
With access to extensive walking areas like Gnoll Estate and the surrounding countryside, reliable recall is essential for Neath dog owners. Our advanced training develops off-lead reliability despite distractions including wildlife, other dogs, and the tempting scents of woodland environments. Sessions in varied locations ensure your dog responds consistently whether in town parks or exploring the beautiful Neath Valley trails.
Dog training costs in Neath typically range from £35-65 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £180-320. Group classes generally cost £10-18 per session. Many local trainers offer free initial consultations to discuss your dog's specific needs and provide mobile services throughout the SA10 and SA11 postcode areas.
Gnoll Estate Country Park offers excellent open spaces and woodland trails for training, while Victoria Gardens provides a more controlled urban environment. The Neath Canal towpath is ideal for lead walking practice, and quieter areas near Aberdulais provide distraction training opportunities. Our trainers utilise these local spots strategically based on your dog's training level and specific requirements.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation window between 8-16 weeks makes early exposure to Neath's environment essential. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations around 10-12 weeks, though dogs of any age benefit from professional training to address behavioural issues or learn new skills.
Professional dog training in Neath creates confident, well-mannered companions suited to both town living and countryside adventures. Our proven methods combine evidence-based techniques with local knowledge of Neath's parks, trails, and community expectations. Whether you live in Skewen, Cadoxton, or Neath town centre, investing in professional training ensures your dog becomes a valued companion ready to explore everything this beautiful Welsh valley has to offer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start building the strong bond you deserve with your perfectly trained dog.