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Our curated list of the best professionals in the heart of Nottingham.
With the historic Lace Market and Old Market Square, trainers here focus on creating confident city dogs comfortable with busy streets and social environments.
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.
32 Turner Rd, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 3GP
Had a really good session with Jon for Ted's issues with bins and neighbours dogs. Jon was very thorough, explained things clearly and, although it's going to take some hard work, I feel I now have the tools to make good progress. His techniques are kind, and aim to get to the root of the issue rather than quick temporary fixes - just what I want to make a genuinely happy dog.
Had a session with Jon for our dog, who has been struggling with visitors coming around. Jon was fantastic at describing and demonstrating a variety of different techniques suited to our dogs needs and preferences using only positive reenforcement and attention breaks. Within that one session the change in behaviour was obvious and we have been able to calm him down ourselves with the application of what we've been taught. We also have access to a lot of post-session support (which is great because Jon is a lovely man and nice to talk to). Very pleased and would highly recommend!
We never thought we’d be able to open our door without having a Weimaraner bark and jump at the door. Having Jon round today has proven us wrong. Jon is an incredible trainer with such knowledge and passion in his work. He shows a genuine interest in his clients though his pleasant and kind nature. Highly recommended to anyone who is struggling with heir dog. Thanks Jon you’ve given us a fresh start 😊
Jon came to my house to help me with my Dog attention barking and barking in the garden excessively. Jon’s knowledge was next to none! I saw a huge difference in Rumble within 2 hours of training. Jon was super patient and explained the knowledge behind everything he was teaching us.
Would recommend Jon, Canine Assist. I had 30 minutes discussion and was able to arrange a training session. Very happy with Jon’s approach to training. He quickly understood my dogs behaviour and the best way to encourage good behaviour. We are working through a training programme which is already seeing improvements.
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 :)
31, Nottingham NG10 1DX
We heard about Kristian through acquaintances that we do group walks with. And we are glad we used him. Our dog Grace had a few issues, but it was illuminating to discover that most of this was really down to poor leadership on our part. Moat dog trainers will do some.obedience or similar work with your dog, hand it back and call it a day. Kristian tells you what to do, demonstrates, and then gets YOU to do it. He also set us homework which was great as it means we have to practice what we have learned. As a result of our sessions with Kristian, our dog Grace now reliably heel walks (and chooses to do this more often than not) has massively reduced reactivity to other dogs and people, never hordes her toys (specifically, will give up a toy on demand) and doesn't lunge for her toys either. She's also gained confidence with the obstacles course, and has learned to jump onto and stay on a pedestal, and crawl. Tricks, for sure, but fun. We've built Grace up to the point where we can go to a retail park that she's never been to before, very busy, and she will stay relaxed and obedient, even if one of us goes into a shop and she is outside. The individual sessions are very well calibrated and Grace has left each session just at the point where she can't learn any more. One really good thing about these sessions is that they are not strictly time limited. They vary based on the dog. This also applies to the group sessions, which we were a bit nervous about given our dogs past reactivity, but she absolutely loved the group work.
Highly Recommend! I can’t say enough good things about this dog trainer! The difference in my dog behavior has been incredible! He it's so patient, professional, and really knew how to connect with him. Toby absolutely loves the sessions, and I was blown away by how quickly he picked things up. If you’re looking for someone who truly knows what they’re doing and loves working with dogs, this is your guy. Highly, highly recommend!
Kristzian was recommended to me. I needed help with my young lurcher, Zack. We're not there yet but wouldn't have progressed this far without Kristzian's invaluable help.
Feedback on Dog Trainer – Krisztian (DOG-TOR Nottingham) Krisztian is an exceptional dog trainer who demonstrates a natural and genuine connection with every dog he works with. He possesses an in-depth understanding of how dogs feel, think, and react, and applies this knowledge effectively to both training and behaviour management. His skills cover a wide range of areas, including: Addressing behaviour problems, reactivity, and aggressive or nervous behaviour Teaching obedience and socialisation Introducing agility training Guiding both dogs and their owners for long-term success Krisztian’s private training field provides a safe and controlled environment for dogs to learn and interact. He works equally well with individual dogs and group sessions, ensuring each animal’s needs are met. Beyond training, Krisztian fosters a welcoming community by organising social events and dog owner gatherings, helping to build strong bonds between dogs and their families. He is a genuine, dog-loving professional who is completely at ease with animals, and his passion for his work is evident in the progress and happiness of the dogs he trains – including my own. Krisztian truly is a dog whisperer We love going to our training with our whippet Tansie xx
We recently started working with Krisztian to help improve our 4.5-year-old Dalmatian’s unpredictably reactive behaviour, including owner resource guarding and protectiveness of our home. After several unsuccessful attempts with other trainers - none of whom were willing to come to our home - I’ll admit, my confidence in seeing real progress was pretty low (sorry for inwardly doubting you at first, Krisztian ☹). But from the very first session, Krisztian stood out. He clearly knew what he was doing - and just as importantly, he understood that we didn’t! He told us this in the kindest, most patient, and clearest way possible (I really appreciate this). His energy is infectious, and his knowledge & passion for all dogs is unmistakable. His approach is a fantastic mix of one-on-one and group training sessions that are always engaging, informative, and each one feels like a mini adventure. Every session gently pushes our fearful dog—and us—into new scenarios and situations, helping us understand the world from a dog’s perspective. Session by session, our confidence is growing. And best of all, we’re starting to see real results. I’m so incredibly happy we found you, Krisztian. Our only regret is not finding you sooner. We honestly can’t thank you enough already for everything you’re doing for us and we are excited to continue our journey with you :-). If you are reading this and looking for a dog trainer please, please, please, please do not hesitate, in my experience you will not find better.
Eagle Works, Carlton, Nottingham NG3 2NJ
Our gorgeous FRL has had separation anxiety since he was a puppy, from day one of bringing him home. Our whole lives had to quickly adjust as we were unable to walk out the door without him becoming distressed. We tried everything, including a 1:1 trainer who recommended we needed a trainer that specialised in SA. I came across Jodie’s page on Instagram, reading the reviews, honestly I was sceptical! We felt like we’d already put SO many hours of training in and we were no closer to walking out the door… Tonight, we have just returned from leaving him alone for 3 hours, totally happy, totally chill and able to resettle. Jodie has quite literally been a life saver. Super knowledgeable, super lovely and always at the end of the phone through the ups and downs that this training inevitably brings! Stick with it! It does work and we can’t thank her enough.
We signed up to the separation anxiety hub to support our greyhound Lemon as she began to spend more time alone. The resources and videos were really helpful and allowed us to go through everything at our own pace. It was also great to be able to share progress updates on the app and get encouragement to keep going! We are really glad we signed up to keep us accountable and stay consistent in our training and we feel we have a lot more freedom now. Thanks Jodie!
If you are thinking about doing it… do it! Jodie is amazing, her support, guidance & advice are second to none. It has a massive impact on our life and the dogs life. My two whippets wouldn’t settle & now are going to resettling once disturbed or going the whole time without us! The behaviour changes we have seen have allowed us to understand our dogs better but also have someone who truly cares at the end of a message is so important. Thank you Jodie
After a year of working with another behaviourist and never even getting out of the front door, I was out of the door and making progress within days of starting working with Jodie! She knows the subject inside out, and every time my dog hit new hurdles in his training she helped get to the bottom of them. She identified that he was in some physical discomfort that I couldn't see myself, and since seeking vet help he has come on leaps and bounds. I've had some significant changes in my own life which have slowed progress, but I'm getting there and Jodie has been there championing me the whole way (even after I had to make the decision for financial reasons to go it alone, she's still been there for the occasional question and also praise when I tell her how I've hit some new targets). I don't think you can underestimate how valuable it is (in the long, slow game that is SA training) having someone to cheer you on with your successes and make you feel like your failures aren't so bad.
Jodie is amazing and I can’t recommend her highly enough! She really goes above and beyond because she actually cares and always made time to help. Jodie is very knowledgeable about underlying problems too. Unfortunately due to medical issues with Billy I had to stop the training but Jodie offered to restart at a later date which was very kind of her.
Welcome to your guide to the best dog trainers in Nottingham City Centre. For those living in this vibrant hub, a well-behaved dog who can handle urban life is essential. Our list focuses on professionals who specialise in city dog training using positive, modern, and effective methods.
Whether you have a new puppy needing socialisation in a busy environment, or an older dog who could benefit from one-to-one obedience training to perfect their leash manners, you'll find an expert here. The trainers we list are experienced in handling the specific needs of dogs in city apartments.
For more significant behavioural challenges like noise sensitivity or being overwhelmed in crowds, we recommend seeking a certified dog behaviourist. These specialists can provide detailed assessments and create a tailored behaviour modification plan to help your dog thrive in the city.