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Our curated list of the best professionals in the heart of Plymouth.
With the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe offering stunning sea views, trainers here focus on creating confident city dogs comfortable with busy streets and coastal environments.
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.
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
59 Pomphlett Rd, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 7BT
Tracy is brilliant with our dog Cooper. He is always excited for his walk days and we love seeing all the pics of him having a wonderful time! Thank you so much to Tracy!!
Tracy is very accommodating and love the videos she sends of our cat to reassure us when we are away
Can’t rate Tracey highly enough, Barkley loves his walks with her! 🐶
We thoroughly recommend Tracey and Sophie doodles from the bottom of our hearts. Our Golden Retriever Narla, knows exactly when she is being picked up and is so excited we just know she is in good hands!!!
I contacted Tracey last minute as I’d seen her walk my neighbours dog and know that they are very happy. Tracey, although very busy, took the time to help me out and squeezed some walks in for my dog. She came to do a meet and great beforehand and I was really impressed with how professional she was with all her paperwork and knowledge. Thank you so much Tracey, I’ll definitely be in touch again!
Finding qualified dog trainers in Plymouth City Centre connects you with professionals who understand the unique challenges of urban dog ownership in Britain's Ocean City. From training puppies near the historic Barbican to managing reactive dogs along the Hoe waterfront, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and socialisation programmes tailored to city centre living.
Serving the entire PL1, PL2, and PL4 postcode areas including Millbay, Stonehouse, and the waterfront districts, we've successfully trained over 1,800 dogs across Plymouth's city centre in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the specific demands of dog ownership in this vibrant maritime city, from navigating busy Drake Circus to enjoying walks along the historic Royal William Yard.
Plymouth City Centre presents unique training requirements shaped by its compact urban layout, waterfront location, and busy commercial districts. The area's popular walking routes including Plymouth Hoe, Central Park, and the Barbican waterfront mean dogs encounter numerous other canines, tourists, and distractions daily, making proper socialisation and recall training essential for safe, enjoyable walks.
The city centre's mix of apartment living, particularly in new developments around Millbay and Stonehouse, requires dogs with excellent public manners and the ability to navigate shared spaces, lifts, and communal areas. Our trainers specialise in desensitising dogs to urban stimuli including traffic noise on Royal Parade, crowds at Drake Circus Shopping Centre, ferry horns from the Barbican, and the bustling atmosphere of Plymouth Market. We understand local transport requirements, ensuring your dog can confidently travel on city buses and navigate busy pedestrian areas throughout the centre.
Our puppy programmes focus on the critical 8-16 week socialisation window, introducing young dogs to Plymouth's urban environment including traffic noise, crowds, and waterfront activities. Training covers apartment-appropriate house training, crate training for compact living spaces, and essential commands. Controlled socialisation sessions near Central Park and along the Hoe help puppies develop confidence around diverse stimuli, preventing future behavioural issues.
City centre living often reveals or amplifies reactivity issues. Our behaviour modification programmes address leash reactivity on busy pavements, barrier frustration in ground-floor flats, and fear-based responses to urban stimuli. Using positive reinforcement and desensitisation techniques, we help dogs learn calm responses to triggers encountered along Union Street or the crowded Barbican during tourist season.
We specialise in preparing dogs for Plymouth's dog-friendly culture. Training includes settling in cafés around the Barbican, navigating Drake Circus without pulling, and maintaining composure during waterfront walks. Dogs learn appropriate behaviour in busy pedestrian zones, around outdoor dining areas, and in the city's numerous dog-welcoming establishments, making them ideal companions for active city centre lifestyles.
Dog training in Plymouth City Centre typically ranges from £45-70 per hour for private sessions. Multi-session packages cost £320-480 for 6-8 week programmes, while group classes average £15-25 per session. Puppy courses spanning six weeks typically cost £180-300, with specialist behaviour consultations for complex issues ranging from £65-90 for initial assessments.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation period between 8-16 weeks makes early exposure to Plymouth's urban environment essential. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations at approximately 10-12 weeks. Adult and rescue dogs benefit from training at any age, particularly in the city centre's stimulating environment.
Absolutely. We specialise in training dogs to navigate Plymouth's unique waterfront environment including the Barbican, Royal William Yard, and the Hoe. Training addresses specific challenges like ferry activity, seagulls, crowds of tourists, and outdoor dining areas. Most dogs require 4-8 sessions to develop confidence and appropriate behaviour in these high-distraction environments, ensuring enjoyable waterfront experiences for both dog and owner.
Professional dog training in Plymouth City Centre creates confident, well-mannered companions perfectly suited to urban waterfront living. Our proven methods combine evidence-based techniques with intimate knowledge of the city centre's unique characteristics. Whether you live in a Millbay apartment or Stonehouse townhouse, investing in professional training ensures your dog thrives in Plymouth's vibrant heart. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and start your journey toward achieving a perfectly trained city centre dog.