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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Pontypool area.
With Pontypool Park and the surrounding hills, trainers here focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in both town and countryside environments.
Old Roman Rd, Catsash Rd, Newport NP18 1JQ
Tom & Victoria have been absolutely amazing at helping us with our cavapoo puppy ‘Freddie’ since we got him. They gave us a detailed, personalised plan for Freddie after a very thorough assessment which has helped us greatly. The follow up videos from Tom have been invaluable and we will continue to refer back to these for a long time!! They are extremely knowledgeable, always at the end of the phone if you need any help/tips and deeply care about their clients/dogs. Thank you so much Uncle Tom and Victoria!!! Would recommend to anyone
I contacted Pooch on a Pedestal after our rescue puppy started to develop some challenging behaviours at home and outside. Victoria has been so helpful in helping us identify triggers and appropriate interventions and activities for Jimmy to help get him back on track. They have helped us manage doggy sibling relationships, socialisation, fear barking/reactivity, separation and more. I couldn’t be more pleased with the constant support we’ve had at all times and will continue to work with Pooch on a Pedestal moving forward.
Victoria and Tom have a wonderful way about them. They have worked so hard with our rescue dogs. If you value, kindest and experience then these are the team for you and your doggo.
We had a fantastic experience with Victoria and Tom! They were absolutely brilliant with our golden retriever—so patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. They provided us with a really detailed training plan and even sent over a video to help guide us at home, which made a huge difference. They were also incredibly friendly and easy to talk to, which put us (and our dog!) at ease right away. Thanks to their support, he’s doing so well with his training. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for expert, caring trainers!
Tom and Victoria are the Pooch on a Pedestal dream team! When we adopted our working cocker spaniel puppy we were at a loss as how to best train her and meet her insatiable energy levels! After an initial assessment and intense training sessions with Victoria, Sadie has been going on regular socialization walks with Tom and has recently graduated to ‘cocker club’ 😂 we are so grateful to Tom and Victoria for their expert knowledge and genuine affection for the dogs they work with. Their advice and support guided us through the early stages, helping us to understand Sadie and facilitating her smooth transition into our family. Thank you! 🐶🐾
Wonastow Mill, Mitchel Troy, Monmouth NP25 4BD
Helen made myself and Sully very welcome to the course. The course was informative and relaxed, the training techniques Helen uses are very good. It’s not only about teaching your dog, it’s also teaching you how to manage your dog’s behaviours. Sully was very shy and would not interact with the other dogs, but with Helen’s advice, allowing Sully to interact at his own pace over the weeks, by week 7 he showed signs of wanting to checkout the other dogs, week 8 he was more relaxed to met the other dogs during the social time sessions. Now need to keep practicing and reinforcing what we have learnt over the 8 weeks. Thank you Helen for your patience and expertise.
I have just completed a 4 session one to one training with Helen as I had just taken on a 5 year old rescue and she was very reactive to other dogs. The course was really relaxed, informative and enjoyable for my dog and myself. Over the 4 sessions I can see a great difference in my dog. I still have to work on several areas with her but she is progressing well. I can highly recommend Helen.
Thank you, Helen, for a really informative and helpful puppy course. It was great to meet up with other puppy owners each week. All the dogs seemed to have so much fun. George will especially miss his snuffle mat! Thank you for your support and excellent training advice which we will continue to put into practice. The videos are proving especially helpful. We look forward to meeting you again in the near future. Kind regards Karen and George.
Although I have previously owned a dog from puppy stage, it was good to have Helen holding my hand, as some thinking has changed and also, it's easy to forget the basics with passing of time. Helen provided calm and instructive training and was very willing to deal with any problems which arose. I am looking forward to taking Maisy to Helen's adult classes when Maisy is older
A big thank you to Helen, who has helped us to train our 3 and a half year old dog. Her lead walking and recall have improved greatly. Helen has given us valuable guidance on how to understand dog behaviour, which has enhanced our relationship with our dog. Thank you Helen.
Llanellen, Abergavenny NP7 9HT
Excellent secure field that our dog loves
Really love this field. Vert safe, well priced. We use it regularly.
My very anxious Old English Sheepdog really enjoyed galloping around the field! Lots of interest for the dogs and seats for the humans in lovely well- maintained surroundings. We will certainly be back soon.
19 Newton Wynd, Cwmbran NP44 4DZ
I had Jose come round and give some advice on my complete menace to society. Very helpful and gave lots of help and guidance. What I learnt im implementing and it's working wonders, he Is always at hand if needed for any thing.can now enjoy some social time with my dog.
Absolutely brilliant experience with South Wales Dog Training, Jose Boza! We were at our wits' end with our two chocolate labs, Hugo and Theo. Despite reading countless books and watching all the training shows, they were still full of manic energy—jumping, barking, and getting way too excited whenever anyone came to visit. Walks became stressful, and their size alone was enough to scare other dog walkers—even though all they wanted to do was make friends! The constant hyperactivity from 6am until bedtime was overwhelming, and we knew we needed help. That’s when we found Jose, and honestly, we can’t recommend him enough. In just a 3-hour session, he transformed our chaos into calm. It turned out we were showing too much affection at the wrong times, food at the wrong times,unknowingly reinforcing the behaviour. Jose explained everything so clearly and gave us simple, effective tools that worked immediately. We were amazed at how quickly the boys picked it up—no more lead pulling, no more charging at the door barking, and the difference in their behaviour was almost instant. It’s only been a few hours since the session, but the change is already incredible. The house is calm, the boys are relaxed, and for the first time in a long time, we feel hopeful and excited about what’s to come. Can't wait to keep practising and see how far we can go with Jose’s support!
Jose is a master of not only dog training but human training too. He has helped us to put together steps to enrich our puppy’s life and to give us the best opportunities to make her a wonderful dog. Easy to understand commands and techniques to communicate with our puppy without actually needing to say anything and the speed at which it had an impact was amazing. Results from just 30mins. Now we can carry on with confidence that we are using the right tools and techniques with her and getting the best for all of us. We highly recommend Jose and hope you take the steps to give him the opportunity to impart his wisdom too.
I had a very naughty English bull terrier and within 1 session things changed and with a shot burst of training he was walking happily off the lead!
Amazing trainer, our puppy wouldn't walk properly on his lead and would jump and bite it. Within 1.5 hours he's a completely different dog! Cant recommend Jose enough!! 100% recommended.
Pen-Y, Worlod Road, Penhow, Newport NP26 3AJ
We ve been struggling with our 11 month old ES walking on a lead as its not enjoyable taking her out. She's very strong and pulls constantly and I ve been pulled off my feet several times. Also her recall is nt great.She only comes when she wants to. We d love to beable to let her off her lead, but couldnever see that happening. Richard has been working with Maisie for 2 weeks so far. She s had 2 x 4hr sessions each week concentrating on her walking and recall using a long lead which gives her the freedom to explore. The change in her is incredible. Rich keeps us updated with videos when he s out and about with her and we meet up towards the end of a session to see her progress and for us to learn what to do. We highly recommend Richard and wish we d found him sooner. Maisie seems to adore him and i know she's safe and in the best possible hands to be trained.Its amazing to watch Maisie responding to Richard and she loves her training sessions We re going to continue her training as there is still a little more work with her recall before we are confident to let her off lead. We can t thank Richard enough.
I contacted Rich to help with my anxious dog who had begun to show signs of resource guarding me. Rich came to my house and quickly and accurately assessed the situation. During his home visit we discussed undesirable behaviours and ways to change these. He provided advice on improving my dogs confidence and also demonstrated how to implement strategies in order to help her make better choices. The next day I received a written report detailing our discussions. Having been implementing his advice for several months now, I can happily report we are both much happier and more settled. And I am confident I have the necessary tools to deal with any instances of resource guarding should the arise again.
Contacted Rich about 4 weeks ago about concerns with my 20 month old male GSD very bad reactivity. Initially Rich came to see Harvey in his own environment and carry out a behavioural assessment. Within 24hrs, I was in receipt of his assessment and then a training plan was implemented. Harvey has been having 2 x 4hr sessions with Rich on his own for the last 3 weeks and the difference in his reactivity is incredible. Harvey is now so much confident in being near and around dogs it has made walking him so much more enjoyable than the stressful event it constantly was. Due to the results so far, Harvey is going to continue with Rich who is now going to work on being able to attend coffee shops, pubs, beer gardens etc and continue the journey in getting the well balanced and confident dog that is in him. I cannot recommend Rich enough as apart from the results with Harvey so far, Harvey has bonded with him and it so pleasing to know that you are leaving you bestie with someone who takes really could care of them. Rich is my 4th trainer trying to deal and correct Harvey's reactivity and I only wish, I could have known about and employed his services a year ago. Thanks Rich for everything so far👍👏👏👏
After just four hours with Rich I can now see a practical way forward in what I thought was an impossible situation with my Jack Russell. His extreme sensitivity to noise gave him crippling anxiety, which has made walking him anywhere on the lead outside near impossible. Within hours Rich gained full control of my dog and had him walking on the lead next to him in a totally controlled manner. My dog enjoyed being outside for the first time in a very long time (even with cars passing by) - it was wonderful to see. I feel positively inspired to move forward with the things Rich taught me with a totally new outlook on the situation, whilst balancing the personal stresses of life. I could not thank him enough.
Rich was amazing. After a big character change in our all dog loving pup, from over loving everybody without manners, to reactive and what appeared to be aggression. I was beside myself, many tears and too anxious to walk him anymore by myself. Of course blaming myself thinking what I may have done wrong to do this. Rich was non-judgemental, calm, not pushy to sell his service whatsoever. I am so pleased we chose Rich as Arnie was at ease with him right away, we have already started seeing a positive difference, and I feel more confident. HIGHlY recommend x thank you x
Finding qualified dog trainers in Pontypool means connecting with professionals who understand the unique character of this historic South Wales town nestled in the beautiful Torfaen valley. From training puppies in residential areas near Pontypool Park to managing reactive dogs along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal towpath, our experienced trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored to local conditions.
Serving all areas including Pontypool town centre, Griffithstown, New Inn, and surrounding valleys, we've successfully trained over 850 dogs throughout Torfaen in recent years. Our expertise addresses the unique aspects of dog ownership in this Welsh community, from navigating busy George Street to enjoying off-lead exercise at Pontypool Park and Goytre Wharf.
Pontypool presents distinct training requirements shaped by its mix of valley terrain, community parks, and rural walking routes. The town's excellent green spaces including the expansive Pontypool Park, Panteg Playing Fields, and canal-side paths provide wonderful training environments, but also mean dogs encounter livestock, wildlife, and other canines regularly, making proper recall and socialisation absolutely essential.
Our trainers specialise in preparing dogs for Pontypool's unique challenges, from desensitising them to the sounds of the nearby A4042 and trains at Pontypool and New Inn station to building confidence around the busy market atmosphere and hill walking conditions. Whether your dog needs to master lead walking on steep valley paths or develop reliable recall near grazing sheep in surrounding fields, we provide training that works in real-world local situations.
Our puppy programmes focus on the critical 8-16 week socialisation period, introducing young dogs to Pontypool's environment including traffic noise, canal-side activity, and the varied terrain of local parks. Training covers house training, crate training, bite inhibition, and essential commands, with controlled socialisation sessions helping puppies develop confidence around other dogs, children, and the diverse situations encountered in valley communities.
Given Pontypool's proximity to open countryside and livestock, reliable recall proves essential. We develop off-lead reliability suitable for enjoying Pontypool Park's woodland trails and canal walks while maintaining control near wildlife and farm animals. Training builds bombproof responses despite distractions, ensuring your dog can exercise safely in Torfaen's beautiful outdoor spaces.
Our behaviour modification programmes address leash reactivity, fear-based responses, and aggression using positive reinforcement methods. We work in real-world environments like the canal towpath and local parks, gradually building your dog's tolerance and teaching calm responses to triggers commonly encountered in Pontypool's community spaces.
Dog training in Pontypool typically costs £35-60 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £120-200. Group classes range from £10-18 per session, offering excellent value. Many local trainers provide free initial consultations and mobile services throughout Torfaen without additional travel charges.
Absolutely. We specialise in training dogs for the mixed terrain and livestock encounters common around Pontypool. Training includes reliable recall near sheep, navigating steep valley paths, and responding to commands despite wildlife distractions. Most dogs achieve countryside reliability within 8-12 weeks of consistent training, essential for safely enjoying the beautiful walking routes surrounding the town.
Professional dog training in Pontypool creates well-adjusted companions ready for both town and countryside life. Our proven methods combine expert techniques with local knowledge, ensuring your dog thrives whether walking through Pontypool Park, along the canal, or exploring surrounding valleys. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a perfectly trained dog suited to life in this wonderful Welsh community.