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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Portlethen area.
With its coastal path and local parks, trainers in Portlethen focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in a variety of outdoor settings.
Rohan Fields,, Logie Country Estate,, Pitcaple AB51 5EE
Freddie had the best time at Barkwrights when we were away on holiday. I would highly recommend. Lots of outdoor spaces to explore and play, Freddie was looked after like part of the family. Thank you
I can not recommend Vanya-Louise enough, me and Buddy have been working with Vanya-Louise on a one to one basis for a few weeks and every session is tailored to Buddy's needs. Never underestimate the bond that training gives you and your pup, I'm more confident now and am appreciating all Buddy's small but real life wins! It's a journey and we are having soo much fun, thank you Vanya-Louise xx
We have just finished a block of 3 sessions with Vanya-Louise. Toto absolutley loved it! As did we! Can’t recommend highly enough!
I can't recommend Barkwright puppy classes highly enough. Vanya is an excellent trainer and gives individual tailored advice, ensuring that each pup is set up for success.
Amazing classes and couldn't recommend Vanya-Louise enough! Our dog attended both puppy and junior classes, and it's honestly been such a good thing for him, not only for nailing the basic behaviours, but for socialisation him too! Highly recommend!
Schoolhill Dr, Croft, Aberdeen AB12 4RR
Excellent! Learnt so much about my dog, Denise is great. Thanks again from Louise, Chris and Barry.
We wanted to give a huge shoutout to Denise , who worked absolute magic with our 4-year-old Cavapoo, Molly. Before working with Denise, Molly was a nervous pup, especially around other dogs, and walks had become more stressful than enjoyable. Over 4 training sessions, Denise helped Molly feel calmer and more confident. She not only taught Molly how to manage her interactions, but also gave us the tools to support her in the right way. The difference has been incredible—Molly is now enjoying her walks again, sniffing, tail wagging and all! Seeing her happy, relaxed, and her playful self again has been such a joy. If you're looking for a patient, kind, and truly skilled trainer, Denise is the one. We can't thank her enough!
Denise ‘gets’ dogs. Patient, positive reinforcement, techniques that work.
We had a great 6 weeks! Couldn’t recommend more highly.
4, Lethenty Courtyard, Inverurie AB51 0HU
Just finished a 10 week puppy course and it was absolutely superb. Alex and Amy are brilliant. The course covers loads of practical work but also equally important insight into how your dog thinks and what he or she needs from you. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with a new pup.
Such a fantastic way to learn how you and your puppy think! Such brilliant training for both owners and dogs. Alex applies common sense and principles to teaching you and your pup how to behave and learn from each other. Can’t recommend highly enough. 👍
Just finished a 8week puppy class with Alex and Amy. After going back to having a pup I was nervous and felt overwhelmed however they made the course both enjoyable, easy to follow and achieved goals set. Arthur learned so much as did I and he’s gone on leaps and bounds. Thank you both and knowing you’re always at the end of a phone means so much. Highly recommended xx
Kirkton of Maryculter, Clodagh AB12 5GT
Patricia is very knowledgeable in behaviour, nutrition and training. She has been so patient not only with my dog, but me too, as I can take a while to process the information. Lessons are well structured with a handy recap message sent out later in the day for you to practice. Would highly recommend 👌
We recently completed the Puppy Foundation class with The K9 Camp with our BMD puppy Robyn and couldn’t be more impressed. The small class size made it a comfortable, focused environment where both pups and owners received plenty of individual attention. Patricia the trainer was incredibly knowledgeable and offered excellent hands-on advice throughout the session. Despite having dogs before and attended other training classes, the instructions and commands introduced here were completely new to me—and they totally made sense. Everything was explained clearly and practically, giving us a much better understanding of how to communicate effectively with our puppy. We left the session feeling confident and well-equipped to continue training at home. I 100% recommend this class to any new puppy owner—it’s a game-changer.
Me and my Staffie x puppy just completed the puppy training class and she has come on so well in the last 6 weeks. The training and environment was everything I wanted when I was looking for a puppy class, teaching the dogs to train and stay focused when other dogs and people are around. Patricia gave me some really good advice too and always gives honest feedback to make sure you’re doing everything correct. I recommend her to anyone and everyone looking for puppy classes 😊
Great trainer who understands different methods for different breeds. We have a minature dachshund and she was really good when i didnt want to use a slip lead and found other ways easily to train him! His reactivity has lowered and he is starting to listen to me ! 😀 Booked in for next session and highly recommend!
We decided to take our 11 week old puppy to training classes as early as possible, to get the socialisation of seeing other pups but also ensuring his focus stayed on us while surrounded by these distractions. From the first week Patricia’s training was exactly what we were after, she was very thorough and informative with her training. This is our first puppy so we didn’t have much expectations of what the outcome of the training would be, but I am pleased to say that Patricia outdid our expectations and our puppy has learned a lot of key skills from the training - and so have we! The main skill being walking to heel, as well as learning other basic manners a pup should have. We have also been encouraged to continue training what we learnt even though the block of classes are over, to improve on the manners and skills over time. I would definitely recommend Patricia’s training to anyone with a young puppy.
Unit One, Grampian Pet Services, Barratt Trading Estate, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8JW
We took our rescue cocker spaniel to Alba Dogs to help with her fear of people especially our son. The difference after the first meeting was amazing. Pauline is excellent at what she does, teaching us the t-touch technique made such a difference to our dog’s behaviour. We hadn’t realised all her excitement and needing to be close and touched all the time was actually stressing her out, which in turn was making her hyper alert of people in the house. Lovely to see her now have fun with toys etc but then be able to reset in a calm and safe way. Thanks Pauline!
I decided to try my 2 dogs with sensory work after realising how stressed my Westie was with traffic. The first session was interesting as Wallace (Westie) was not really interested and crying and Harris (Scottie) had a little try but didn’t last too long. However we persevered and both boys now absolutely love the sensory work and have developed a keen nose for a trail. The sensory helps bring them back down when they are overwhelmed and hyped up. And best of all - they sleep when they get back as they are so chilled out. Pauline’s set up is amazing - never seen anything else like it - and highly recommend her calm, knowledgeable presence.
My dog loves his experiences with Pauline at Alba Dogs, where it's emmet, t-touch, ace freework or a sensory experience. He loves it all, he will gravitate towards Pauline for some touching relief and positions himself to show and allow her to provide him with the touch he seeks. It's wonderful as an owner to watch and learn how to help our dogs in a safe, clean and relaxing environment. Keep on keeping on Pauline xxx
Pauline is fantastic, my dog Zero is scared meeting new people but took to Pauline straight away. He had his first ACE free work session and I can’t believe how much we have both gained from it already! I could see his confidence growing before my eyes and I drove home with a chilled dog happily watching the world go by out the window instead of the usual crazed barking! We will be back very soon!
Pauline is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate and supportive. Being in the Alba dogs room allows you to spend time with your dog in a unique way, strengthening your bond and learning to support them with things they may find difficult. Whether attending ACE freework, TTouch workshops or training, or popping along for a sensory session, your dog WILL thank you for it. I’m so glad to have been visiting Pauline with my rescue dog for over two years. I have no doubt it has improved his wellbeing, behaviour, and helped us work through life’s challenges with a better understanding of each other.
Finding qualified dog trainers in Portlethen means connecting with professionals who understand the unique needs of this thriving Aberdeenshire town. From training puppies in residential areas near Portlethen Academy to managing reactive dogs along coastal paths at Findon, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and socialisation programmes tailored to local conditions.
Serving Portlethen, Newtonhill, and surrounding communities, we've successfully trained over 850 dogs in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the challenges of dog ownership in this growing town, from navigating busy Asda car parks to enjoying off-lead exercise at Portlethen Playing Fields.
Portlethen presents distinct training requirements shaped by its coastal location and mix of residential estates. The town's proximity to Aberdeen means dogs must adapt to both quiet suburban streets and busier environments when visiting the city. Popular walking routes along the coastal paths require solid recall training, while the town's expanding housing developments introduce dogs to construction noise and changing landscapes.
Our trainers specialise in addressing local challenges including North Sea wind desensitisation, adapting to Aberdeenshire's variable weather, and building confidence around livestock in surrounding rural areas. We understand that many Portlethen residents commute to Aberdeen, making reliable behaviour essential for dogs who may spend time at daycare or with dog walkers during working hours.
Our puppy programmes focus on early development during the critical 8-16 week period. We introduce young dogs to Portlethen's environment including traffic along the A90, crowds at local shops, and coastal conditions. Training covers house training, crate training, and basic commands, with socialisation sessions helping puppies develop confidence around other dogs and diverse situations.
For dogs ready for advanced training, we develop reliable off-lead control essential for enjoying Portlethen's outdoor spaces safely. Sessions focus on recall despite distractions, distance commands, and emergency stops, ensuring dogs respond reliably whether at Portlethen Playing Fields or exploring coastal paths near Findon.
Dog training in Portlethen typically ranges from £35-65 per hour for private sessions. Group classes cost £10-18 per session, while comprehensive puppy programmes average £120-220 for six weeks. Many trainers offer free initial consultations and mobile services throughout Portlethen and surrounding areas.
Puppy training should begin immediately when you bring your dog home, typically around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation window between 8-16 weeks makes early exposure essential. However, dogs of all ages benefit from training, and adult dogs can learn new behaviours regardless of their history.
Yes, we specialise in training dogs for Aberdeenshire's mixed environment. This includes livestock awareness for rural areas, confidence building for coastal walks with wind and waves, and reliable recall in open spaces. Training prepares dogs for the diverse conditions they'll encounter around Portlethen and the surrounding countryside.
Professional dog training in Portlethen creates well-adjusted companions suited to both suburban and coastal lifestyles. Our proven methods combine evidence-based techniques with local knowledge, ensuring your dog thrives in this growing Aberdeenshire community. Whether you live in newer developments or established areas, investing in professional training ensures your dog becomes the confident, reliable companion you've envisioned. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a perfectly trained dog.