Ad
Our curated list of the best professionals in the heart of St Albans.
With the historic Verulamium Park and its lake, trainers here focus on creating confident city dogs comfortable with busy streets, wildlife, and social environments.
17 Long Mdw, Markyate, St Albans AL3 8JW
Neil at HT Dog Training was absolutely fantastic! He’s worked wonders with my Jack Russell, helping her build so much confidence and focus. Every session was brilliant, always varied, engaging, and perfectly tailored to her needs. I really appreciated Neil’s approach to training, using positive reinforcement and always teaching with patience and kindness. His communication was excellent too; he was always just a message away whenever I needed extra advice between sessions. I can’t recommend HT Dog Training highly enough!
There aren’t enough words to describe just how fantastic Neil at HT Dog Training is. The improvement in the obedience, focus and overall behaviour of our rescue Husky is remarkable! Neil doesn’t actually train the dog… he coaches the owner on how to train the dog. His methods are, in principle, simple and follow the same fundamental impulse control techniques regardless of the behaviour being taught… he doesn’t baffle you with science (but he knows it all), he just explains the process in very easy to understand and relatable language, which really helps to add the context! Neil sent me the picture attached… if you had told me my dog would sit between my legs and remain focused on me like this after just 6 sessions, I’d have laughed so hard! As Neil always says, ‘there’s no such thing as a stubborn dog, just a dog that hasn’t been given a good enough reason to do what’s being asked of him’… and Neil will equip you with everything you need to find that good reason every time (well, 80% of the time, because dogs are still dogs)! I’m forever grateful for the support and guidance Neil has given us, and can’t wait to continue the journey!!
Excellent puppy training course. Neil is very well qualified and sets realistic training and goals. I was nervous on my first lesson with Bonnie but Neil made us feel at ease. The classes are fun but you and your pup are learning at the same time. Neil also has time for individual questions and always offered constructive advice. Looking forward to continuing on to the next classes that Neil offers.
We absolutely love our 1-2-1 sessions at Husky Tails Training. Its a fantastic investment to have that bond and be able to walk together. The sessions are enjoyable and Neil is a lovely person which makes the sessions easy flowing and tailored to our needs. We will recommend to everyone and thank you so much for taking us on as clients 🥰
I would highly recommend Neil at HT Dog Training - I needed help with loose lead walking as my dog was pulling & also being reactive with other dogs. So going for walks was becoming stressful. Right from the beginning my French Bulldog absolutely adored Neil and really enjoys the training sessions, he is fully engaged and is learning quickly. I feel much more in tune with him & his needs and this has made our connection even stronger. Which was an unexpected bonus from our training sessions. Thank you so much we are finally enjoying our walks !
Smug Oak Ln, Colney Street, St Albans AL2 3PN
Tony has been going to canine karma for a couple of months now, and he absolutely loves it! The staff are so genuinely loving towards him and treat him like their own! He gets so excited when Eddie comes to pick him up, I was worried at first as Tony is a rescue and can be wary with men, but Eddie was amazing and Tony was instantly at ease. I can relax at work knowing he is well looked after with all the staff. Amazing communication throughout the day and so easy to book In. Wouldn’t have Tony anywhere else now!
Love the guys here, love their work with our working GSD.
Great day care, wonderful kennels in King's Langley and dog training available.
Is that perfect place for dog
Great place to give a dog a run out
11 London Rd, St Albans AL1 1LA
After too many years of avoiding the gym, or any strength exercises really, I found myself with a hip issue. I chose Dan to help me with my rehab & strengthening. He was great. He pitched my exercises at just the right level, and we saw my strength grow over the weeks. He has re-ignited my interest in going to the gym, by demonstrating the benefits of correct & regular exercises. I now feel much stronger, younger, and more confident. Thanks Dan!
I had the pleasure of working with Dan for over a year, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly. He is extremely knowledgeable, not just about strength training but also about proper form and injury prevention. One of my biggest challenges was a weak shoulder, and Dan helped me strengthen it significantly while ensuring I trained safely and effectively. Beyond that, he introduced me to a variety of new movements and training methods that have set me up for long-term success in the gym. His approach is well-rounded, focusing on both building strength and improving technique, which has made a huge difference in my progress. On top of his expertise, Dan is engaging and makes every session enjoyable. He pushes you to improve while keeping things fun and motivating. If you’re looking for a trainer who is skilled, supportive, and genuinely invested in your progress, Dan is the one to go to!
I can’t recommend Dan highly enough! He is incredibly knowledgeable and always had the answers to any questions I had. Not only did I make fantastic progress in a short space of time, but I genuinely enjoyed every session. Dan doesn’t just motivate you to push through ‘one more rep’; he also takes the time to teach you about muscles, biology, diet, and recovery from mild injuries. When I was struggling to lose weight, Dan worked with me to adapt my diet and workout regime, helping me finally achieve my goals. Later, when I hit a wall with building muscle, he adjusted everything again to keep me progressing. Every time I faced a challenge, Dan seemed to have the perfect solution. If you want a PT who knows their stuff and makes training enjoyable, Dan is the one to call!
I trained with Dan for 3 months to get more confident with weights and learn what exercises are good for my body. He was a fantastic personal trainer and I am so glad that I did it. Dan is really knowledgeable about the science behind why and how to do exercises correctly and this always leads to an informative and safe session. I would recommend Dan to anyway who is interested in personal training, especially if you want to improve form and your knowledge of how to use equipment.
I recently completed Dan’s 6 week kickstarter programme. Dan’s training and support was exceptional during the process leading to significant strength improvements as well as supporting me with getting into a healthier routine that I have continued with since the programme. During the programme I injured my knee and Dan flexibly re-arranged the sessions and built recovery exercises in which led to a speedy recovery and also increased my understanding of proper recovery. Thanks again - Ben
42 Kimberley Rd, St Albans AL3 5PX
We had a very good experience with Harley’s doggie services. Will definitely be using all of the services regularly for the long term!
Great job. I can recommend.
Had an excellent service from Nick today. Right from the outset, he was very flexible and accommodating when booking. My dog had previously had a poor experience with another groomer so felt a little apprehensive but Nick was so kind, gentle and patient. He reassured me that he would take his time and go slowly. Bertie was the happiest dog ever when I picked him up. He looked and smelt lovely. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Nick. You can clearly see that he’s passionate about what he does and loves dogs! Your dog will be in very safe hands. Thank you so much.
Another fantastic groom by Nick. Brilliant service thank you!!
Really great and friendly service. Thank you!
Adam Cottage, Markyate, St Albans AL3 8AD
Suzie at Leadership dog training, is patient, informative and helps you to understand your dog. Can't rate her high enough.
Suzy is absolutely fantastic xx
Merlin loves it
Finding qualified dog trainers in St Albans City Centre means accessing professionals who understand the unique blend of historic urban environments and green spaces that define this cathedral city. From training puppies to navigate the cobbled streets near St Albans Cathedral to managing reactive dogs in bustling Verulamium Park, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training and behaviour modification programmes tailored to city centre living.
Serving AL1, AL2, and AL3 postcode areas throughout St Albans, we've successfully trained over 1,800 dogs in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the specific challenges of dog ownership in this vibrant city, from navigating busy market days on St Peter's Street to enjoying off-lead exercise at Clarence Park.
St Albans City Centre presents distinct training requirements shaped by its mix of Roman heritage sites, busy shopping streets, and accessible parkland. The city's popularity with tourists and families means dogs encounter constant activity along French Row and George Street, making excellent lead manners and calm behaviour around distractions essential for stress-free walks.
Our trainers specialise in preparing dogs for St Albans' unique environment, including navigating crowds during the twice-weekly Charter Market, remaining calm near the busy railway station, and developing reliable recall in Verulamium Park despite swans, ducks, and the lake's temptations. We understand local requirements, ensuring your dog can confidently accompany you to dog-friendly cafés along Holywell Hill and through the historic streets without pulling or reacting.
Our puppy programmes focus on critical early socialisation within St Albans' bustling environment. We systematically expose young dogs to city centre stimuli including traffic along Victoria Street, the bells of St Albans Cathedral, market day crowds, and the diverse surfaces from ancient Roman walls to modern pavements. Training covers house training, basic commands, and controlled socialisation sessions in Clarence Park, building confidence that prevents future behavioural issues.
St Albans' popularity means narrow pavements filled with dogs, prams, and shoppers. Our behaviour modification programmes address leash reactivity, fear-based responses, and over-excitement in busy environments. Using positive reinforcement, we help dogs learn calm responses whether passing the Abbey Gateway, walking through the Maltings Arts Theatre area, or encountering other dogs on paths around Verulamium Lake.
Dog training in St Albans typically costs £50-80 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £220-350. Group classes range from £15-25 per session, reflecting the city's Hertfordshire location and proximity to London.
Verulamium Park offers excellent off-lead training areas, while Clarence Park provides controlled environments for recall work. We also utilise quieter city streets early morning for lead training and distraction work near St Albans Museum and the Roman Theatre.
Yes, well-trained dogs can navigate St Albans' Charter Market confidently. Our training specifically prepares dogs for busy market environments, teaching calm lead walking, settling near stalls, and ignoring food temptations, making market visits enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Professional dog training in St Albans City Centre creates well-mannered companions capable of enjoying everything this historic city offers. Our proven methods combine expert techniques with intimate local knowledge, ensuring your dog thrives whether exploring Roman ruins, relaxing in city centre cafés, or walking along the Ver River. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a perfectly trained St Albans dog.