Our curated list of the best professionals in the Tavistock area.
As a gateway to Dartmoor, trainers in Tavistock focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in both a bustling market town and the open moorland.
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.
Unit 1E, Westbridge Ind. Est, Tavistock PL19 8DE
I have been taking my dog weekly/bi weekly for a couple of months due to a shoulder injury. John has been nothing short of amazing, always super calm, the facility is spotless and a delight to be in. My collie can be really fussy and won't let some people touch him. But he now jumps out the van and walks in with John (without me). Im also super untrustying with people handing him, but I trust John entirely. Mako grows in confidence here every week. Couldn't reccomend them more!
We are seeing real time positive results with our elderly dog’s mobility. K9 Hydrotherapy is a professional , friendly, and dog oriented service. We would strongly recommend this service for any dog, especially if your elderly dogs needs a little help and support with mobility. It’s working wonders for our elderly dog. Also help and dietary support is also given to help reduce weight and take the stain off your dog’s joints.
Great service and expertise. Good therapy for my golden Labrador after breaking her leg…… absolutely recommend Jon and K9…….
Wouldn't take our dog any where else, Jon is fabulous!!
Jon is absolutely fantastic with my woof who isn’t the bravest when it comes to swimming. He’s swam all three of our dogs and he is incredibly calm and patient with them. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough
Week St Mary, Holsworthy EX22 6XQ
I am so happy Pirate Dog was reccomended to me to help with training my dog. The information I recieved was very informative and helpful and although it's only day one on my own I managed to put into pratice what Nik taught me and had 3 quite dog walks today. Not one bark at other dogs all day. I would highly reccomend for your reactive dog.
Nik has given me a great deal to think about whilst bringing up my pup. Informative and full of brilliant advice for play and training. (Training me!!) Highly recommend.
Booked an appointment with Nik as we have an anxious reactive rescue dog. Nik asked us many questions in order to get a picture of Minnie’s triggers. After several hours and a practice walk on The Downs, Nik gave us positive reinforcement tips and tools on how to de-sensitise her around other dogs. Now feeling alot more confident and able to put this advice into practice. Nik also offers aftercare support which is fantastic should we need any further help. Thoroughly recommend.
Nik came to us yesterday as Rudy has bad Noise Phobia. He spent quite a long time with us asking lots of questions and producing a plan for us to follow. We are just starting on what is not going to be a quick fix, but are feeling confident that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Rudy loved Nik, especially the treats! It is very reassuring to know we are not alone!
Nik is an amazing photographer & very professional. He was great with both my dogs (Little Pix & Albie), taking his time while rewarding them with treats & a fuss. He really captured both their personalities in the pictures and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I 100% recommend Nik to anyone wanting lovely photos of their four legged friends. Thank-you Nik.
Ivanhoe Rd, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1PG
I attend Cassie's agility classes with my collie Hero. I wouldn't choose any other trainer to go to. It is so clear how passionate Cassie is in the work that she does. She I brilliant with all the dogs and goes out of her way to adapt things for each individual dogs way of learning. Classes are really enjoyable and it is clear that Hero enjoys them too.
As a vet who has a lot of interest in dog training I really really struggled to find a dog trainer whose methods align with what I know is evidence based dog training and what I feel is right. Over the course of 2 years and struggling with our dog’s training we kissed one too many ‘frogs’ of dog trainers who either didn’t listen, used out of date methods or were just downright mean to us and our precious poodle… until we met Cassie. I don’t want to make her head too big but she’s brilliant: kind, fair, and firm while getting the most out of every dog she trains. We’ve been doing agility with Cassie for almost a year now and our poodle Carmen has come on leaps and bounds. She loves the classes, adores Cassie even more and it’s had such a wonderful impact on our relationship. We’re looking forward to eventually, hopefully, being good enough to compete in agility but with Cassie’s training I know we’re in good hands. Being a member of the agility team GB she knows what she’s doing. Hopefully she can walk out her front door now I’ve made her head so big 😂 But genuinely, from agility training to puppy training and general understanding of canine psychology there aren’t many dog trainers as good as her 🐩
My working cocker and I have attended training classes with Cassie since my pup was 4.5 months old (she is now 2 years old). We started with Cassie's puppy skills course, followed by her adolescent life skills course, then her agility foundations course, and now we attend weekly agility training. All of Cassie's training uses positive reinforcement techniques - no lead jerks, sssshhing, harsh punishment, etc. It's important to remember her training is as much (if not more) about training YOU than training your dog. She's a fair, clear but no-nonsense trainer. She will always listen to your concerns and give you suitable ways to help your dog understand what you're asking of them. Most importantly, my dog LOVES Cassie - always so happy to see her (and I think the feeling is mutual!). Cassie invests in your pooch and has a drive to see your dog be happy, challenged, and able to think about - and do - the right thing. As new dog owners, we value Cassie's expertise, support, and friendship. I highly recommend Thinking Dog for general training classes and definitely for her agility training.
The best trainer we have ever been to ! So positive and not only do I enjoy doing it my crazy spaniel loves going. We current go every Saturday morning and honestly the dog knows never seen so much excitement plus so loves Cassie ! The first trainer we have been to and seen REAL RESULTS. Honestly couldn’t recommend enough.
I train with Cassie for agility and have done so for about a year. She is amazing!!! She has the most incredible intuition when it comes to dogs. She sees things and picks up on things that most others would miss. She is a very thorough agility trainer, erring on the side of 'steady but safe' rather than rushing you and your dog's exposure to different elements of a course just for the sake of it. She is a straight talking lady so prepare to hear the truth on your training styles and your dog's behaviour. It comes from a place of professionalism and a vested interest in the animals well being, so I have nothing but love for Cassie. I plan on sticking with her for as long as she'll have me! :)
Welcome to your guide to the best dog trainers in Tavistock. This historic market town is a great place for dog owners. Finding a trainer who can help your dog be a polite companion is key. Our list focuses on professionals who use positive, modern, and effective training methods.
Whether you need a puppy class for essential socialisation, one-to-one obedience sessions to improve leash skills, or advanced training, you'll find an expert here. The trainers we list are experienced in handling the needs of dogs in the Tavistock area.
For more significant behavioural challenges like livestock worrying or poor recall, we recommend a certified dog behaviourist. These specialists, serving the Tavistock area, can provide detailed assessments and create a tailored behaviour modification plan.