Our curated list of the best professionals in the Tillicoultry area.
At the foot of the Ochil Hills, trainers in Tillicoultry are experts at preparing dogs for hillwalking adventures, teaching reliable recall and responsible countryside behaviour.
20 Whitehouse Rd, Stirling FK7 7SS
Henris favourite place. Can't ask for more. Great facilities friendly staff and look out for your dog.
Teddy loves going to day care and staff are so nice and Teddy is always excited when he gets there.
Mavis absolutely loves going 😊
So glad I joined safe paws. I had such an anxious little pup who couldn't stand to be away from me, now he can't wait to get into the centre in the mornings. Really changed his life! So grateful to all the staff and everything they have done to help him. Can't recommend them enough!
Da Heim, Bogside, Alloa FK10 3QD
Kirsty was brilliant especially as our first appointment was via Zoom during lockdown. Her knowledge of dogs, their developmental stages, possible needs was fantastic and she pre-empted some of our questions as she worked through what we should be thinking about in the early stages. Her reports were really helpful with reminders of what we had discussed. Our other meetings were in person and focussed on things pertinent to the age and stage of the dog giving us some useful hints and tips along the way. She clearly loves her job. Thank you
Kirsty is an absolutely fantastic trainer who I have been having 1 to 1 sessions with for my reactive Bulgarian rescue dog. She's insightful and kind and her training methods have been working brilliantly for Indigo. Her prices are reasonable for the service you receive - I always look forward to our training sessions!
I have been working with Kirsty with my ;Labrador pup. Due to lockdown we had to have 2 zoom calls. Both were so helpful. Kirsty gave me lots of advise to get over the biting stage with loads of distractions. Also to work on his recall. We finally had a 121 session. Highly recommend Kirsty she is so knowledgeable and easy to be with.
Excellent trainer
I'm in the middle of one-to-one sessions with Kirsty to deal with some reactiveness issues with my 2.5 year old working cocker. What we've achieved in just two sessions is remarkable! The advice Kirsty gives makes complete sense and she explains it in such a way that both Willow and I got the hang of it pretty quickly - the results were almost instant. I now know that I'm on the right path so I just need to persevere and we'll get there! Kirsty's knowledge of dogs is impressive, she's so reassuring and encouraging too. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone. Look forward to our last session once restrictions ease off.
Station Wynd, Doune FK16 6EH
Lydia and Clare have been a huge part of our training journey with our puppy over the past 2 years. We’ve been to their group training classes, had one-to-one sessions and training walks. They have helped us to train, understand and ultimately have a much better relationship with our pup. They’ve also been so supportive with what it can feel like being a new dog owner, and our many questions and more challenging stages. Can’t recommend them highly enough.
I have a really reactive dog, and over the years we've worked with a couple of previous trainers who didn't really understand the challenges we have. I'd pretty much resigned myself to having a bad dog, who'd never get better, but our vets recommended Talking Tails and I thought try one last time. Honestly we've come on leaps and bounds. I actually can't believe how much progress he's made. Lydia and Clare are really great at reading his body language and working to his tolerance, which has really built up his confidence. We've had lots of doggy encounters recently which I would never have even thought possible before working with Talking Tails. Would highly recommend!
Clare and Lydia have worked wonders with my dogs. I had a very nervous labrador, they taught me how to see the signs and ease her worries about other dogs. They taught both dogs to have excellent recall and used their natural intelligence to teach them tricks. I honestly can't recommend Talking Tails highly enough.
Unit 86, Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk, Stirling FK7 7XY
We have a 2 yer old rescue springer that came with some issues. We contatcted SDBC and had a home visit from Scott - who clearly knows his stuff. He manged to get Leo walking on a loose lead outside our garden - which I thought I would never see. Ann's training videos are a fantastic resource. Leo is a work in progress, but now we have the tools and tips to help bring out the wonderful dog he can be
Scott was so helpful when he came to visit me and my dog who had been displaying signs of aggressive behaviour. The way he explained the reasons for the behaviour and the selection of training exercises he showed me was so helpful.
We reached out to SBDC after adopting Oakley, our Springador and needing some help with some behaviours and general training. Scott came out to the house for our 1-2-1 and gave us some tips and games to work on with Oakley to begin helping him. He also took a thorough background of Oakley in order to fully understand what we were looking for help with and so he was able to get to know Oakley. Scott then suggested a class for Oakley to attend. Oakley has been to class twice now and absolutely loves it. We can’t believe the difference in his behaviour already, he’s like a different dog. We can’t wait to continue seeing his progress and continuing his journey with SBDC.
I got my German shepherd when she was 12 weeks old. I got an induction here the following week. From there on she attended once a week. Sometimes a bit more. I personally struggle to be away from my dog, she’s never left alone for any more than a few hours. I never had lots of money to spend on training either. But grew up with German Shepherds so had that knowledge of the hard work it is. This school is ideal for us, as you can tell all the workers adore the dogs. So for me the peace of mind is important more than anything. Watching the dogs eagerly go in, it actually reminds me of Christmas Day. My dog loves going there, infact she doesn’t like going in cars. But if I tell her she’s going to the puppy school as I call it. She jumps in quickly and is so excited and happy. I believe my dog attending there for last 17 months has helped with training even though it’s just daycare. We moved house and on walks she sometimes meets other dogs in her school. The breed itself love company and socialising. This has helped her along to become the amazing dog she is. It’s a good routine for her. It works out £28 for a full day but this isn’t too much more than your standard dog walking service which is usually only 1 hour. I liked the way they care for my dog in the hot weather, as they put a cooling coat on her. They also have the doggy pools and they post pictures and videos of the dogs which is reassuring for me. The entrance in the car park was not good but that has been done up, there is also a shop you can buy treats, food toys and accessories. They are all good standard. The advisers know a lot about dogs so this knowledge comes in handy if you have a particular question etc. I’d recommend this service as it’s from 730 am until 6pm. The dogs are very well looked after. It’s all very secure and safe.
1 Broomhill Pl, Stirling FK7 9LW
Great training, highly recommend
Excellent teaching. We have taken all 3 of our dogs there and would definitely recommend.
Finding a qualified dog trainer in Tillicoultry means connecting with someone who understands the unique character of this historic Hillfoots town nestled beneath the Ochil Hills. Whether you're training a puppy to navigate the woodland paths around Tillicoultry Glen or managing a reactive dog on walks through Devonside, our experienced trainer delivers personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored to rural Scottish life.
Serving Tillicoultry and surrounding areas including Dollar, Alva, and Menstrie, we've successfully trained dogs throughout Clackmannanshire for over 8 years. Our local expertise addresses the specific needs of dog ownership in this close-knit community, from navigating the historic Mill Glen to enjoying off-lead exercise on the Ochil Hills footpaths.
Tillicoultry presents distinct training opportunities shaped by its position between urban amenities and stunning natural landscapes. The town's proximity to the Ochil Hills provides excellent training environments with varying terrain, but also means dogs encounter sheep, wildlife, and other hillwalkers, making solid recall and livestock awareness absolutely essential for safe countryside access.
Our trainer specialises in addressing local challenges including desensitising dogs to farm animals along rural lanes, building confidence on uneven hillside paths, and ensuring reliable behaviour in the town's compact centre near the Co-op and local shops. We understand the importance of creating well-mannered dogs suited to both peaceful residential streets like Ochil Street and the busier A91 corridor.
Our puppy programmes build essential foundations during the critical early weeks, introducing young dogs to Tillicoultry's environment including traffic on Stirling Street, the sounds of the community, and safe socialisation with other dogs. Training covers house training, crate training, basic commands, and developing confidence around livestock—crucial for any dog living near agricultural land.
Given Tillicoultry's rural setting, we specialise in developing bombproof recall essential for enjoying local walks safely. Training includes livestock awareness protocols required on footpaths around the Ochils, emergency stops when encountering sheep, and reliable responses despite wildlife distractions. This ensures your dog can explore the beautiful surrounding countryside responsibly while remaining under complete control.
Dog training in Tillicoultry typically costs £35-55 per hour for private sessions, with package deals offering better value at £200-350 for 6-week programmes. Group classes when available generally cost £10-18 per session. These rates reflect local pricing while ensuring professional, qualified instruction.
Tillicoultry's location means many popular walking routes pass through or near farmland with sheep and cattle. Dogs must be trained to ignore livestock to comply with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, prevent dangerous chasing incidents, and ensure continued access to the beautiful Ochil Hills paths. Proper training protects wildlife, livestock, and your dog while maintaining good relationships with local farmers.
Professional dog training in Tillicoultry creates well-adjusted companions suited to our unique blend of town and countryside living. Our localised approach combines proven training methods with intimate knowledge of the area's specific requirements, from navigating the historic town centre to responsibly enjoying the spectacular Ochil Hills. Whether you live on Upper Mill Street or near the old quarry works, investing in professional training ensures your dog becomes a trusted, well-mannered member of the Tillicoultry community. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how expert training can transform your dog into the perfect Hillfoots companion.
