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Our curated list of the best professionals in the West Belfast area.
With the Falls Park and Black Mountain offering great walking opportunities, trainers in West Belfast focus on creating well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in a variety of urban and rural settings.
Rosemount Park, Belfast BT5 7TR
I can’t recommend Sharon enough. We adopted a rescue pug with reactivity issues. One session with Sharon and she was a different dog. She provided us with the tools needed to help modify her behaviour. She barely looks at a dog now and is extremely disciplined. She is the best around without a doubt. I couldn’t believe the positive change in my dog. She knows her stuff and is the best around. Really lovely person too!
We booked in with Sharon to help us fix our Australian Shepherds pretty severe reactivity to other dogs, we were having to avoid taking him out to places with lots of other dogs (which is hard in itself) we had 1 session with Sharon and immediately saw results, we had a follow up 1 month later and the difference is unbelievable. We’re now on the group walks to get him used to being nutural around other dogs on normal walks and they’re so beneficial. Sharon is down to earth and explains everything really well. She is super knowledgeable and I couldn’t recommend her more! Looking forward to more sessions!
Sharon has been working with my dog and I since we rescued him in Feb 2024. Her training and expertise has been invaluable to us - for a dog who was found as a stray and knew only the sit command, he now enjoys off leash freedom, has learnt many commands and manners. Sharon's walk and trains are a great booster for his training every fortnight. Her training methods are bullet proof and I am very pleased with the results.
So grateful for the help I received in training our very energetic golden retriever/red setter 3 year old sully! We had goal of walking more at ease (he is very stubborn) and taking him for lunch/coffees in public places. The improvement in two sessions has been amazing and best money we have spend while I have been pregnant to get him prepared! Couldn't recommend enough!
Sharon has been helping us with our Vizsla, Bruce, since he was around 12 weeks and we couldn’t recommend her enough! From puppy classes to working on specific goals, such as recall and developing his ‘off’ switch, Sharon has taught us so much and offered lots of support in between our scheduled classes. Her help is always constructive and there has never been a time when we’ve felt judged for not getting things right. We really couldn’t recommend her enough. She really is the dog whisperer!
14 Cairnburn Rd, Belfast BT4 2HR
We fostered and then adopted our dog Sasha who couldn't have been easily re-homed due to behavioural issues (suspected abuse). When we first started looking after she was fearful and quickly developed a bond with us but over the subsequent weeks we realised she was seriously both dog and people reactive. We found Kathyrn McRobb online and reached out to her for help. Kathryn helped us understand Sasha's issues, her reactivity, fearful aggression and prey drive. We discussed all options, and Kathryn wrote detailed reports for us and our vet as well as providing a comprehensive training programme. Sasha was started on medication and we implemented the training. Over the years we have kept in touch with Kathryn and benefited from her expertise on managing changes with Sasha such as moving house and introducing Sasha to house guests and more recently preparing Sasha for the arrival of our first child. With Kathryn's guidance Sasha has come really far over the years (she is almost a different dog), and we learnt the skills we needed to safely manage a dog with behavioural issues. This allowed us to give a very special dog the life she deserves and to enjoy our time together. If you have a dog with any issues, we would highly recommend Kathryn.
My dog’s behaviour has went from 0-100 with all of the help given. I cannot recommend enough, the attention to detail, the feedback and the ongoing help has been incredible.
Our vet suggested the Animal Psychology Clinic when we were having behavioural problems with our very nervous Jack Russel X. Kathryn has been amazing, after visiting our home she gave us a detailed 17 page client report setting out our dogs background history with a thorough safety and management treatment plan. We have been applying these measures for six months now and we are amazed at the positive changes in our relationship with our dog. We are so grateful to Kathryn for all the information she has given us.
Excellent service. My dog was very shut down I needed a lot of help and support which was always available. I was reassured every step of the way and was given the tools I needed to help finn and myself. Finn is now living his best life.
Kathryn came to help us with our 6 month old mad Dachshund cross puppy and she did not disappoint, she is brilliant! We read the reviews from other pup parents before we booked her and so glad we did. Not only is she an expert in her field she is a lovely warm person. Mabel loved her, and all the tips and training she gave us are really helping us. We highly recommend Kathryn, we love her!
73 Tates Ave, Belfast BT9 7BZ
Frankie has provided a priceless level of support over many years for my small petcare business. While being skilled with training for safety in my walks with recall, free release, impulse control among other risks that are constantly assessed while I’m out with my dogs, if there’s ever a speed bump along the way, Frankie has always been there to help and guide me through to get the best of my own performance potential, as well as my client pets too. Thanks to Frankie and Animist’s support, I am able to confidently handle my client dogs and keep myself, the dogs, and the general public safe no matter what comes our way. Frankie has this way with dogs that is truly magical and spectacular to see.
Brilliant dog trainer, extremely good with animals - patient, which was needed with our family dog. Really professional yet friendly and personal. Would highly recommend!
Fantastic service by Frankie. We got in touch with animist to address issues we were having with our dog Koda's 'selective reactivity'. We booked an initial consultation which consisted of Frankie learning about Koda's character, listening to the issues we were having, accompanying us on a walk with Koda, and an introduction to training drills. During & after the session, the wealth of knowledge and tailored advice we were given by Frankie was brilliant, not only on how to address the specific problem but also how we could improve Koda's overall enrichment through communication, engagement, food etc. We couldn't be happier with this experience. Highly recommended - Thank you!
Great experienced dog trainer and definitely knows his stuff. Well worth the money!!
Frankie was amazing help with my 10 month old puppy Nancy. Super knowledgeable and had such a professional manner when guiding our training session! Nancy loved him and I can’t wait to implement what we went over in our session.
20 Willowfield St, Belfast BT6 9AU
Had the dog man out today wish I had of done it sooner brilliant service and definitely worth the money very friendly and he even got the kids included as a family to work with our dog got the dog to sit outside on his own no jumping on the kids coming in and out stayed longer than 2 hours to work with us thanks again brilliant service 💯 recommend
23 Flush Rd, Belfast BT14 8SJ
By the looks of these photos our very enthusiastic boy had a great time here. We only had him stay for one night as a trial run for another occasion and the place looks great for dogs! Not only are the dog areas very secure but the entire place is gated which gave us reassurance, thanks again for having Otis 😊
This is the second time our big marley has been here on his holidays and I couldn't recommend it enough the girls go above and beyond for every single one of the fur baby's. I am just beyond grateful of how much love and attention they give our big boy. Marley absolutely loves this place and he can't wait for his next visit. If I could give use more than 5 stars I would, thanks so much again for everything including the updates. 🥰
Heather and Ashley are the warmest and kindest girls. My girl Cami always has the best time at Good Dog Academy, and I feel confident that she is getting 5 star care when she is at doggy daycare and boarding. Since going to GDA I find that Cami is less responsive to other dogs on our walks as she is better socialised being around all types of dogs at daycare.
Our dog Rosie, who is very timid being a rescue dog, seems to have had a wonderful time at the Good Dog Academy. The WhatsApp photos and videos they sent while we were away showed her having a ball. Highly recommend.
Finding qualified dog trainers in West Belfast means connecting with professionals who understand the unique character of this vibrant community, from the green spaces of Colin Glen Forest Park to the bustling streets around Falls Road and Andersonstown. Our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored specifically for West Belfast's urban and suburban mix.
Serving areas including Poleglass, Twinbrook, Ladybrook, Lenadoon, and the Greater Shankill, we've successfully trained over 1,800 dogs across West Belfast in recent years. Our expertise addresses local challenges from navigating busy community areas to enjoying safe off-lead exercise in parks like Falls Park and Woodvale Park.
West Belfast presents distinct training needs shaped by its strong community character, mix of housing types, and excellent network of green spaces. Popular walking locations including Colin Glen Forest Park, Falls Park, and the scenic paths around Hannahstown require dogs with reliable recall and proper socialisation skills given the high number of dog walkers and families using these spaces daily.
Our trainers specialise in addressing challenges specific to West Belfast living, including adapting to terraced housing with shared entries, managing dogs in areas with high foot traffic along Andersonstown Road and Falls Road, and building confidence around the buses and traffic noise common throughout the district. We understand local transport routes and community spaces, ensuring your dog becomes a well-adjusted member of West Belfast's close-knit neighbourhoods.
Our puppy programmes focus on critical early socialisation during the 8-16 week window, introducing young dogs to West Belfast's urban environment including traffic sounds, community gatherings, and diverse surfaces found throughout local estates and parks. Training covers house training for various housing types, crate training, basic commands, and controlled socialisation sessions at locations like Falls Park that build confidence and prevent future behavioural issues.
We address common reactivity issues that emerge in busy community areas using positive reinforcement and desensitisation techniques. Our programmes help dogs learn calm responses to triggers encountered on shared pathways, in Colin Glen, or during walks through residential areas, replacing unwanted behaviours with focus and self-control even in stimulating environments.
For dogs progressing beyond basics, we develop reliable off-lead control essential for safely enjoying West Belfast's parks and forest areas. Training builds bombproof recall despite distractions, distance commands, and advanced lead work suitable for navigating busier community hubs, giving owners confidence their dogs respond reliably in any situation.
Dog training in West Belfast typically ranges from £35-65 per hour for private sessions, with 6-8 week packages costing £240-450. Group classes cost £10-18 per session, while puppy courses average £120-220. Many trainers offer free initial phone consultations and mobile services throughout West Belfast at no extra charge.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home around 8 weeks old. The critical 8-16 week socialisation period makes early exposure to West Belfast's environment essential. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations around 10-12 weeks, though adult and rescue dogs benefit from training at any age.
Addressing reactivity requires systematic desensitisation starting at distances where your dog remains calm, gradually decreasing proximity to triggers while rewarding focus on you. Using longer leads, visiting parks during quieter times, and working with a professional typically shows improvement within 6-10 weeks of consistent training.
Professional dog training in West Belfast creates confident, well-mannered companions perfectly suited to this vibrant community. Our proven methods combine evidence-based techniques with local knowledge, ensuring your dog thrives whether you live in Poleglass, Andersonstown, or along the Falls Road. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and transform your dog into the reliable companion you've always wanted.