PUPPY TRAINING County Durham
What sort of relationship do you want with your pup?
Have you got a new pup and don’t know where to start?
Are you THINKING about getting a pup and haven’t made the decision yet?
Looking for trusted puppy training in County Durham? Whether you’re just welcoming your pup home or struggling with early behaviours, I offer a flexible approach to help set your puppy up for life, with both group classes and private home sessions available.
I’ve been training puppies of all breeds, sizes, shapes and temperaments for many years. I’ve trained lots of owners too! I love teaching people to learn about their dog and help them to start their journey to getting the dog they want. As a Royal Kennel Club Accredited Instructor in Companion Dog Training, I have a good idea of what you should be learning, but I always enjoy tweaking the courses to cover more individual ideas and needs. I’ve worked with autistic and disabled clients which often give me so much back to put into my courses.
Puppy Beginners Training (up to 6 months old)
The Home Start Puppy Package for very young pups or owners who can’t attend classes due to time constraints or prefer to have 1-2-1 training at home.
If you want to do a group session, I run a group puppy beginners class at Wilson Vets in Bishop Auckland on Sundays at 5.30pm
Puppy Advanced Training (up to 18 months old)
Because you want to keep your pup on the right track, I run a puppy advanced class at K9 Freedom Fields in Coxhoe on Sunday mornings at 11.30am.
Details of each course below.
🐾 Choose the Puppy Training That Works for You 🐾
Home start puppy package

Edie, the Bedlington Terrier, on her first day at her new home!
Give your puppy the best possible start with our Home Start Puppy Package, designed for pup owners across County Durham.
With years of experience running classes at vet clinics and local community venues across County Durham, I’ve learned that the very best foundation for training begins before your puppy is exposed to the hustle and bustle of the wider world. Teaching key skills like focus, calmness, and connection in the home environment means your puppy is prepared for the sights and sounds of post boxes, shops, other dogs, and strangers, without being overwhelmed.
The package includes four 45-minute sessions delivered in your own home, covering essential training such as settling in, house training, nipping, building independence, and more, all tailored to suit your lifestyle. You’ll also receive weekly homework sheets, guidance on nutrition and routines, and advice on creating a calm, enriching environment. Most importantly, you’ll be building a relationship based on trust and understanding, giving your puppy the confidence to handle any situation.
group puppy classes

Izzy and Leo graduate from Puppy Beginners Class!
The group puppy classes are run at Wilson Vet Group’s surgery, Tenters Street, Bishop Auckland, on Sundays at 5.30 pm.
The course is four weeks long and covers the basics of training as well as advice on house training, nutrition and exercise. Your pup will also learn that the vet’s surgery is a good place to be and make your visits (for you both) less stressful.
Above all, your pup will have fun and learn to socialise in a relaxed and controlled environment. Classes are kept small to ensure that each puppy and its owner receive direct time with me.
advanced puppy class

The Senior Dog Group in action
The group advanced puppy course is for pups up to 18 months old and is held at K9 Freedom Fields, Coxhoe, on Sundays at 11.30 am.
This course follows on from the beginners’ course to include loose lead walking, recall and socialisation for dogs in the outside. You’ll learn how to avoid dogs and introduce your dog to others, as well as how to cope with your puppy as it goes towards the teenage years. Everything is done in a relaxed and controlled environment so that your dog will learn how to behave in public, relax around other dogs, and you will learn when it’s time to stop the play and walk away.
Once you have completed the four-week course, you can continue to come along to the sessions for a reduced fee or move up to the social session with the older dogs.
Dog Owner Reviews
The Hitchens Family
Chris
Steve and Angela
🐾 Puppy Training FAQ's 🐾
What age can my puppy start training?
We can start home training as soon as your puppy has settled in – usually from 8 weeks old. Group classes are ideal for puppies who have been fully vaccinated. Early training helps prevent unwanted behaviours and sets your puppy up for success.
What areas do you cover for puppy training in County Durham?
We provide our home start puppy training across Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Seaham, Houghton-le-Spring, and surrounding areas. Our puppy training classes are in Bishop Auckland and Coxhoe.
If you’re unsure if we cover your location, just get in touch.
Is holistic training suitable for puppies?
Absolutely! Starting puppies on a holistic approach means they learn in a way that supports their development, builds resilience, and creates a strong bond with you from day one.
Can you help with puppy problems like biting or toilet training?
Yes, we can. We’ll show you how to manage and reduce unwanted behaviours like nipping, chewing, jumping up, and house accidents.