Meet Tony
I love learning about dogs and why they do the things they do. I’ve been a professional guide dog and pet dog trainer for over 25 years. And I was the first person in the UK to train a dog to be both a hearing and guide dog for someone who was deaf and blind.
Working with people with sensory impairments has helped me develop training techniques that are so simple and easy, anyone can get results.
Accredited IMDT Trainer
I’m proud to be an accredited member of the Institute for Modern Dog Trainers, promoting ethical training methods and practical skills that everyone can master.
University of Southampton tutor
Understanding dog behaviour is the key to improving that behaviour. I’ve studied canine science and work with the University of Southampton as a tutor and assessor for their Canine Assistance Intervention degree programme.
Qualifications
I’m a qualified Advanced Dog Trainer for Guide Dogs for the Blind; a qualified Institute of Modern Dog Trainers instructor; and I've trained dogs leading to the Kennel Club Good Citizens award recognition.
I also have a diploma in Dog Behaviour Modification and have completed many courses including the 10 day Battersea Dogs, ‘Training the Rescue Dogs: Rehabilitation to Rehoming’ course, and many more.
Tony's training methods
I use simple, science-based training methods that have been proven to work. Experience has shown me that old fashioned ideas about ‘showing a dog who’s boss’ or punishing ‘bad’ behaviour simply don’t produce long-lasting results.
To really change your dog’s behaviour you need to communicate with them. And this comes from understanding your dog. What makes them stressed? What frightens them? What makes them feel confident, calm and rewarded?
When we understand what motivates our dogs we can work with them so they do what we want and they enjoy doing it.
Reward based training
The kind of training I use is sometimes referred to as ‘reward based training’ or ‘positive reinforcement training’. But you don’t need to grasp a complex theory and I don’t follow a strict rule book.
If you’re interested in the science – great! I’d love to share this with you. But if not, no worries. You can take the practical tips and keep it simple.
Training should be fun!
My philosophy is that training should be a joy, for you and your dog. In my sessions, dogs are treated with the same kindness and respect as their owners.
Everyone is supported and if things don’t go to plan – it’s ok! We’ll laugh and learn from the mistakes.
Holistic training
The methods I teach can be taken away and applied to other situations. This isn’t just about learning one-off tricks. Once you can communicate with your dog, you can use these training methods to improve their behaviour in all aspects of your lives together.
And you’ll get reliable results that last!
Meet Dexter and Boris
I can’t wait to meet your dog. But I’ll have to admit my heart already belongs to my two beloved terriers Dexter and Boris.
Dexter, the old man of the house, is an Irish terrier and a true friend. He struggled with reactivity when he came to us as a young dog. But through patient training, kindness and understanding, we built a relationship founded in trust and clear communication.
It’s been an honour and a privilege to share so many happy memories with Dexter. And definitely worth the time and effort we put in with him in his early years.
Boris ‘the’ Border terrier is the youngest and bounciest member of our family. He came to us as a puppy in 2017, a cuddly ball of energy and chaos.
The whole family’s been involved in training Boris and he’s loved every minute of it. We went from nipping ankles and puddles on the floor to reliable recall and even a few tricks in a few months and he’s still learning and developing everyday.
