Progressive Dog Training

12/05/2026

Meet Bertie, a recent puppy class graduate.

One of the things I enjoy most as a trainer, is seeing how the pups' personalities develop over the 8 weeks. They usually start off a little quiet, but by the end their confidence grows and the playfulness emerges.

Just look at this little face!

Well done to Viki and Mark for all the great work. It has been a lot of fun working with you.

01/05/2026

Greg is very happy to have graduated from puppy classes. Well done to Neal and Chloe for all the great work. Keep it up! This is just the beginning 😀

21/04/2026

I sometimes get asked "How long will it take to train my dog?" For me the answer is simple and that's "For as long as your dog lives!"

Everything we teach our dog is what we as humans require for the dog to live in harmony with us. It's not generally natural behaviour for our dog.

Even for humans, learning a skill that doesn't come naturally such as playing a musical instrument or learning to dance, takes time and practice. If you stop practicing, you will eventually lose all, or most of, that skill.

While practice doesn't make perfect, it should make permanent.

Training is for life, not just for puppy class!

The photo of Stanley having rolled in a fresh cow p**p is just for fun and not teaching purposes 😁.

18/03/2026

Please be aware of new legislation relating to the worrying of livestock.

The simple solution is just to keep dogs on leads anywhere near livestock even if you are certain your dog isn't interested, it's just common sense and courtesy.

New law now in effect strengthening protections for sheep, cows and other farm animals saving famers thousands of pounds each year.

15/02/2026

When I first met Chase, he had been recently adopted. Mel and Adam needed help with Chase's general manners, lead walking and lead reactivity. We started working with him at home on a 1-2-1 basis, then when ready he came to group classes.

Chase wasn't anxious, but had been living in an environment with lots of other dogs, so was what we would call a 'frustrated greeter'. When meeting other dogs he didn't have the best manners and was very vocal when seeing other dogs across the street.

Now Chase is much better and is doing brilliantly in training. He just loves to learn new things, has great focus and once he has learned something new, he isn't slow in offering it! He has one of the best play bows on cue.

Chase has passed his IMDT Partnership Grade 2 and is well on his way to Grade 3. Congratulations to Mel, Adam and Chase on this achievement.

10/02/2026

This is Trifle who has passed her IMDT Grade 1. This is a big deal for Trifle who has lots of energy and finds scents outside very distracting. Finding something that motivated her was key in getting her to focus on her training, in particular her recall. A special toy that mimicked her natural predatory motor pattern did the trick.

Well done to Trifle and Alice. On to Grade 2...

26/01/2026

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28/12/2025

Another award winner this year is Flynn who gets the Progressive Dog Training 'Best Dog (classes) 2025' award.

Flynn has really taken well to training, hugely growing in confidence and showing great ability. He and Eoghan make a great team and having almost completed their IMDT Partnership Grade 3 are already working on the more advanced criteria of Grade 4.

Flynn has had the additional challenge this year of a beautiful human baby sister, but he has risen to that challenge and I suspect he likes to come training for a rest (along with Eoghan)!

There's something very special about Flynn. No matter how bad a day you are having, to see this dog run flat out and play just makes you feel happy.

Congratulations to Eoghan and Flynn.

24/12/2025

Progressive Dog Training would like to wish all our customers, followers and friends, a very merry Christmas & a happy New Year!

18/12/2025

This is beautiful Caro, who is a cockapoo.

Caro was adopted as a puppy from a family member who had become too unwell to look after her. Understandably, she was initially very unsettled and had some reactivity issues.

With careful training and patience from Nicky, Caro has developed into a much more confident and talented young dog. She enjoys coming to outdoor classes and is doing very well in her grades.

For this reason, Caro has been awarded the Progressive Dog Training award for 'Most Improved Dog 2025'. I think she should also have a prize for such a fabulous festive photo!

Congratulations to Caro and Nicky.