Here’s an interesting statistic.
Northern Ireland has the most dog owners in the United Kingdom.
More than one-third of households have dogs.
Now, I don’t have a statistic for how many of those dogs are trained.
But if you want yours to be, I’ll help you find the right place.
Read on to discover:
- 13 best dog trainers in Northern Ireland.
- How to contact them and where to find them.
- What services they have that make them stand out.
- And more…
Table of contents
- 13 best dog trainers in Northern Ireland
- #1: Smarty Paws Dog Training
- #2: Oaks & Co Dog Training
- #3: My Dogs Best Friend – NI
- #4: Walk This Way Dogs NI
- #5: Beechgrove Doggy Fun Park
- #7: Practical Dog Training, Kennels & Cattery
- #8: Glen-Craig Canine Training
- #8: Pampered Pets Grooming and Dog Training
- #9: Being Canine
- #10: Patch Dog Training
- #11: Robin Bates Dog Training Services NI
- #12: Good Dog Academy NI
- #13: Down Dog Training & Behaviour
13 best dog trainers in Northern Ireland
#1: Smarty Paws Dog Training
Website | https://smartypawsdogtraining.co.uk/ |
Address | Unit 25, Dunlop Industrial Estate, 8 Balloo Dr, Bangor BT19 7QY, United Kingdom |
Phone | 07973430952 |
kathy@smartypawsdogtraining.co.uk | |
Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Operating hours | Monday & Wednesday: 9 AM – 8 PM Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM Sunday: Closed |
Kathy (a.k.a Smarty Paws Dog Training) offers 2 sets of classes. There are Puppy Training and Socialisation classes. And then there are Dog Training Classes tailored for dogs over 8 months old.
She also offers private consultations. The spotlight will be on you and your pup only. So any issues can be focused on more effectively.
Oh, and she may have a dog behavior qualification: an OCN Level 3 Learning, Motivation, and Reinforcement. And is currently studying Leve 4 OCN.
But Kathy says she’s really training you to train your dog.
Highlights
- Member of the Pet Professional Guild.
#2: Oaks & Co Dog Training
Website | https://www.oaksandco.org.uk/ |
Address | 285 Rathfriland Rd, Dromara, Dromore BT25 2EW, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 28 9753 2133 |
oaksandco@gmail.com | |
Social media | Facebook, Instagram |
Operating hours | Monday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 8 PM Thursday & Friday: 9 AM – 9 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM Sunday: Closed |
Some dogs are impossible. Oaks & Co Dog Training gives them a chance. They take in and rehab even the ones other trainers can’t “fix.”
Is that the case with your pooch?
You’ll be happy to know that Oaks & Co is very successful. They’ll use their 20-year experience to design a training plan just for you and your dog.
You can choose between their training centre and your home. But wherever you train, you’ll be sure to see results.
Highlights
- Lifetime support for your dog.
#3: My Dogs Best Friend – NI
Website | https://mydogsbestfriend.co.uk/ |
Address | 12 Wellington Park Ave, Craigavon BT67 0UG, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 7989 387407 |
info@mydogsbestfriend.co.uk | |
Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 9 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM Sunday: Closed |
At My Dog’s Best Friend, you’ll be working with one of the best.
Al Rankin has a BSc (Hons) CDBC Canine Behaviour & Training. And he graduated with first-class honors too.
It’s safe to say he knows what he’s doing. But more than just theoretical knowledge. He has coaching and training experience. He’s been at it for 20 years.
Now with My Dog’s Best Friend, classes are offered in Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown, and Banbridge.
There’s something for all ages. Puppy Training Life Skills. Adult/Adolescent Training.
There’s also an individual training option. And for puppies specifically, there’s a New Puppy Session – Home Visit.
So get in touch and make a booking.
Highlights
- Member of the Pet Professional Guild.
#4: Walk This Way Dogs NI
Website | http://www.walkthiswaydogs.co.uk/ |
Address | N/A |
Phone | +44 7889 478572 |
enquirieswalkthiswaydogs.co.uk | |
Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed |
Did the name remind you of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way”? No? Okay.
But dogs sometimes act crazy. Like a rockstar really having at it on stage.
If that description reminds you of your dog, Walk This Way Dogs can help. You’ll work with Rachel, a trainer and canine behavioral psychologist.
Whether it’s dealing with specific behavior issues. Or puppy training and socialization. Or basic obedience training. Rachel is your go-to.
Reading tip: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]
#5: Beechgrove Doggy Fun Park
Website | https://www.beechgrovedoggyfunpark.com/ |
Address | Ednego Rd, Banbridge BT32 3ST, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 7907 275732 |
info@beechgrovedoggyfunpark.com | |
Social media | Facebook, Instagram |
Operating hours | Monday & Friday: Closed Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 AM – 8 PM Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM |
Beechgrove Doggy Fun Park may be a confusing name.
Why is it on a list of dog trainers?
Well, that’s because they have a Training Centre. And it’s an excellent one!
They place special importance on not changing your dog. And that’s a personal concern of mine when choosing a trainer.
But at Beechgrove, they understand that personality and characteristics make the dog. So they’ll chisel away the issues. But they’ll keep your pooch’s identity intact.
#7: Practical Dog Training, Kennels & Cattery
Website | https://pdtkcni.com/ |
Address | 60 Belfast Rd, Larne BT40 2PH, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 7773 467851 |
N/A | |
Social media | N/A |
Operating hours | Daily: 8 AM – 6 PM |
Practical Dog Training and Kennels has a team of professional trainers. And they have different certifications to their names.
They offer basic training, puppy socialization, and one-on-one training. There’s also an in-house training option.
It’s the fastest and most effective program. But you’ll have to leave your pup with them. The minimum requirement is 1 week.
If you can bear to part with them, they’ll come back a very good dog indeed.
#8: Glen-Craig Canine Training
Website | https://glen-craigcaninetraining.co.uk/ |
Address | 28 Moneybroom Rd, Lisburn BT28 2QP, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 28 9262 2992 |
glencraigdogs@hotmail.com | |
Social media | Facebook, Twitter |
Operating hours | N/A |
Let’s cut to the most interesting detail.
Glen-Craig Canine Training provides trained dogs for films and TV serials. Some of the dogs on shows like Game of Thrones are theirs.
It takes some high-quality training to get dogs to “act.” And even just to behave on set.
The number of people. The strange-looking equipment. Not to mention the intensity of the scenes they’re shooting. Only a very well-trained dog can stay calm and behaved.
Now, getting your dog trained with Glen-Craig doesn’t mean they’ll be a film star. But they will be very good dogs.
Highlights
- Training dogs for the entertainment industry.
#8: Pampered Pets Grooming and Dog Training
Website | https://pamperedpetsgroomingandtraining.co.uk |
Address | 11 Lord Warden’s Grange, Bangor BT19 1YN, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +447734 415072 |
pamperedpetsdogtraining@outlook.com | |
Social media | |
Operating hours | Daily: 8 AM – 8 PM |
Pampered Pets is a family-run business. It serves Bangor, Comber, Newtownards, and Holywood.
They offer professional puppy training classes. And training classes for dogs over 6 months old.
But they groom dogs of all ages.
You can also check out: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)
#9: Being Canine
Website | https://beingcanine.co.uk/ |
Address | Blawearie Rd, Kirkoswald, Maybole KA19 8HX, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 1655 760692 |
dalemclelland1@hotmail.co.uk | |
Social media | |
Operating hours | N/A |
Being Canine’s Dale McLelland is a specialist in dog behavior problems. Both in assessment and treatment.
She works with any and all dogs. Her non-aversive, positive reinforcement dog training methods deliver results.
She is committed to fun and pain-free training. And she wants to help your dog fit right into the family.
Highlights
- Online consultations.
- Online group classes.
- Accredited member of The Association of INTODogs.
#10: Patch Dog Training
Website | http://www.patchagility.co.uk/ |
Address | 89 Ballyrainey Rd, Comber, Newtownards BT23 5JU, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | N/A |
N/A | |
Social media | N/A |
Operating hours | Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed |
Patch Dog Training offers exciting services for both you and your dog.
Of course, there’s the basic dog training. But why stop at the heel, sit, stay, and come?
They offer training in rally obedience, scent work, and hoopers & agility. These activities will leave you and your dog fulfilled. And maybe a little exhausted.
Are you up for it?
Highlights
- Scentwork training.
- Rally obedience training.
#11: Robin Bates Dog Training Services NI
Website | http://www.dog-training-ni.co.uk/ |
Address | 16 Rose Park, Glengormley, Newtownabbey BT36 5HA, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 7730 941989 |
robin@dog-training-ni.co.uk | |
Social media | Facebook, Instagram, YouTube |
Operating hours | Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM Friday: 9 AM – 3 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM Sunday: Closed |
Some of the best trainers on YouTube look a little too serious. I wonder how they’re able to say “Good boy!” or “Good girl!” with a straight face.
While that’s okay for some fellows, I prefer the friendlier and livelier approach. And that’s what Robin Bates Dog Training Services offers.
Their classes are informal and friendly. And their methods are reward-based. Overall, they focus on making the experience fun for both dog and dog parent.
Highlights
- OCN courses.
- Online classes.
#12: Good Dog Academy NI
Website | https://gooddogacademyni.co.uk/ |
Address | 23 Flush Rd, Belfast BT14 8SJ, United Kingdom |
Phone | +44 7359 076572 |
info@gooddogacademyni.co.uk | |
Social media | Facebook, Instagram, YouTube |
Operating hours | Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday & Thursday: Closed Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM |
Back in the day, girls were sent off to finish school. There they learned manners and how to eat soup. Those days are long gone.
Today, though, you can send your pup off to a finishing school of sorts.
At Good Dog Academy, they’ll become just that. A good dog! Professionals will train them using safe, positive methods.
But…
It will take 4 weeks for your dog to be finished.
If that’s a sacrifice you’re willing to make for a well-mannered pooch, book online now.
#13: Down Dog Training & Behaviour
Website | https://downdog.co.uk/ |
Address | 2 Kilbright Rd N, Carrowdore, Newtownards BT22 2HF, United Kingdom (Google Maps) |
Phone | +44 7482 775526 |
info@downdog.co.uk | |
Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Operating hours | Tuesday to Thursday: 9 AM – 6 PM Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM Sunday & Monday: Closed |
Down Dog believes that everyone deserves a perfect pet. They also believe that can be achieved by training… you.
They’ll involve you in games and reward-based training. The reason? It will forge a closer bond between you and your dog.
Life can get busy. Some people may not have time. So they enroll their dogs in in-house training classes. Those deliver great results. They get a well-trained dog.
But if you do have the time, go for this hands-on option. I assure you it will be worth it.
Highlights
- Online options.
- Trainers academy.
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