How to Become a Dog Trainer (UK)
This is NOT a tick box qualification. It's real life training in a field, with real dogs and people, with the back up and support you need to establish your new career as a dog trainer.
Watch this short video to learn how real people — including teachers, carers, dog walkers/groomers, retirees, business people — are all building dog training careers they love.
Just pop in your details and I’ll send it straight to you.
“I have no experience.”
Most of our students had no professional dog training experience before they started.
“I’m too old.”
I started at 50. Our oldest student was 78.
“I’m not confident enough.”
I nearly ran away before my first class. – I was terrified
“I don’t know how to run a business.”
We teach dogs, people and business.
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“I was more than apprehensive about the public speaking part, but knew I had to get a grip of it. By the end of the week, with Sandra and Tracey’s guidance, I felt I’d conquered it. Great people who know their stuff and how to deliver it.”
Stephen – TT Graduate
Or
Pay £500 today – non-refundable deposit, then pay 8 monthly instalments of £250
Today’s Payment: £500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
Next Steps: As soon as your deposit is placed, we’ll unlock your exclusive welcome videos so you can start learning straight away!
The Plan: Within 24 hours of registering, you will receive an email from us with a GoCardless link to set up your
8 monthly payments of £250 via secure Direct Debit.
Commitment Policy: Because we strictly limit each cohort to just 4 students, we do not offer refunds once a spot is booked. This ensures that every place goes to someone who is fully committed to changing their career.
– What: 5-Day Intensive Dog Trainer Certification Programme
– When: 3 Dates available for 2026
August 17th – 21st 2026 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm daily)
Sept. 14th – 18th 2026 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm daily)
Oct. 26th – 30th 2026 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm daily)
– Where: The NDTA, Lower Grove Farm, Upper Northam Drive, Hedge End. SO30 4BG
– Investment: £2,500
Payment Plan Available
– 5 full days of in-person training (10am-4pm daily)
– Days 1-3: Teaching methodology, theory, and roleplay practice
– Days 4-5: Real teaching practice with dogs and people
– Day 5 afternoon: Business launch planning session
– Finding and securing your venue
– Pricing your classes
– Creating your first lesson plans
– Marketing basics (how to get your first clients)
– Insurance, policies, and legal essentials
– Lifetime WhatsApp group support after the programme
– Certificate Presentation
– Full 6 week lesson plans (ready to personalise)
– Class registration forms
– Venue checklist
– First 90 days launch roadmap
– Full video course for all training activities up to Silver Level
– PDF documents to use as your Lead Magnets (to get your customers)
– You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to start taking clients for basic behaviour training immediately
– Optional progression pathway: Specialist training in Pet Gundog, Truffle Hunting, or Agility (available later)
✅ You’re serious about becoming a professional dog trainer — not just curious
✅ You’re ready to commit to all 5 days (10am-4pm daily with homework) — no half-measures
✅ You’re prepared to work outdoors in all weathers — rain, wind, cold (we don’t cancel for weather)
✅ You love dogs AND love teaching people — both matter equally
✅ You’re willing to work weekends if you want to earn decent money
✅ You want hands-on, in-person training — not just online modules you never finish
✅ You’re ready to put in the work to build your business after the programme
✅ You’re looking for a career change or additional income stream (many of our students are 40+)
You do NOT need:
– Prior dog training experience
– A “perfect” dog (in fact, a challenging dog often makes you a better trainer)
– To give up your current job (you can start part-time)
❌ You’re just “thinking about it” but not ready to commit
❌ You want a cheap online course you can do at your own pace
❌ You’re not willing to show up for all 5 days, on time, ready to work
❌ You expect it to be easy or glamorous (it’s rewarding, but it’s hard work)
❌ You’re not prepared to work outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions
❌ You’re looking for a quick fix or passive income — this is a hands-on profession
I’ve been training dog trainers for over 10 years, and here’s what I’ve learned:
The problem with spread-out programmes isn’t the content — it’s human nature.
When you have months to complete online modules, life gets in the way. Work gets busy. The dog gets sick. You tell yourself “I’ll do it tomorrow.” And tomorrow becomes next week, next month… or never.
The 5-Day Intensive solves this:
✅ You show up. You commit. You finish. No procrastination, no half-completed modules gathering digital dust.
✅ You learn straight away by DOING, not watching, the doing. Five full days of hands-on practice with real dogs and real people — not theory you’ll forget by next week.
✅ The online materials support you, after the 5 day intensive. After the intensive, you get access to all the theory and reference materials — but now they’re reminders and refreshers, not your primary learning method.
✅ You still build your peer group in person. Five days together creates real bonds. These people become your support network, not just names in a Facebook group.
I’ve seen too many talented people stall out halfway through longer programmes — not because they weren’t capable, but because life happened.
The 5-Day Intensive removes that barrier. You commit to one focused week, and you walk away as a certified dog trainer.
Commitment Policy: Because we strictly limit each cohort to just 4 students, we do not offer refunds once a spot is booked. This ensures that every place goes to someone who is fully committed to changing their career.
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“Sandra and the team were amazing! The abundance of knowledge and teaching skills they have to help others go into that line of business is second to none. I thoroughly enjoyed the training programme and left feeling confident to put it all into practice and start my own training business.”
Bethan – TT Graduate
I’m Sandra Lawton — founder of The National Dog Training Academy and author of Leading the Pack.
I didn’t set out to become a dog trainer.
Before dogs, I worked in health and social care, community development and rehabilitation services. Like many people who find this page, I spent years trying different jobs and projects before discovering the thing that genuinely excited me.
I started my dog training business with no contacts, no money and no business experience. Just dogs, a borrowed field and a stubborn refusal to give up.
Sixteen years later, I’m still here — still teaching every week, still learning and still genuinely loving it.
I’ve helped many students build their confidence, gain their certification and establish dog training businesses they’re proud of — not just the theory, but the reality of turning up in a muddy field and making it work.
This isn’t something I used to do.
It’s what I do every single day now.
This is just a quick email to say a mega thank you to you, Tracey and the rest of the wonderful people who helped us during last week.
It was a real privilege to have been taught by you. I have learnt so much during the course and can't help thinking how well the course was run and how important the hands-on activities were to gain confidence, understanding and knowledge.
I can’t thank you enough for building my confidence and showing me direction. It truly means a lot to me 🙏 you are the kind of mentor anyone would wish for
I just wanted to say thank you for such a great week. I’ve really learnt so much and enjoyed being with you all and I was slightly torn about wanting to go. I couldn’t get over the amount of support from your customers and staff which made it all the more special.
Read also: 7 Steps to Becoming A Dog Trainer
Read: Am I Too Old To Be A Dog Trainer
Read: Why People Really Become Dog Trainers
Read: Why People Really Become Dog Trainers
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