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.
Try our free assessment. You’ll work through five real-world dog training scenarios and discover how you think — and what a good dog trainer might do in those situations. It just takes a few minutes.
Whether you’ve already decided you want to become a dog trainer, or you’re still wondering whether it could be the right next career for you, you don’t have to start in the same place.
Go straight to the Complete Dog Trainer Certificate Programme — two days of theory followed by three days of intensive practical training.
Book the complete programme upfront for £1,995 and save £500. You can complete all five days together, or attend the Theory Weekend first and return for a later scheduled Practical Training block.
Explore the Complete Programme
Since 2016, I’ve helped people just like you turn their love of dogs into a new career.
Some came knowing exactly what they wanted to do. Others weren’t sure they had the confidence, experience or ability to become a dog trainer.
That’s what the training is for.
You’ll learn how to train dogs, of course — but just as importantly, how to teach owners, plan and run classes, work one-to-one with clients, handle the unexpected and build the confidence to actually go out and do it.
And you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll have the experience and support of the whole NDTA team behind you, both during your training and afterwards.
Not sure you’re ready for the Complete Programme?
That’s fine too. Complete the free Dog Trainer Assessment above or further down the page you’ll find ways to take things one step at a time — from our and £47 Recall Programme, to starting with the £295 Theory Weekend.
Already know you want to become a dog trainer? This is the complete programme.
Train with us over 2 live, in-person theory days + 3 intensive practical training days, and leave as an NDTA Certified Dog Trainer, ready to run classes, take paying clients and start building your business.
Complete all five days together, or take the training in two stages — start with the Theory Weekend and return for your three practical training days later.
2-Day Theory Weekend
Learn how dogs learn, how to teach their owners, plan and run effective classes, find your first customers and set up the practical side of your dog training business.
Saturday: live theory and workshops
Sunday morning: independent assignment
Sunday afternoon: live theory, review and preparation for your practical training
+
3 Practical Training Days
Put it all into practice with real dogs and real people. Learn how to teach and manage a group, adapt when things don’t go to plan and develop the confidence to stand in front of your own customers and teach.
+
Your Dog Trainer Business Blueprint
Your practical guide to getting your business launched, including pricing, booking systems, marketing, client systems and your 30-day launch plan.
+
Ongoing Support
You’ll also have lifetime support, monthly Zoom sessions, our WhatsApp group, professional training videos and opportunities to continue into specialist areas including Pet Gundog and Truffle Hunting.
Save £500 by booking the complete programme together.
See Full Programme, Dates & Book Below
Upcoming Dog Trainer Certificate Training
31 October – 4 November 2026
Theory Weekend
Saturday 31 October 10am – 4pm
Sunday 1 November
Sunday morning independent assignment; live training 12–5pm
Practical Training
Monday 2 – Wednesday 4 November
9am – 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday
9am – 3pm Wednesday
Choose how you train
31 October – 4 November 2026
Complete your theory and practical training in one five-day intensive.
£1,995 — save £500 by booking the complete programme
Only 1 place remaining
BOOK THE COMPLETE, NOVEMBER, 5-DAY PROGRAMME
If you would like to book the full programme but want to split the Theory Weekend and the 3 Day In Person, please just let me know and we’ll sort your booking.
Saturday 31 October & Sunday 1 November 2026
Start with the Theory Weekend and decide later whether you want to continue to the three-day practical training.
BOOK THE THEORY WEEKEND – £295
2–4 November 2026
For students who have already completed the NDTA Theory and are ready to complete their practical training.
BOOK THE 3-DAY, NOVEMBER, PRACTICAL TRAINING – £2,200
Small group — maximum 4 students.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“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
27th February 2027 – 3rd March 2027
Theory Weekend
Saturday 27th February 10am – 4pm
Sunday 28th February
Sunday morning independent assignment; live training 12–5pm
Practical Training
Monday 1st March – Wednesday 3rd March
9am – 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday
9am – 3pm Wednesday
Choose how you train
27th February – 3rd March 2027
Complete your theory and practical training in one five-day intensive.
£1,995 — save over £500 by booking the complete programme
Only 1 place remaining
BOOK THE COMPLETE, NOVEMBER, 5-DAY PROGRAMME
Saturday 27th February & Sunday 28th February 2027
Start with the Theory Weekend and decide later whether you want to continue to the three-day practical training.
BOOK THE THEORY WEEKEND – £295
1st March – 3rd March 2027
For students who have already completed the NDTA Theory and are ready to complete their practical training.
BOOK THE 3-DAY, NOVEMBER, PRACTICAL TRAINING – £2,200
Small group — maximum 4 students.
You don’t have to book the Complete Programme straight away. You can start with the Theory Weekend and book your Practical Training later when you’re ready.
This is where you’ll learn how to turn your knowledge and love of dogs into something you can actually teach — and start putting the foundations of your dog training business in place.
You’ll learn:
Everything you need to be ready to get started with your first paying clients.
By the end of this weekend, you should have your venue sorted, your booking system ready, and possibly even clients lined up.
🎁Bonus: The Dog Trainer Business Blueprint.
Every student receives Sandra’s comprehensive business guide – covering everything from your 30-day launch plan to pricing, client systems, marketing and long-term growth. Yours to keep.
The weekend includes live training on Saturday, an independent assignment on Sunday morning, followed by live training from 12pm–5pm on Sunday.
Book the 2-Day Theory Weekend — £295
This is where theory becomes reality. Three intensive days of hands-on training with real dogs in real scenarios.
You’ll work in a small group (maximum 4 students) with me directly, learning how to:
You’ll also receive:
Completion of the practical training is required to receive your NDTA Dog Trainer Certificate.
You’ll leave having actually taught, handled real training situations and experienced what it’s like to be the person responsible for the lesson — with the NDTA team behind you afterwards when you start doing it for real.
Book the 3-Day Practical Training — £2,200
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“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
Book the Theory Weekend and Practical Training together for £1,995 and save £500.
You can attend all five days consecutively, or complete your Theory Weekend and choose a later scheduled Practical Training block.
Book the Complete Dog Trainer Certificate Programme — £1,995
Perfect if you want to test the waters before committing to the full training.
This self-study course teaches you how to run profitable recall classes—the simplest, most in-demand specialty for new trainers. You’ll get video training, downloadable session plans, client resources, AND a 15-minute 1-2-1 call with me to answer your questions and help you plan your next steps.
A great way to start and begin earning within weeks, and use that income and confidence to fund their full certification.
Learn More About the Recall Course
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
© NDTA 2026
| VAT number: 287 0655 73
Website by Eldo™