How to Become a Dog Trainer (UK)
NEW: We've Updated Our Dog Trainer Programme
NEW: We’ve Updated Our Dog Trainer Certificate Programme
We now offer a 5-Day Intensive Dog Trainer Certification Programme — all in-person, no procrastination, real hands-on practice with dogs and people.
You’ll leave as a qualified dog trainer, ready to take clients immediately.
Still researching your options?
The video below shares my personal journey from NHS manager to award-winning dog trainer — plus what it really takes to succeed in this profession. It’s based on our previous programme model, but the principles and insights still apply.
For our NEW 5-Day Intensive format, click here .
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.
If you’re thinking about becoming a dog trainer, you’re probably looking for more than just a certificate.
You want real skills. Practical experience. The confidence to walk into a room full of dogs and owners and know exactly what you’re doing.
The NDTA 5-Day Intensive Dog Trainer Certification Programme was built for exactly that.
The multi-level programme previously described on this page has been retired.
After 10+ years of training dog trainers, I made a decision: the old format — spread across months of online modules and in-person days — wasn’t serving my students well enough. Life gets in the way. Modules go unfinished. Momentum dies.
So I rebuilt it from the ground up.
The new programme is a 5-Day Intensive. One focused week. Hands-on from day one. You arrive as an enthusiast and leave as a certified dog trainer.
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 by 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 intensive — as refreshers and reference, not your primary learning method.
✅ You build real connections in person. Five days together creates bonds. These people become your support network, not just names in a Facebook group.
July 13–17, 2025 | 10am–4pm daily | Hedge End, Southampton £2,500 | 4 places only
👉 See the full programme details and reserve your place
Call Sandra: 07714 769260 Or email me directly – sandra@thenationaldogtrainingacademy.co.uk
I’m Sandra Lawton, founder of The National Dog Training Academy and author of Leading the Pack.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve helped so many people change careers, gain certification, and build thriving dog-training businesses across the UK.
My team and I don’t just teach training methods — we show you exactly how to turn your passion for dogs into a sustainable, fulfilling business.
When you join us, you join a lifelong community that supports you at every step.
Discover How I Went From Clueless Dog Owner to In-Demand, Highly-Paid Dog Trainer…And How You Can Too!
Sandra Lawton — Multiple Award Winner, certified dog trainer UK, dog training business mentor, NDTA founder
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 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.
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
Understanding The Dog
If all you want is to understand your dog better, you can take this course alone.
The Human
And much more …..
Online self-study combined with 2 live, online classrooms. The live sessions will also be recorded.
This level is all about preparing you for the practical training level.
You will:
Booking confirms you have read Terms and Conditions
You need to be seen and heard, not get lost in a crowd.
Level 3 – we provide the dogs
You will put together all that you’ve learned in Level 1 and 2, and work in a small group (spaces are capped at 4 participants) with me and my team.
We guarantee you the personal attention you need to succeed in setting up your dog training business.
Remember, you have lifetime support, 121 zoom, emails or you can visit us in person
This all inclusive, Dog Trainer Certificate Programme, taking you on your next career path, with lifetime support is just, £1997 incl. VAT.
Lifetime Support and Guidance as and when you need it. I know the personal value of this. It’s the one thing I wish I’d had available when I started out. All the worries, concerns and questions that kept me awake at night.
That won’t happen to you – you have someone you can turn to.
Additional Resources
May 2026 26th – 29th
Your certificate is good for life. You will have the responsibility to take some basic continuing development courses each year, though.
You can take as long as you like to complete the onine learning. Level 3 date needs to be booked in advance, but we will do our very best to provide alternative dates, if you can provide genuine reasons for needing to change this.
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