Winner of the UK BEST DOG TRAINER AWARD 2020/21 AND 2022/23
Winner of UK ETHICAL DOG TRAINER AND BEHAVIOURIST OF THE YEAR 2026
Transform Your Dog's Behaviour With Expert 1:1 Training
Imagine peaceful walks, a calm home, and a dog that listens to you every time.
Join our exclusive training day for heavily discounted, personalised guidance.
Limited slots available
Award-Winning Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
Behaviours We Can Help With
This development day focuses on foundational training and puppy basics to build a stronger bond with your dog.
Puppy Basics
Set your new family member up for success with foundational manners and confidence building.
Reducing over-excitement
Help your dog stay calm and focused instead of jumping, pacing, and pestering.
Reactivity to dogs
Stop the barking and lunging so you can enjoy peaceful, stress-free walks again.
Stopping Pulling on the lead
End the arm-aching pulling and enjoy relaxing walks with your dog walking nicely by your side.
Coming back when called
Get your dog to come back to you reliably every single time, even around heavy distractions.
Jumping Up
Train your pup to greet you and your guests calmly with all four paws on the floor.
Why a Development Day?
At Sunderland Dog Training, we believe in continuous improvement. On June 12th, our promising trainer will be conducting 1:1 sessions under the direct observation and assessment of our Senior Behaviourist.
This means you get the benefit of two sets of expert eyes on your dog's training progress, at a fraction of our normal cost.
Supervised by Senior Behaviourist
Personalized 1:1 attention
Heavily discounted rate
Actionable training plan
Meet Fiona - The Dog Trainer
Whether you’re dealing with barking and lunging on walks, resource guarding at home, struggling to relax around other dogs, or feeling like every walk turns into a stressful experience, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself, which is why my focus is on helping owners find practical, realistic solutions that genuinely improve day to day life with their dog.
My own experience supporting a reactive dog taught me how overwhelming behaviour struggles can become, especially when advice online feels conflicting, outdated, or focused purely on obedience rather than understanding the dog in front of you. That experience now allows me to support owners with empathy, patience, and guidance that feels achievable in real life.
I believe dog training should help you enjoy your dog more. That means calmer walks, easier routines, better communication, and a dog you can feel proud to take out and live alongside.
Every dog and owner is different, which is why my approach is tailored to your individual situation rather than using a one size fits all method. Using ethical, humane training techniques, I help owners create reliable behaviours while protecting the trust and relationship they have with their dog.
With me, you’ll find a supportive, judgement free space where you can ask questions openly, feel understood, and work towards real, lasting progress that makes life with your dog feel easier, calmer, and far more enjoyable.
Puppy Training Classes in Sunderland - Accreditations & Endorsements
Meet Our Training Team
Nathan is the senior behaviourist and founder of The Dog Trainers. For the last 13 years, Nathan and his team have helped 5000+ dogs and their owners through puppy training classes in Newcastle, Sunderland, South Shields and the rest of the North East, helping puppies, teenagers and adult dogs become confident, well‑socialised family dogs.
Our team are highly accredited, including with regulatory bodies IMDTB, APDT, ABTC and UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter. Our main goal is to strengthen the dog–human relationship using force‑free, ethical methods, make learning fun and effective.
We have highly qualified Canine Behaviourists with natural abilities to communicate with dogs and degree‑level qualifications in related fields. We also have qualified and accredited dog trainers who have excellent knowledge and skill, and run focused puppy training classes that rapidly address common early‑stage issues.
Our team take on and successfully rehabilitate the most difficult of dogs, even where other trainers have tried and failed, using kind methods that can be enjoyed by both the dogs in training and their guardians.
Our Founder, Nathan Leighton, is a renowned dog trainer and behaviourist who has spoken worldwide at seminars with hundreds in attendance. He leads our team, bringing evidence‑based, reward‑focused methods to every session.
Our proven training methods only use force‑free, science‑backed approaches to help you develop a beautifully behaved puppy or dog that fits with your family and your lifestyle, by showing you how to easily and effectively train them with modern, reward‑based methods.
We can't wait to work with you and your dog and to see what we can achieve together!
Read Our Case Studies
Click on the dogs below to read their story, how we have helped them and the results.
See What Our Clients Say
Over 540 5-Star Reviews
Places You May Have Seen Us
These features highlight our award winning 1:1 dog training, behaviour modifications and puppy training classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is this taking place?
June 12th at Pennywell Community Centre.
Why is it heavily discounted?
This means you get the benefit of two sets of expert eyes on your dog's training progress, at a fraction of our normal cost.
Can I bring my aggressive dog?
Please note: This event is not suitable for complex behavioural issues or aggression.
What should I bring?
Bring a standard leash, flat collar or harness, and your dog's favourite high-value treats.
Contact
You can contact us via Live Chat button at the bottom of the screen or the contact box to the right.
You can also book one of our services online using the calendars at the top of the page under the service you require.
Areas We Cover
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