The 5 best dog trainers in Newcastle for a well-trained woofer
Owning a dog is a mix of heartwarming moments, pure chaos, and occasional tests of patience. One minute, your dog is trotting happily along the Quayside, and the next, they’re tearing through the bins like they’re on a mission. Sounds familiar?
But while their antics can be amusing (or exasperating), they also highlight the need for proper guidance.
Training isn’t just about “sit” or “stay”; it’s about giving dogs the structure they need. Sometimes, no matter how many YouTube training tutorials you watch, your dog just won’t listen. That’s where professional trainers come in.
If you’re overwhelmed and wondering where to start, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. So, I did the research—talked to fellow dog owners, scoured reviews, and tracked down the best trainers in Newcastle.
Here’s who made the list.
How much does it cost to hire a dog trainer in Newcastle?
It costs at least £100 per hour to hire a dog trainer in Newcastle. However, more comprehensive programs are influenced by training goals and the trainer’s expertise. Some trainers also offer flat fees for complete training instead of hourly rates.
1. Smart Dogs Training
Address: 20 Sheldon Grove, Gosforth
Phone number: +447825432407
Business hours: Open 24 hours
I first heard about Smart Dogs Training from a fellow dog owner who swore their once-unruly German Shepherd was now a better-behaved pup.
Right from the start, I was impressed by the well-structured training programs they offered. They combined positive reinforcement techniques with hands-on guidance for owners.
Aside from that, their group classes focus on obedience, socialisation, and trick training, making them an excellent fit for new and experienced dog owners. But if your dog is a bit of a diva, their one-on-one sessions are worth considering.
I also appreciate that the trainers are patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely love dogs—that’s what I’m here for. They also take the time to guide owners on reinforcing training at home, which made a big difference for me, in particular.
But remember that some sessions involve outdoor training in busier areas—ideal for real-world exposure but challenging for easily distracted dogs.
And the downside? Their classes fill quickly. I suggest you book early to reserve a slot on your preferred date. Trust me, it pays to get a schedule that matches yours.
Highly recommended
“Can’t recommend Board and Train highly enough. From the initial scene setting call everything has worked really well. Milan listened to the concerns and training needs and developed an approach to suit our dog. During the boarding regular updates were given on progress. Following this we had a very comprehensive handover, explaining what we needed to do to continue the progress and build on the training. Over the next few weeks daily check ins took place with Milan giving feedback and further progressions so as to build trust and confidence. The progress that we have made following this programme is fabulous. Our programme was developed predominantly around being able to walk our German Shepherd without being pulled (sometimes off my feet). I now feel confident in walking her alone, something I never thought I’d be able to do. Truly this has made a huge difference to our family life and can’t thank Milan enough. I’d have no hesitation in recommending this service, and especially Milan. He’s great to work with and makes both owner and dog feel that nothing is impossible. Positive Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value”
- Susan Hall, Google Review
Great experience
“Great experience with Milan and ongoing work with our 2 rescue dogs. Already mastered reactivity training and making progress on various other issues. Lots of helpful advice and learning a lot about what makes them tick. Would recommend!”
- Katie Donnison, Google Review
2. Betsy’s Dog School
Address: 20 High Street
Phone: +447787447957
Business Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Betsy’s Dog School is great for owners looking for a balanced mix of obedience and fun. Their engaging training sessions use play-based learning techniques that keep dogs eager to participate, which I personally suggest you consider for your shy pups.
In fact, my pup, who usually gets bored five minutes into training, stayed focused the entire session. The trainers really know how to make each session interactive—great for puppies and high-energy breeds.
They also offer puppy foundation courses, which I can attest to as a lifesaver for new dog owners. These courses provide essential training for puppies, helping them build good habits early on and making things easier in the long run.
However, they don’t specialise in intensive behavioural training. As a result, owners dealing with severe reactivity in their dogs may need a more specialised or structured program.
And while their location is easy to access, their classes fill up quickly. This makes last-minute bookings difficult.
Less stressful
Fiona was a real pleasure to work with and helped us massively in the early days (and even before!) bringing our Winnie home. She has been a great sounding board, problem solver and empathetic teacher for the whole family, and has been able to adapt and mould her teaching to suit the specific quirks of our pup. We were totally new to the dog world and Fiona made this new adventure immeasurably less stressful and a lot of fun. Thank you for all your hard work and clever thinking x”
- Kate Scholes, Google Review
Highly recommended
“We found Betsy dog school while looking for a 1-2-1 trainer to help with our flatcoatXbordercollie puppy he wasn’t able to settle was very scared had a really bad time with jumping up at people. With Fiona’s help we managed to help tackle these things he has done incredibly well with jumping up and settling. I’d highly recommend Betsy’s dog school. Thank you for all your help!”
- Cameron Hodgson, Google Review
3. Howl School for Dogs
Address: 52 Jesmond Road
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Howl School for Dogs is an excellent choice if you want a trainer to teach your dog tricks and help it develop confidence and self-control.
Their approach focuses on understanding canine behaviour and guiding dogs in a way that aligns with their instincts rather than working against them.
Among their services, I particularly liked their structured behavioural training. In fact, many dog owners shared that this has helped many dogs, including a once-anxious rescue that now walks calmly in busy areas.
Plus, I like the fact that their trainers are knowledgeable and patient. They take time to understand each dog’s unique needs and create a supportive environment for learning.
I also appreciate that their facility is well-maintained, though it’s mainly used for controlled indoor training. With this, owners may need to reinforce lessons in real-world settings.
However, their services are more expensive than other options on this list. Aside from that, the waiting list for private training can be long.
What’s even more frustrating is that they have limited weekend sessions, which may be a drawback for those with busy weekday schedules.
Highly recommended trainers
“I found Kerri on Instagram and I am so very glad I did. My miniature dachshund has been dog reactive since being attacked as a puppy and, while we’ve done lots of work with him, I was at the limit of my abilities. Kerri’s force free approach gave me practical exercises to do to help Pip manage his feelings about dogs, and to help manage his barking inside the house (sausage owners, iykyk!). Working with Kerri really boosted my confidence in making the right choices to support my dog, and I have already recommended her online content to several dog owning friends. I would absolutely come back to Kerri for any additional support I need for my dog.”
- Christina Mackie,Google Review
Absolutely amazing experience
“I approached Kerry just over a month ago as I was extremely worried about my dog teddy’s anxiety and the fractured relationship we had developed due to advice from other dog trainers. Since I have been working with her, our relationship has improved significantly and he is much calmer and happier. To the point that all my friends and family have noticed a big change in him. She stayed in close contact daily over the course of the last month, and gave me an abundance of really useful tips to help him feel much more at ease. She taught me ways to understand his behaviour, and enrichment games for him to find the treats in things like egg boxes and paper parcels. Kerry helped me find the right nutritious food and treats in line with the training, which meant that he could focus more and reduce the risk of feeling unwell due to poor quality food. She also helped us find ways to help teddy feel relaxed amongst the chaos of my busy home with 5 children. Kerry was extremely kind, patient and understanding to our personal situation, and I simply cannot thank her enough for what she has done to help our family and Teddy. Kerry, you are absolutely amazing!!!”
- Louise Clay, Google Review
4. Ruff Diamond Dog Training
Address: Community Centre, Monkchester Road
Phone: +447879422131
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ruff Diamond Dog Training really stands out because of their personal approach to training. They don’t just run through a generic checklist—they tailor every session to your dog’s unique quirks, whether a little shy or full of personality.
They also ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience for dogs by using positive reinforcement techniques and providing gentle training, avoiding harsh corrections.
It’s also a plus that they focus on trust-building, which is particularly helpful for dogs with past trauma. By creating a safe, supportive environment, they help nervous dogs gain confidence and thrive.
Another thing I love is their home visits. I find it a game-changer if your dog struggles with new environments. I mean, training in familiar places helps dogs feel safer, making progress much smoother.
Now, fair warning—given the popularity of home visits, booking in advance is essential to ensure you get a spot at the right time.
And while their sessions are highly effective, the price point reflects the high quality of training.
Top-notch service
“At first dog training seems a lot of money but when you find the right trainer, it feels like a bargain! Cris is patient, kind, knowledgable and the care/service is top notch. Will definitely be using again! Thanks again Cris x:
- Tabitha Henty, Google Review
Excellent trainer
“We’ve just done the tricks workshop and had a great time. Cris was an excellent trainer and there was a good range of easy to follow tricks. Hattie was a little star and even managed to do some really good leg weaves. Bowing needs a bit more work so that gives us something to work towards. I highly recommend not only this workshop but any of the training that’s on offer.”
- Linda Clark, Google Review
5. The Dog Log
Address: Woodside, Kirkley
Phone: +447547760788
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Dog Log is an option if you’re interested in one-on-one dog training. My friend, who struggled with her rescue dog’s anxiety, swears by their sessions, saying that they immensely helped build her dog’s confidence.
And to be honest, I was impressed by how personalised the training was. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s really nice that they tailor each session to your dog’s needs, which makes a huge difference.
Their positive reinforcement approach gets a big thumbs up, too! In fact, another dog owner I know mentioned that the trainers take time to understand the root cause of behavioural issues rather than just correcting bad habits. That kind of personalised attention is hard to find.
Oh, did I mention the expert credentials? These aren’t just dog trainers winging it. They have a Bachelor of Science in Canine Behaviour Management, so you can ensure that they really know their stuff.
But bear in mind that their weekend slots tend to book quickly. So, securing a session early is best if you have a packed schedule.
Fantastic help and support
“Absolutely fantastic service and really happy that I used Nathan to train Kobe. So much knowledge and insight and I now have very well behaved puppy. We started with one on one classes but are already looking onto the socialisation classes. Fantastic help and support. Thanks Nathan and Lou.”
- Miv Chahal, Google Review
Game-changing service
“Training with Nathan has been a game changing for us and our border collie/toy poodle pup. Nathan’s training sessions are informative, relaxed, enjoyable and very relaxed. We’ve had 3 previous dogs but this puppy has been the most challenging. With Nathan’s training and help we’ve addressed so many problems – chasing vehicles, bikes, runners, not able to let her off lead as she wouldn’t come to you to name but a few. She’s now a joy to be with and a perfect furbaby. With our previous dogs we attended puppy training and even a dog behaviourists for a reactive dog but can definitely say our time Nathan has been game changing and so enjoyable. Just wish we’d found him earlier!”
- hopej, Google Review