Welcome to Mid Devon Dog Training

Does your dog pull on the lead? Not always come when you call? Jump up at people? Run off with toys/items and not want to let them go? Get over excited when meeting other dogs? Appear 'deaf' at times?

Would you like help/ideas on how to successfully communicate and interact with your dog to build a stronger bond with your canine companion?

Have you trained your dog the basics but would like to learn extra tricks and enrichment games to play to keep them stimulated?

Are you getting a new puppy or rescue and need advice and help with training to make sure you get it right from day one, so that you can build a special bond that will last for the rest of your dog’s life?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, or have more of your own, do not worry, help is at hand.

Mid Devon Dog Training provides 1:1 dog training and specialist dog walking.

 All training techniques are science-based and force free only. Positive reward-based training and knowledge of how dogs communicate, makes learning easier for the dog and training fun for everyone involved. Resulting in a relaxed, fear-free dog and a closer bond between dog and guardian.

If you would like to discuss options, a free 15 minute phone call is available, please complete the contact form or use the WhatsApp link to send a message, so that a suitable time can be arranged to talk further. You can also click here to visit our Facebook page for client progress stories and handy tips

Contact Us

Meet the Team

SARA

My name is Sara and it goes without saying that I am a lifelong dog lover and owner. I started out as a dog walker and I soon got thirsty for knowledge on dog behaviour and training. I have studied with The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, Canine Principles and Dog Training College, to name a few. I continue to take courses to further my knowledge and professional development.  I have achieved a Canine Coaching Accredited Diploma with Canine Principles and I am a full professional member of the IMDT.

I know that being a dog owner is not always easy and can be challenging, and I promise not to judge. I will ensure that I give the best ongoing support and am here to understand and work through your struggles.  In addition, as a force free trainer, I do not use or support any aversive methods. I am committed to helping human and canine build a strong relationship using a holistic approach to canine coaching.

I am fully insured, DBS checked and trained in canine first aid.

MABEL

My name is Mabel and I am a Jack Russell Terrier x Poodle. I joined Sara’s family when I was 11 month's old in 2014 and I had never lived in a house before as my last home was a barn on a farm.  I can appear overconfident, but it turns out that I am quite scared of some humans and I use my boldness to try and mask my fear. I have taught Sara lots about canine emotions and how important they are to consider when helping me to become part of a loving family. I have been incredibly happy to let Sara teach me new things, as long as I know I am safe. 

I love the company of other dogs and, although I am older now, I enjoy a the occasional game of chase with my canine companions. I am a member of Sara's 'Confidence Crew' and help other dogs with socialisation skills and demonstrate politeness and manners on a walk.

TEDDY

My name is Teddy and I am a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise. I joined Sara’s family when I was 11 month's old in 2017.  Even though I was young, it was my third home because I was being a bit destructive chewing lots of things and digging holes in the garden. Turns out the spaniel side of me is quite strong and I need lots of exercise and opportunities to use my sniffer and hunt. So, my new home and and initial dog walking job was perfect for me and I haven't ever chewed or dug up the garden (except when 'working' in the chicken run).  I was a challenge for Sara when it came to training as I lacked confidence in my abilities, so Sara had to learn to adapt her skills to support me. Now I am a whizz and love it when we get to try new things.

I am also a sociable soul and a member of the Confidence Crew. My skill set is to demonstrate a wicked recall, even in challenging environments and to act as a referee in group settings, to make sure play doesn't get too out of hand.

OUR SERVICES

1:1 Adult Dog Training (over 6 months old)

I provide support and guidance for a variety of training needs and some behaviour challenges (non-vet referred). I strive to make training a positive, enriching experience for both clients and their dogs with the goal of achieving harmony and understanding for all.

Services begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation, where further information is gathered, your questions can be answered and the initial appointment is booked in, should you wish to proceed,

Clients then receive a welcome pack, an introduction to force free training and a questionnaire, which is to be returned before the first session.

Training sessions take place in your home or a convenient agreed location. Each session is personalized, offering practical advice and hands-on support to meet specific needs. 

After each session, I provide a comprehensive training plan, along with helpful resources such as videos and handouts to support continued progress. 

To ensure ongoing success, I am available via WhatsApp to answer questions between training sessions and for two weeks after the final session.

The first session is 1.5 hours in length, and subsequent sessions 1 hour (unless requested otherwise).

PRICE:

Pay As You Go - £65 per hour

Package: 1 x 1.5 hour initial session + 3 x 1 hour follow up session - £270

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Puppy Packages

I offer expert advice to help you prepare for your puppy’s arrival and navigate the challenging first few months.

Guidance includes managing common puppy behaviours like biting, toilet training, settling at night, and mastering the crucial first steps of training.

Services begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation, where further information is gathered, your questions can be answered and the initial appointment is booked in, should you wish to proceed,

Clients then receive a welcome pack, an introduction to force free training, a puppy essentials pack and a questionnaire, which is to be returned before the first session.

The first session is ideally scheduled a week to 10 days after your puppy’s arrival to provide timely and effective support.

The Puppy Package provides five one hour sessions that are held weekly or fortnightly, at your home, each lasting an hour. 

During these sessions, I will troubleshoot specific issues and guide you through every step of the training process and individualize training plans so that they are tailored to meet the needs of you and your puppy. 

After each session, I provide a comprehensive training plan, along with helpful resources such as videos and handouts to support continued progress. 

To ensure ongoing success, I am available via WhatsApp to answer questions between training sessions and for two weeks after the final session.

PRICE:

5 x 1 hour training sessions - £300

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Specialised Dog Walking

I understand that not every dog is suited to general dog walking services due to their need for extra professional support. I offer a unique walking service for those who are unable or less confident to access help elsewhere.

For dogs still in training or those requiring assistance with socialisation and reactivity, I can offer tailored walking support to meet their needs.

I can provide additional walking sessions to help maintain important training skills like recall, loose lead walking, and impulse control. 

Dogs can also join my Confidence Crew, featuring Mabel and Teddy, for off-lead or long-line adventures. These walks focus on building confidence, improving recall, and sharpening focus in distracting environments. 

For dogs who are anxious or fearful, I offer ‘safe’ walks with myself as a qualified and skilled practitioner. These walks aim to ensure safety while addressing triggers and helping your dog to change emotional responses to them.

Walks last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the needs of the dog and travel time to walking locations, if required.

This service is open to everyone on either a regular or ad hoc basis.

PRICE:

£40 per session

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Predation Substitute Training

Have you experienced the fear of your dog chasing livestock or wildlife? Or do you worry that it could happen on a walk?

I am a qualified Predation Substitute Training Instructor. Developed by leading force-free expert Simone Mueller, this training is designed to strengthen communication between dogs and their guardians, improving understanding and teamwork. 

It provides structured outlets for the chase drive alongside reinforcing the stalking phase of the predatory sequence when encountering live animals. 

This training requires time, commitment, and patience but has been proven effective for many dogs and their owners. 

Each programme starts with an initial package of six sessions, tailored to individual needs. 

Additional sessions can be booked as needed, to refine progress and continue development. 

After each session, I provide a comprehensive training plan, along with helpful resources such as videos and handouts to support continued progress. 

To ensure ongoing success, I am available via WhatsApp to answer questions between training sessions and for two weeks after the final session.

Price:

PST Package - 6 x 1 hour sessions - £360

Additional sessions - £60

Travel Expenses

I am based near junction 27 of the M5 and cover the towns of Tiverton, Cullompton and Wellington and surrounding villages.

Travel is free for the first 8 miles from and to EX15 2TD, after this there is a charge of £1 per extra mile to cover fuel and travel time.

Testimonials

Sara was recommended to me by our neighbour and I would thoroughly recommend her to others looking for some 1-2-1 training sessions. The first thing I appreciated was Sara's quick response to my enquiry as I was at a bit of a low point when I reached out to her. Within the space of a week I've had two sessions, the initial consultation and the first training session, each of which were followed-up with detailed notes of the exercises discussed. She has been able to help me apply what I have learned elsewhere (from group training classes and online learning) to my dog and our particular needs. For example, in coming on a walk with us she was able to witness some of his behaviours that I'm finding difficult and give on-the-spot suggestions about what to do and when to do it. Never judgemental, always positive, she supports her suggestions with her theoretical knowledge such that I know why I'm doing a particular exercise. She tops it off with all important reassurance that I'm not letting my dog down and the right amount of enthusiasm to help me believe that we will reach our goals. I'm really looking forward to working with Sara over the next few months.

Deborah

Sara is makes you feel extremely comfortable in her presence. This makes it easy to take on board her knowledge and training advice. Alfie loves her and enjoys the games and attention she gives him and therefore learns a lot. She supports the training with practice sheets and steps to move the basics forward. And is available to ask questions between sessions. Would definitely recommend her, if only for her encouragement and enthusiasm, and support, every thing else is a bonus.

Jacqui

Sara really knows her stuff. Never judgmental of you or your dog and has handy tips for every circumstance. I knew from the first time we met that I and my canine pals were in great hands. Have been working for just a few days on a plan Sara worked up for me and we are seeing benefits already.

Tsara

When we got our puppy, Sara came and gave us great advice and training plans which helped with so many things, especially getting her to focus on us.  It was great being able to contact Sara when we encountered difficulties and working through them together to solve any issues.  We also worked really hard on her recall, which means that now she is old enough, she can safely join the Mabel’s Mates group walks, which she absolutely loves.

Rachel March

I have been amazed at the change in my dogs behaviour after only two visits from Sara. The exercises she gave us are simple to follow, but very effective. I have had many dogs and trained them successfully, but I was out of my depth with the one I have now. I have been to other dog  trainers before for problems we have had with my Labrador cross who had problems from before we had her, but their input was minimal and did not fix the problems. I have found that many things have improved as well as the behaviours we were working on. She is a much nicer dog now and I am no longer ashamed of her. Thank you so much Sara for changing our lives.

Hazel Newman

During lockdown I followed some of Sara’s videos and training tips to work with my two unruly Shelties, Sid and Poppy. I really thought that, aged 9, they might be too old to learn much, but Sara’s simple approach was very effective. Recall is much improved as is persistent barking at any movement detected outside the house. The suggestions for games are excellent and have livened up some long days when rain has made it difficult to go out. I only wish I lived closer so I could also get the benefit of Sara’s training techniques and her wealth of experience in person.

Lesley Higgs

I have entrusted the training of my dog to Sara who I can highly recommend both for dog training and exercising. My dog is a cross breed and suffers from an ‘overactive nose’, she loves to sniff everything and due to this is very easily distracted and her recall was almost non-existent. Consequently, during her early days of being a puppy I spent 3 hours at a local National Trust Park trying to persuade her to come back to me. Sara offered to help out with recall. She was already taking my dog out through her dog walking service, so this was going to work well. Sara, myself, and my dog spent several sessions in a large enclosed outdoor area to initiate training, she always ended each session with handouts to back up that training and doggy homework. Also exercises that could be done both indoors and outdoors. Our dogs are part of our family and mean the world, so it is important to trust and be happy with your dog trainer. I would recommend Sara at Mid Devon Dog Training.

Sarah Grey

Otis was attacked when he was a puppy and in turn has always been wary of other dogs he doesn’t know. Working with Sara has provided us with training techniques to support Otis when meeting new dogs, as well as helping to build his confidence….and ours!

Emma Skinner

Sara was great with Hendrix. She got to know him and us to come up with a bespoke training plan. She explained everything really well, gave us notes to follow at home and was available to give us support between sessions. Not only did Hendrix enjoy them, and all the extra sausages he got as part of the process, they’ve really helped and given us all new skills to use. Thank you!

Katherine Lamb

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL AFFLIATIONS

I am a practically assessed and qualified member of The IMDT. Members of the The IMDT must be able to demonstrate a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of proven, ethical and science based dog training and behaviour and abide by The IMDT Code of Ethics.

In order to retain membership each year, members must give proof of Continued Professional Development so that we are always learning and keeping up to date with new studies.

Following several years of study, I have achieved my Accredited Canine Coaching Diploma through Canine Principles.

A CPD Certified and TQUK Endorsed Puppy Specialist Program. On passing the final assessment, I have achieved a Level 3 ‘Award in Puppy Training’.

I am part of a worldwide network of Predation Substitute Training Certified Trainers.

If you would like to find out more, please visit www.predation-substitute-training.com

Having undergone a personal assessment process, ensuring I met the high standards, ethics, and force and fear free philosophy, I was invited to become a Professional Member of the Pet Professional Network.

As an Assessed and Qualified Member of The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (www.imdt.uk.com) I am proud to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter symbol.