Welcome to Mid Devon Dog Training

At Mid Devon Dog Training, I offer 1:1 training and specialised walking support, designed to meet both you and your dog as individuals.

As a holistic, force-free trainer, I look beyond surface-level behaviours, considering how dogs learn, communicate and experience the world. Training is approached in a way that supports emotional wellbeing, encourages thoughtful responses, and helps both ends of the lead feel more confident and understood.

This isn’t about quick fixes or rigid methods, but about building a relationship based on trust, clarity and consistency — creating a calmer, more enjoyable way of living together.

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Living with a dog isn’t always as straightforward as we expect it to be.

You might be finding walks feel challenging, communication unclear at times, or that certain behaviours — pulling on the lead, not coming back when called, overexcitement around people or dogs — are making everyday life feel a little more stressful than it should.

Or perhaps you’re preparing to welcome a new puppy or rescue dog, wanting to get things right from the very beginning and build a relationship that feels calm, connected and lasting.

Wherever you are on your journey, you’re not alone — and support is here.

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

My boy Murphy is walked by Sara once a week and she has been doing this for us for over a year and WOW. Murphy has specific needs that are completely met by Sara. He’s had some really awful experiences in the past and is also a working line border collie so he has breed specific needs that can’t be met by regular dog walkers. Sara provides him with time to socialise with her wonderful dogs and this has boosted his social confidence hugely, so much so he actually initiates play with dogs now, whereas before he was nervous and cautious of other dogs.
Sara has worked hard to find breed specific outlets for him so his herding drive can be put to use safely. Most of all, Murphy adores Sara and I trust her completely to provide him with what he needs and to keep him safe and happy.

Sara is truly a wonderful human being and I know she cares for Murphy like he is her own. She understands his every move and helps him make the best decisions without an ounce of force. If you have a dog that needs additional support on a walk, such as recall, general dog training, breed specific needs, socialisation needs/adaptations then Sara is the one for you. Sara will take on board how you like your dog to be walked and ensure your dog is fulfilled. Thank you for all you do for Murphy Sara.

Chloe

Absolutely brilliant. Get in contact with Sara BEFORE you get your dog / puppy so you’re ready to go from day one.
Very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and approachable and has been absolutely brilliant in helping us train our retriever.

Adam

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

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

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.

I have taken the Canine Principles Pledge of Kindness. I have committee to continue to learn through as many reputable and ethical channels as possible about how to help and care for dogs. I have committed to science-based learning and empathy with all of the dogs and people that I work with.