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