Dog Training Sunderland

Dog Training Sunderland, also known as Back To Basics Dog Training, is a family-run dog training club established in April 2012 in Sunderland. The business offers group classes for puppies and adult dogs, one-to-one training sessions, and specialized recall and long-line training. They also provide support for reactive, nervous, and rescue dogs using reward-based methods. The team includes trainers Gil, Nicky, and Sarah, and the club hosts community activities like club walks and graduations.

Group classes are held at Fulwell Methodist Church in Seaburn, Sunderland SR6 8LN, and run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm, with additional sessions on Fridays. The venue is used for weekly 45-minute sessions that cater to every age and stage, from puppy foundations to advanced adult training. One-to-one training sessions can be arranged at any location, though prices may vary for areas outside Sunderland.

The business charges £10 per 45-minute session for group classes. On the first day, the fee is £40, which covers the first four sessions and is non-refundable. After the initial four sessions, the cost is £10 per class. One-to-one training costs £100 for a single session, £150 for a 3-day course, and £250 for a 5-day course, with prices potentially varying based on distance outside Sunderland.

The business has been operating since 2012, with over 40 years of combined experience among the team members. It is described as a proper local dog club that is not a franchise, and it has trained over 1,000 dogs. The team includes former police dog handlers and instructors who bring extensive knowledge to their training methods.

The training methods focus on training both the owners and the dogs as a team to build trust and read each other's signals. They use reward-based methods and offer a clear path of classes and graduations to work towards. The approach is tailored to the individual needs of the owner and dog, addressing issues like reactivity, nervousness, and obedience.

The business works with all breeds and specifically caters to dogs with physical or sensory limitations, such as those that are blind, deaf, or disabled. They also have experience managing aggression and building confidence for fearful dogs. The team has trained dogs that have gone on to become successful therapy dogs in various settings.

The team consists of Gil, Nicky, and Sarah, who are described as friendly trainers with decades of professional experience. Gil is the daughter of a former police dog handler and home office instructor, and Sarah has been taught by Gil and takes over running the club. The team emphasizes a no-nonsense, honest approach to training.

Some reviewers praise the calm and friendly hall environment, the community aspect of the club, and the genuine support provided to dogs and owners. They highlight the clear path of classes and graduations, as well as the aftercare support offered even years after training. The community chat and events like fun days are also appreciated.

Some reviewers mention that the business is well-established and trusted by thousands of local owners. They note the team's vast knowledge and experience, particularly in the North East, and the ability to handle a wide range of dog behaviors. The focus on training owners as much as dogs is also frequently mentioned.

The business serves Sunderland, Seaburn, Fulwell, Roker, Whitburn, and the wider North East. They offer group classes at a specific venue and one-to-one training at any location. The team is fully insured with public liability insurance in place to ensure safety during training sessions.

The business was established in April 2012 and has been operating for over a decade. It has a Trustburn rating of 3.4 out of 5 from 5 reviews. The team continues to run community activities and offers a range of services from puppy classes to advanced adult training.

The business is described as a family-run club that genuinely loves dog training and aims to bring out the best in every dog. They pride themselves on being a proper local club rather than a franchise, with a focus on building a strong bond between owners and their dogs. The team is committed to providing honest, no-nonsense advice tailored to each partnership.

The process involves getting a full picture of the dog's history before starting one-to-one training. The team emphasizes understanding the full context to provide honest advice and tailor sessions accordingly. They also ensure that owners are prepared by sending joining instructions and providing a welcoming environment on the day of the class.

The business offers a variety of classes including puppy foundations, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as specialized recall and long-line training. They also provide one-to-one sessions for behavior issues and training needs. The team is equipped to handle dogs with different requirements, from those needing basic obedience to those with more complex behavioral challenges.

You can reach Dog Training Sunderland by phone at 07494457540.