TESTIMONIALS
Georgia + Nala
"I booked in a couple of sessions with Sam for my 5 year old German Shepherd, Nala, due to recent reactivity on lead. Both sessions were super helpful and I've seen a huge difference in my dog as well as myself handling her. Understanding why Nala reacts the way she does and the most appropriate way to gain focus and control whilst she builds her confidence back around other dogs. We both absolutely loved the sessions and our on-going training. Sam really shows his understanding and knowledge and truly works with the dogs best interest at heart, myself & Nala always felt comfortable during the training and is so refreshing to be able to enjoy our walks without us both being anxious. Phoebe & Gus (Sam’s dogs), were great at helping us too, acting as distractions as we worked on our focus - both of his dogs show how well Sam works with dogs & the level of professionalism he shows.
Sam’s on hand with any questions outside our sessions and checks in to see how we’re getting on - which shows he goes the extra mile.
We can’t wait to attend group sessions & pack walks to advance our skills!
Thanks Sam, Phoebe & Gus - you’ve been a massive help!"
Michele + Dotty
"Sam and his training Dogs are a dream team. I had some minor issues with reactivity with my small dog Dotty, I contacted Sam and we booked 4 one to one sessions to address this. Sam's training site is secure, we learnt how to get Dotty to refocus on being dog neutral and within 2 sessions we have seen big improvement in this area, even my neighbours in my village have noticed a difference in my dogs behaviour and have said how well she is behaving lately. I now have the skills within my toolbox to confidently step in and show leadership to my dog when she is unsure, she now looks to me to show her the way. Purely down to Sam's training which is easy to understand and follow. Thank you for all your help, Michele and Dotty"
Amy + Mojo
"Sam is fantastic, knowledgeable and supportive! My 2 year old retriever loves the group walks and the group training sessions, we learn more every time we attend. No question is silly and Sam is always on hand to support our journey! The pack walks are great to socialise and it has taken my pup and I out of our comfort zone. We have had some private sessions at the training centre too, there's plenty of parking and it's super easy to find. I 100% recommend Sam's Canine Academy!!"
Joanne + Nyx
"It’s a little overwhelming when trying to find the right trainer to help with your dog. Sam is a great match for myself and my rescue dog Nyx. Nyx is reactive to most dogs we see and in the first session, Sam identified the best approach to help her and educate me. She responded well to the new approach and even had fun and was eager to learn. We’ve had several sessions now and there’s already improvements for both of us which is fantastic to see. We both engage a lot more with one another and we are having more positive fun walks which is one of my goals for us. I would 100% recommend Sam. He’s great and experienced and answers all my questions and has so many fun tools for training."
Stacey + Hallibeut
"Sam was absolutely amazing. I needed a little guidance on how to use the slip lead so that my pup wouldn't keep pulling when she got excited
Sam was fantastic because my pup isn't keen on people she doesn't know so to be taken out with a stranger and to do so well on her training session I was so so proud. One session and Sam managed to crack it for me. Thankyou . If I ever need help in the future will definitely get in contact with you and I highly recommend Sam to anyone else needing any sort of Dog training"
Rachel + Kali
"Couldn’t recommend Sam enough, not only did he listen to what I had to say , he even listened to my dog, after working with previous trainers that never listened to anything I said nor took notice of my dogs behaviour and just classed her as pure aggression and she couldn’t be helped, he came and noticed everything and listened to her, my dog couldn’t go near any strangers without reacting badly but by the end of the hour Sam was able to walk with her, stroke her without hesitation, that one session has helped massively and can already see a difference in her outside. Couldn’t thank him enough for what he has done already."
Edwin + Kali
"I had a session with Sam and it was extremely useful. He showed how to turn my pulling machine into calm dog that can be taken for relaxing walks. He also gave me a lot useful tips regarding the equipment and demonstrated how different collars and leashes can be used for training."
Lisa + Remi
​"Could not recommend Sam enough. Sam has supported me with training my two large breed dogs, this includes lead and recall training, walking to heel, training around reactivity and has a really good knowledge around dogs"
Denna + Rocco
​"Sam was really helpful and knowledgeable, he gave me such great advice that previous trainers had not been able to provide. We have seen such a change in our dog after just one session! Walks are getting easier and he is so much calmer. Would definitely recommend !!"
Craig + Digby
"I went to see Sam with my Olde thyme bulldog as he was constantly pulling on walks to the point I didn’t enjoy walking him. one session with Sam and it’s like walking a different dog. his knowledge and info has been amazing and with his his recommendation on a different collar has completely transformed my dog. would highly recommend Sam if you are having any issues with your dogs. Cheers mate much appreciated"
Zoe + Snow
​"We brought our somewhat reactive dog Snow to meet Sam - we didn’t know if it was aggression, excitement or what may be causing Snow to react to other dogs. Sam was incredible, his understanding of dog behaviour and what they need is crazy. Snow was clearly comfortable with him in just 5 minutes of walking side by side. To see Snow focused on Sam and following in heel in just one session shocked us. We got so much information and the correct tools to help our boy that I have no doubt he’ll be good as gold one day. Cannot thank Sam enough!"
Charly + Reggie
​"We have had a couple of sessions with Sam now. Reggie (cocker spaniel) had some lead walking and excitement issues we needed help with and within minutes of each session Sam had Reggie engaged and controlled, as-well as having some play time and sniff time! Sam’s knowledge is amazing and not only is Reggie’s walking coming on leaps and bounds, our understanding of Reggie is also so much better. Happy owners and a very happy dog! We honestly couldn’t recommend Sam enough!"
Chloe + Trixie
"I would absolutely recommend Sam. We were so nervous but Sam was great, he put us and Trixie at ease within minutes. His instructions were clear and easy to follow, with praise and feedback given throughout to ensure we nailed it. I really appreciate his approach to sessions and that you only have to pay for what you need rather than potentially wasting money on bulk booking unnecessary sessions. Overall Sam was kind, clear, affordable and delivered results."
Anita + Ziggy
​"I would definitely recommend Sam! I had my first session today and could see an improvement with my dog Ziggy straight away. With Ziggy being a big dog it is always a worry that he might be too much but Sam handled him like a pro and explained everything to me clearly and in a way I could understand. I felt very comfortable and after our session I definitely have more confidence that I can get Ziggy to stop pulling and help him to not fixate on other dogs. Sam thank you for your time today and I look forward to working with you again"
Kirsty + Jesse
"Sam came to help us with some puppy basics training. It didn’t take him long to have our pup Jesse eating out the palm of his hand (literally). He put my mind at ease, he was able to answer all my questions and gave me tips on how to move forward and progress with Jesse. I would highly recommend Sam’s canine academy. He’s very professional and easy to talk to without feeling judged. Thank you Sam, I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again!"
Freda + Socks
"Would deff recommend Sams Canine Academy for help with your dog. We had a very informative training session with Sam and our cockapoo puppy. He was so much better after guidelines in the house/visitors and meeting other people and dogs. Looking forward to meeting up with Sam again for more training in the new year."
Dave + Ludo
"Met with Sam today to combat some reactivity with my boy ludo. Sam was incredibly knowledgeable and was amazing in his handling of ludo and teaching me the tools needed to combat the reactions he had towards other dogs. in a very short time we had gone from ludo having instant excitement and fixating towards other dogs to be able to be walking along side sams dog gus. it really was night and day. thank you for your time Sam and look forward to working with you guys again. cannot recommend you enough"
Paula, Penny + Gino
​"Sam was very knowledgeable and explained what I would need to remember in order to practice what he showed me. I have 2 mini schnauzers who bark continually at visitors. He showed me how to control and reassure the dogs, quite quickly, and it was very impressive. I can't recommend him highly enough. He's given me the confidence to keep practicing and enjoy the dogs without worrying about the barking when I'm expecting visitors."
Rebecca + Luther
"Sam is absolutely fantastic with dogs. He has a huge amount of knowledge and he shares this in an easy to understand and simple way. This helped us make sense of our two Rottweilers behaviours and take steps with Sam to bring about positive changes. Not only was Sam really full of helpful information and training advice when he visited, he was also polite, friendly, supportive and kind. He then followed up his visit with lots of other useful links and tips. I can’t thank Sam enough and I would highly recommend him"
Issy + Alfie
"Sam was absolutely fantastic with my 1 year old cockapoo, Alfie. After having some issues with pulling on the lead and road safety, Sam had a couple of hours with myself and Alfie and just in that time, had made a huge difference! Sam was very knowledgeable with all his advice and always made sure both me and Alfie were comfortable. I couldn’t recommend Sam enough"
Aimee + Bear
"I had the pleasure of Sam helping me with heel training of my 10 month old cocker, I can’t recommend him enough!!!! He is brilliant with dogs and has a great knowledge in what he does. The difference in my dog after one session with him is amazing. Please anyone looking for a dog trainer Sam is your man!"
Leone, Teasel + Tarka
"Sam was absolutely brilliant. Calm and patient with the dogs and with us too, explaining techniques clearly so we would be able to do it on our own."
Fraser + Arla
​"The heel walking has made such a difference. She walks so calmly on a loose lead now."
Paige + Eli
"Sam is a great dog trainer! He made it very clear what we have to continue to do to get my dog Eli behaving well. Would definitely recommend!"
Hayley + Axl
"We had our first session with Sam recently. He was super knowledgeable and observant, providing great guidance on how best to handle certain situations. He was also able to advise on which tools to use and how to use them correctly, which we will be putting into practice until our next session. We can already see positive changes in our Corso. Would recommend to anyone looking for a skilled trainer."
Adam, Teddy + Dennis
"We came to Sam with our 2 dogs Teddy and Dennis who had some behavioural issues and pulled on the leads and barked at other dogs and people on walks. Sam was patient with the dogs (even more with the humans!) and he gave us some fantastic advice on how to train and control the dogs better with things like commands, timing of treats even right down to the type of lead we use. I wanted to wait until we had been putting Sam's advice into practice for a while before writing a review. I am happy to say that after a month, the dogs are much better on walks, they are no longer pulling as much and they are much better when they come close to other dogs and people. They aren't 'perfect' but the progress is noticeable and we know they're much better than before. I would definitely recommend Sam's services for anyone who is looking for advice/support on having better behaved dogs."
Debbie and Nellie
"I went to Sam via a recommendation and have seen great results with my dog in just two sessions with him. Sam has a love of dogs and is very passionate in all he does and is very personable. He is knowledgeable, clear, and happy to go over things and answer questions outside of the training session, too. He keeps in touch with regular check-ins to see how things are going which is a welcome and nice touch. I have no hesitation in recommending Sam's dog training services."
Colin + Buddy
"I have done so much research into dog training, trawling through hours of videos and sampling varying techniques. We have a 6 month old cocker spaniel called Buddy and have done a lot of foundation training and attended puppy classes following a positive training approach. This has really set us up on a good path but as he has aged we have been experiencing one or two issues in his training that I could just not crack despite everything i have researched. I was not 100% confident in the approach I knew we would need to take for his bad lead walking and after stumbling accross Sam’s page decided to give him a call. It really was the best decision I have made. I knew the issues I faced were due to us missing a key ingredient in his training which was causing the frustration for us and Buddy. After a 10 min tune up drill and some guidance from Sam I had a completely different puppy on my hands, looking to me for guidance and enjoying the various games and tasks Sam set. He explains everything so clearly and does not make you feel like an idiot. I would definitely recommend contacting Sam if you need guidance it really helped out things into perspective for us. I will definitely contact him again in future if issue arise with our Buddy."
Veronica + Una
"We just finished our 4 session training with Sam and Gus (Sam’s amazing furry ”business partner”) and all we can say is that we made the best choice for our sweet puppy, Una. Sam provided us all the “tools” we need in having a happy, balanced and - most important- safe life together, he was and still is always available for us and showed a LOT of patience in showing us the not-so-little details in guiding our pup, details that can make a big difference. Una loves Sam and Gus, we love Sam and Gus and we recommend the pair of them to anyone who wants to start a beautiful life with a pup. And there’s more - our daughter’s adult dog is quite reactive and with Sam and Gus’s help we learned and understood where and how we need to work to fix this quite inconvenient issue. So, thank you Sam and Gus, you are our stars! Looking forward to come back and work with you again soon, with the next puppy that’ll join our family!"
Marie + Blue
"I was searching for a local trainer who had the knowledge but also who had the evidenced experience to help with the issues I wanted to address and the use of various tools I wanted to discuss to help in our training journey. My rescue Weimaraner came to me with various issues such as a bite history, some dog reactivity, a complete lack of recall and an aggressive response to new people entering the house. In our first session, Sam was great, he was so calm and patient with us both. Blue was initially nervous and unsure but Sam quickly built up trust with him. We’ve had a couple of sessions with Sam now to work on various things such as enhancing the basic obedience skills, learning to tap into Blue’s prey drive through play which helps to build our bond, working on recall and also free shaping commands. I get comments all the time when we’re out and about on walks about how well behaved Blue is! Sam’s advice is clear and concise, full of tips and tricks.. He is always available to answer questions outside of sessions and regularly checks in to see how things are going. Sam is a natural with both dogs and people so I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him."
Laura + Theo
"I have a 17 month old Yorkshire Terrier (Theo) who developed behavioural issues such as barking at strangers and lunging towards other dogs when out on walks alongside pulling on the lead. After just one session with Sam, my dog has continuously walked on a loose lead and rarely ever barks at strangers or dogs anymore. The two sessions with Sam have completely changed our mindset towards taking Theo for walks and we no longer dread them. I cannot recommend Sam enough! We will definitely be bringing Theo to the group classes and walks to continue the training."
Vicky + Ziggy
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Sam to help anyone with canine problems. My dog had some reactivity issues and Sam has help myself & My dog Ziggy so much by talking through and showing us how to deal with these situations in a positive way. My dog and I are enjoying are walks so much more now and he is a much happier dog. We are going to continue are journey building his and my confidence in group classes and pack walks."
Carly + Duke
"I booked a few sessions with Sam to work on some small issues and they have been AMAZING. I have learnt so much I have been able to put these into practice in our every day life. My boy is now a joy to walk and have around other people and dogs. Sam picks up on the smallest details and it’s been such an eye opener for us. Always makes the time for you and your dog and doesn’t ever make you feel silly as I have found when talking to other trainers! I have recommended Sam to everyone who I know who needs a trainer and will continued to do so. Thank you so much Sam"
Chelsea + Bruno
"I cannot rate Sam highly enough! His knowledge is incredible and his approach to training is genuinely the only thing that's helped our reactive dog. Sam is so patient and so so helpful, he really cares. Thank you so much. We can now enjoy walks again!"
Sian + Lenny
"After just one session with Sam and a group class, my dog is already paying more attention to me on walks. I’ve learnt more in that time with Sam than 8 lessons elsewhere. He is clearly very knowledgeable and happy to offer suggestion and guidance whenever I need it.
We have a way to go but the fact I can already see such a big change fills me with confidence for the future. One walk at a time!"
Leanne + Indi
"Sam has been helping me with my 13 month old Doberman, he’s been amazing and is really helping me feel more confident with her. He’s a fantastic trainer very knowledgeable and most of all takes the time to listen to you and talk you through every thing step by step. I highly recommend Sam and I’m looking forwards to continuing my training with him."
Sam + Todd
"Sam has been great in helping our Todd up until now and he continues to do so. He provides support and helps us with as much as we can when it’s needed. Would highly recommend him!"
Midula + Ovie
"I highly recommend Sam. He is patient, knowledgeable, and truly understands how to work with dogs. Our dog responded so well to his techniques, and we've seen a huge improvement in behaviour.
He also constantly checked in between sessions and was always reachable and responsive whenever we had questions.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a skilled and effective dog trainer."
Olivia, Elma + Avery
"Sam was an incredible help with our two rescue frenchies. He was extremely knowledgeable, patient and understanding. After 4 sessions we saw a huge improvement and felt we had learned so much that we were able to implement into our daily lives. Would highly recommend."
Kate + Fig
"So happy to have found Sam!
Lovely guy, great with my dog.
Positive, encouraging, clear and concise
Took care to fully understand the issue(s) and then gave really helpful adjustments (for both me and puppy - mainly to me, if I'm honest!), meaning we made progress right from the outset.
I really feel that it has helped me understand how to communicate with her and strengthen our bond"
Jack, Nadia + Max
"Sam was fantastic with us! Our free consultation was already so helpful with tips and reassurance that we had the best intentions and we could be helped to give our dog the life we want to! We have met with Sam once so far and it was incredible! Our dog responded amazingly to him, but also he made sure our confidence as owners grew, and Sam made sure we were supported every step of the way! The change in our dog was so clear to see and we are so happy already, can’t wait to see Sam again!"
Matea + Shiloh
“I would highly recommend Sam. He completely understood the needs of our American Akita, was clear and concise when showing us how to handle her in different scenarios. Was super responsive and kept in touch in between training sessions. We will definitely be attending his pack walks in the future and coming back for more sessions if needed.”
Maria + Dexter
"Would highly recommend Sam to help train your dog. He has shown us the potential our dog has and how we can achieve it.
Nice to have a hands on trainer instead if someone that just talks us through it"
Paula + Blade
"Sam has helped me so much with Blade he is a reactive German shepherd Sam has given me my confidence back which in turn has given Blade his confidence back in me!!! Now to get Sam back out so I can walk both my German shepherd together instead of separate. Recommend Sam 100%"
Sophie + Vinny
"Sam was so knowledgeable and understanding, gave us so many good pointers and also just great with our dog Vinny. Would really recommend with someone who is stuck when it comes to training your dog or puppy! We had lovely sessions with him"
Luke + SAM
"Today was my first session with Sam after a recommendation.
I already had a pretty good feeling from our messages that we would click and on meeting in person I was reassured in my feelings. Sam was clear, patient and happy to listen to me rabbit on, giving me constructive advice and guidance along the way.
In terms of hands on training he was great with my dog (also called Sam) and there was no conflict at all between either of them. My Sam took instruction and guidance from him as she would from myself and it was an absolute joy to watch.
I would highly highly recommend and I'll absolutely be calling on Sam in the future to help with the next stages of our journey."
Lynsey + Nova
"I came to Sam with my Doberman cross who was incredibly reactive and excitable, barking and lunging at other dogs. Whilst she was generally well behaved, she had little to no recall or manners around other dogs meaning walks were not enjoyable and we didn’t know how to address her specific issues.
Sam was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive, He took the time to understand my dog's triggers and walked us through a tailored training plan that addressed the root of the reactivity, not just the symptoms.
What I particularly appreciated was the access to Sam's own dogs during the sessions to really allow us to zone in on her behaviour around other dogs before progressing to group training with exposure to more dogs.
Sam taught me how to effectively communicate with my dog which has made a huge difference within a very short space of time, the results have been truly remarkable.
My dog is now significantly calmer and more focused, even in distracting environments. The reactivity has decreased dramatically, and I feel so much more confident handling my dog in public.
I would recommend Sam's Canine Academy!"
Victoria, Harry + Reggie
"Sam is very knowledgeable and supportive. Even after our training sessions, he's been checking in to see how we've been getting on. I was very sceptical that 2 sessions would be all we needed, whereas my partner had more faith and he was right.
Sam was able to help us with making really stressful, reactive walks into nice, normal walks which are actually enjoyable again. Thank you so much for helping us get Reggie to where he is now. We look forward to trying a pack walk/group training session soon :)"
Sam + Dolly
"Sam really knows his stuff, professional, affordable and generally a lovely guy!
Had lead training for our cavapoo pup to help with pulling and recently had a home visit to help with constant barking! Although training is in its early days, she is a different dog already! Can’t thank you enough Sam!
Highly recommend to everyone!!"
Gillian + Sam
"We can't praise Sam enough for his help and guidance to assist us with the training needed with a young sight hound. Sam identified the issues we were finding difficult and gave us a clear programme of teaching methods. We now have a very happy dog that enjoys life with owners that have confident control."
Connor, Sophie + Miles
"Sam has been an immense help with our Border Collie, Miles.
We went to Sam for help with his reactivity and aggression problems, after 3 sessions he’s become a totally different dog.
We’ll definitely be continuing his journey with some group sessions.
Sam has helped bring some normality and order back to our lives, highly recommend!"