Meet The South Shields Dog Trainer
We are one of the UK's leading dog training company who have helped over 5000 dogs!
We were TWICE voted UK's Best Dog Trainers by the public (happy clients), against 11,000 other businesses!
Winner of UK ETHICAL DOG TRAINER AND BEHAVIOURIST OF THE YEAR 2026
We have also been awarded best dog trainer / puppy trainer or behaviourist in the North East 6 times!
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About The South Shields Dog Trainers
Here are 6 facts about the dog trainers that you might like to know:
Qualified
All our trainers and behaviourists are qualified to either trainer or behaviourist level. We have multiple trainers with BSc level degrees, and others that are qualified in levels 3-6.
Accredited
It's important that our trainers have an external code of ethics to abide by. These are all by force free training companies and part of UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter or ABTC.
Venues
We have 4 training venues in the North East (Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland and Eighton Banks) and 1 in the South East at Fordingbridge, New Forest.
Reactivity Specialists
Our behaviourists are specialists in reactive and aggressive dogs, particularly herding breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies.
Scentwork Masters
We have 2 behaviourists who are masters in Scentwork, both highly qualified, one of which is winner of UK Scentwork Trainer of the Year.
Charities and Volunteer Work
Our trainers and behaviourists work with multiple charities including German Shepherd and Ex Racing Greyhound Rescues, as well as assistance dog charities, and also volunteer for Northumbria Police and Fire Service Dog Sections.
You can trust us with your dog's behavioural modification!
Our Impact in Numbers
Over a decade of transforming dogs' lives — the numbers speak for themselves.
Our Training Philosophy
We believe every dog deserves to learn without fear. Our methods are rooted in compassion, backed by science, and proven by thousands of happy dogs and owners.
Force-Free Training
We never use fear, pain, or intimidation. Our methods are built entirely on positive reinforcement, ensuring your dog learns with confidence and joy.
Science-Based Approach
Every technique we use is backed by peer-reviewed behavioural science. We stay current with the latest research in canine learning theory and applied animal behaviour.
Building Trust, Not Dominance
We reject outdated dominance theory. Instead, we build a partnership based on mutual trust, clear communication, and understanding your dog's individual needs.
Individualised Plans
No two dogs are the same. We tailor every training plan to your dog's breed, temperament, history, and your lifestyle — creating lasting, real-world results.
Award-Winning Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
Meet The Trainers
Our experienced and qualified trainers and behaviourists are here to help you and your dog.
Accreditations and Qualifications
Meet Our Training Team
Nathan is the senior behaviourist and founder of The Dog Trainers. For the last 13 years, Nathan and his team have helped 5000+ dogs and their owners through puppy training classes in Newcastle, Sunderland, South Shields and the rest of the North East, helping puppies, teenagers and adult dogs become confident, well-socialised family dogs.
Our team are highly accredited, including with regulatory bodies IMDTB, APDT, ABTC and UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter. Our main goal is to strengthen the dog–human relationship using force-free, ethical methods, make learning fun and effective.
We have highly qualified Canine Behaviourists with natural abilities to communicate with dogs and degree-level qualifications in related fields. We also have qualified and accredited dog trainers who have excellent knowledge and skill, and run focused puppy training classes that rapidly address common early-stage issues.
Our team take on and successfully rehabilitate the most difficult of dogs, even where other trainers have tried and failed, using kind methods that can be enjoyed by both the dogs in training and their guardians.
Our Founder, Nathan Leighton, is a renowned dog trainer and behaviourist who has spoken worldwide at seminars with hundreds in attendance. He leads our team, bringing evidence-based, reward-focused methods to every session.
Our proven training methods only use force-free, science-backed approaches to help you develop a beautifully behaved puppy or dog that fits with your family and your lifestyle, by showing you how to easily and effectively train them with modern, reward-based methods.
We can't wait to work with you and your dog and to see what we can achieve together!
What Our Clients Say
Real 5-star feedback from happy dog owners across South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn and South Tyneside.
Filter reviews by breed or topic:
"Sarah was brilliant had working dogs for years, flummoxed by my first pet Bichon Frise. Learnt a lot, looking forwards to the next session."
Lynda Deacon
9 July 2023
"Excellent sessions from a really knowledgeable trainer. Our little frenchie loves the sessions and you can always tell he's enjoyed them."
Gavin Wilson
10 July 2023
"Ralph loves it and has improved massively. Thanks a lot!"
Grant Powton
10 July 2023
"Brilliant…!! We have a beautiful but difficult 16mth old GSD pup and have just had our first 1:1 with Nathan. Made progress within 36 hours!"
chris doe
15 January 2023
"Great service from first contact through to the 6 sessions we had with Denise for our beloved Golden Doodle. Her knowledge is outstanding."
Laura Wiszniewski
10 January 2023
"Had our first session with Nathan yesterday and we feel very positive about Cole training journey, we've already got some homework to be working on!"
Caitlin
11 January 2023
Read Our Case Studies
Places You May Have Seen Us
Watch Our Dog Training Tips On YouTube
Check out our latest video tips and real training transformations from Nathan and the team.