Testimonials

Matt & Samara Elledge

Knight

Aug 24

We wanted to pass along our sincerest thanks to Graham and the gang with helping us to transform our 1-1/2-year-old German Shepherd, Knight.

We rescued Knight from Kennels on the last day before he was put to sleep. This was a couple of months ago and although he wasn’t people or dog aggressive, he was a very fearful dog, and he was very hard to handle.

During our first consultation, Graham worked on Conditioning and walked Knight about 25 meters, and we immediately saw our puppy start to transform and we knew Graham was exactly what we needed.

Although we could track Knight’s progress through, the one-to-one training, we were still amazed every time Graham came, as Knight had changed into a wonderfully obedient and stable dog that we knew he could be. By setting clear intention and providing calm discipline, we can now prevent Knight’s excitement around strangers that would lead him to bark or lunge, and Knight no longer races through any open door in the house.

We continue to work with Knight using the techniques that Graham has taught us. The best thing about The Happy Dog Training Academy is that we are now part of “the pack” and Graham is always on call to answer any questions we have and periodically comes out to check on our progress.

Our family is truly blessed to have Knight come into our lives and even more so now that he has been through the Training Program. Graham, we can’t thank you enough. ~ Matt & Samara Elledge

Lisa Howard

Jesse

Sept 24

Dear Happy Dog Training:

Where does one begin when it comes to the benefits our entire family gained through your expertise in working with our dog, Jessie.  While moving from Spain, now living in West Yorkshire and the new regulations on dogs’ behaviour, we considered leaving our dog with friends due to fear on our part.  Jessie had been a sweet family dog but when it came to meeting new people and other dogs, she was often anxious, and we had concerns she would not transition well.  After finding the happy dog training academy online, we decided our family could not leave her so off to Yorkshire we went.  Jessie immediately started her training, while we unpacked and got settled.  After three weeks, she was not the dog we had. She would go out with Graham and Kirsten and always came home with her head held high and lots of new skills to be a happy, confident, welcoming dog to all.  Our family was so happy to install the new training techniques, because it was obvious she was a happier dog for it.  The trainer and his family were amazing in incorporating all the training in "real" world living environments. 

We are always open to share our story of success with future dogs and answer any questions.   

Wishing future success and happiness to the Academies Dog Family, The Howard Family: Paul Howard, Lisa (mom that needed the most training) the kids say.

Codi Banner

Baron

Oct 24

"Our daily life with our German Shepherd, Baron, was a constant struggle before he spent time with the Happy Dog Trainer. Baron was a very stubborn dog who wouldn’t walk on a lead, dug holes in the backyard, ate anything in the house, pushed past people through doors, never sat or laid down in one place for long, and would take off through the neighbourhood. My husband and I were becoming extremely frustrated and finally decided to search for a dog trainer who could help us. It was getting to the point to where we considered finding Baron a new home.

We found the solutions to all of our problems, plus more, with Graham! I was nervous about the training as I have heard some nightmares about force training and shock collars., but I could not be happier with his training. Baron spent six weeks on his one-to-one training and is a completely different dog. I am now able to take him on walks, to playgrounds, to dog parks, and have him off lead anywhere I go. He no longer feels the need to be first out the door and will not go farther than our front yard when he is outside. Baron can now be left alone in the house uncrated while we are gone and at night. He is a joy to have. His personality has changed, and my two young daughters are now able to love on their big dog. The Happy Dog Training Academy has worked with Baron on all of our issues and also helped us realize the best way to communicate with him and allowed us to continue his training at home.

The Training Staff has been so helpful every step of the way and I really appreciate that they are always available to us even after his training was over. We are now able to enjoy having our dog around us and we could not be more grateful!"

Craig

Jager

Oct 24

My name is Craig, and I am the owner of Jager, a Labradoodle trained by Graham. Our first home visit with Jager to see Graham as a 12-week-old puppy, yes but very important.  At this age, Jager was a wild pup who would bite my feet on more than one occasion drawing blood, chew everything, and would howl nonstop while in his crate.

During the initial meeting, Graham showed me a technique to Conditioning, and to teach a dog to lie down and be calm, in less than 10 minutes this wild pup was laying down, being calm and I was sold. Session after session, I grew more and more impressed as my wild pup grew into a well-trained, obedient dog. At 16 months, Jager can do all the basics such as sit, stay, lay down, heel etc. In addition, he can jump up and sit on almost any object of my choosing, my favourite being a bar stool. He can go up the stairs of a slide and slide down the other side. He can also fetch and retrieve. These are just a few of the things he can do, but my favourite by far is that he can catch a Frisbee on the run, yes, he can catch a Frisbee.

Graham is a professional, dedicated and humane trainer and brought out skill and knowledge I never knew my dog had.  More than just training Jager; Graham gave me one on one training to continue to build on Jager's potential to learn new tricks, and the fact that I can call or email with questions anytime and get his expertise is invaluable.

If you have a dog that is in need of training, Graham is the guy to call!

November 2024,  Ever since my husband, Jeremy, was little he’s always dreamed of having a dog of his own, after all a dog is a man’s best friend, right?! I on the other hand, I had the boys, as a full-time job being a mum, a dog wasn’t something first on my list! While Jeremy was deployed overseas, we had an opportunity to get Max, our Red Labrador Retriever. We have two boys ages 6 and 3, who had been asking for a puppy for as long as I can remember!

Max was showered with attention and affection from both boys, but nothing like he was when Jeremy came home, two months later! He followed Jeremy everywhere he went, to the bathroom he would sit by the door or even go in with him! If the boys had friends over and they were playing, Max would jump all over them and he loved to rough play! Max also became very jealous of the boys and I when Jeremy would show attention and affection to us. The whining and his constant need for attention was almost unbearable, jumping all over us. When we would get intermit, we would have to take Max’s kennel and put him in a completely different room because he would whine and bark constantly. I was at the point to where I honestly wanted to get rid of him, he was just too much. I couldn’t bond with him at all, he seriously gave me anxiety!

The day that Graham came to our house for a consultation, within two hours of him sitting in our living room, showing us how to Condition Max, we could not believe, how calm Max was with him. Max had not listened that well to Jeremy and I, ever! And, here Graham was sitting in our living room and could get him to be still within an hour or two and hardly saying two words! Immediately we knew that training, Max was something that we needed to do.

I can honestly say that he is a more enjoyable dog all around. The boys play with Jeremy and rough play in the house and Max is so calm and most of the time just falls asleep in his place. Graham along with his training staff, taught Max that playing is for outside only. When we now want alone time Max falls asleep right by us!! We can go for a walk without him even on a lead and with his nose in the air! YES. Before he was pulling us and had his nose in the ground the entire time. Outside he doesn’t run and jump up to greet people the way he did, he’ll kindly give a sniff and wait for a pat hello.

Our family cannot thank The Training Staff and Graham enough for training Max as well as educating us. He took the time to show Max how to become a family pet that everyone can enjoy, as well as give us the knowledge to continue with his training afterwards.

Thank you so much Graham! For everything! We are now very PROUD and HAPPY to have Max as a part of our family. Our experience has been wonderful and would recommend anyone to The Happy Dog Training Academy!

Sincerely, The Slater Family. November 24.

Totally unmanageable

Jon & Anne Sept 24.

Run along the fence barking

I would like to say a Huge thanks to Graham for helping me deal with what I thought was an impossible problem to solve. We back on to fields and Ozzy my springer spaniel would run along the fence barking every time the farm dog next door went by, this happened several times a day and no amount of recall, shouting etc would make him come away. I e-mailed The Happy Dog Training Academy and we arranged a visit. Graham was very patient not only with Oz but also with me and he showed me different techniques to use, it worked. He now comes away when called, Oz is so much more attentive both in the house and outside. I now have a dog that is such a joy instead of a worry, I can walk him off lead past livestock. His lead work is not perfect but it is much better than it was, (a work still in progress), so a big thank you to Kirsten who spent 6 weks training us. Would I recommend them, Yes I would and have on many an occasion when talking to other dog walkers. Graham also recommend a change of diet, I was a bit wary at first but it is the best thing we could have done. Oz now cries for his food at meal times and his coat is shinier his teeth cleaner and his deposits much easier to deal with. What more can I say? July 24

Misbehaving Duke

Nightmare Walks

Graham is a very professional, capable and friendly trainer. Sessions are fun, and even the least confident of dog owners are capable of getting results. My dog loved him from the start, which speaks volumes!

Claire with Bertie 25th April 2024

Whatever problem you may have with your dog Graham and the tram always finds a way forward. He is always kind, patient and positive and classes are always great fun as well as being helpful and brilliantly organised so everyone can relax and progress quickly but without feeling pressured in any way. Best of all he helps you understand what makes your dog tick and how to communicate meaningfully to strengthen your bond and develop your relationship. I recommend her very highly.

Janet with Millie 16th March 24

I first met Graham about three years ago when I got my puppy Labrador, Marley. Marley refused to walk beyond the garden but now, through his support, training and dedication, my three-year-old Marley is not only walking confidently everywhere on and off lead, but he has also passed Gold Kennel Club Good Citizens Award and passed Novice Trick Training Award. He is now doing Scent Training. None of this would have been possible if Graham wasn’t there for both of us. His team of trainer’s patience, knowledge and energy has no bounds.

Martin & Mark with Marley 21st Feb 24

Graham is a calm, kind and patient trainer who uses only positive reward-based training methods. He teaches a wide variety of activities for dogs of all ages and abilities from puppies upwards. Especially enjoyable and popular are the puppy sessions, and I would thoroughly recommend them. They are suitable for all breeds of dog, and they really enjoy it. As you advance there are more classes you are able to take. My dog loved them, and it is exciting for the dogs to try something new.

Mary with Poppy 14th Feb 2024

Graham is a brilliant trainer, kind, and patient and so approachable. My dog has been with Graham and the team from 3 month's old, he passed his puppy and has moved on. I'm so glad he can go on to do his beginner class. The classes gives so much encouragement, he just loves to go training, made great friends looking forward to this year.

Brian with Albert13th Jan 24

We have started training recently with the happy dog training academy, having done the conditioning introduction and two further sessions. Graham is a kind, considerate trainer who has been extremely patient with both our slightly nervous dogs. Looking forward to continuing our progress. Thank you Happy dog.

Karen W, 8th Dec 23

My labrador Daphne was a giddy 18-month-old when I got her, and one of the first things I did was contact the happy dog training academy, to get her to classes. We had a home visit and decided one -to-one training would benefit Daph better. Daph improved immensely and you could see how much she enjoyed learning. Graham is extremely well qualified and has a natural empathy with animals, he also incredibly patient and good natured with his pupils' owners!

Graham is amazing he's always very calm and always understanding of people's and dog's needs. He never rushes anyone, and he takes time with every owner, you never feel pressured, and the way he trains the dogs is amazing. The dogs love it, and the people enjoy doing it. My Tilly began along with not really knowing anything. After just on home visit, I felt confident and ready to join the classes, she is always excited to go to class and she loves the classes.

Ellenor and Tilly 10th Nov 23

Tim L and Coco 18th Dec 23

We took Coco to the puppy classes with Graham. At some point in between courses felt we needed some support and reassurance with her training and booked a 1-2-1 session. The place for the lessons is great, there is no traffic around, making it very safe for the dogs. Graham took us to a fenced paddock which was ideal for a session off the lead. Two of his dogs assisted her in the session, which was great, just what Coco needed. We worked in recall in the presence of distraction while she was playing with her new furry friends. He gave me so many tips I found difficult to work on everything to start with but been putting into practice 6 tips in particular since the lesson. They have made such a difference! It’s like the commands have become clearer to Coco now and, in consequence, she is more reliable and responds way better when called, even when she is having fun. She also gave us tips to avoid stress around specific triggers. Graham seems to know Coco so well; he picked up very quickly what she likes or dislikes and we could adapt the rewards we give her accordingly. Coco loves him Since day 1 every single tip Graham gave us has worked for us and made things so much easier. We received so much reassurance as well. He listened to our concerns and worries. We are so happy we have booked another 1-2-1 sessions.

I highly recommend Graham as a dog (and human!) Trainer. He classes are informative, well-structured and above all fun for owner and dog.

Sam with Lexi 3rd Nov 23

The training staff are all very likeable, they have integrity. They have all chosen their career which suits them well. The head trainer graham has a natural way with dogs of all breeds which enables him to bring the best out in them. He teaches using kind, positive reinforcement techniques to which dogs respond well. He is very good at explaining to the clients how to improve their handling skills in obedience, showing techniques, making it fun. His teaching (whether in a group situation or on a 1-2-1) is effective. I highly recommend the classes to anyone wanting to build up a better relationship with their dog, beginners and experienced owners alike, all can benefit from the classes’ methods and knowledge. Of the happy dog classes.

Phil Wainwright

Reviewer stats1 review • 0 photos

Review left by Phil Wainwright 28/10/23

starstarstarstarstar 10 hours ago

This place has allowed me to understand my dog better, it has allowed me to be a better friend to my dog, and to give him the life he should have. We both have a journey to travel, and the training is not just 'dog training', but training both the two and four legged partners to work together as a team. I knew I had found the perfect training classes from the first phone call. Graham told me exactly what problems I had, and how to correct them from only the age, breed and sex of my dog He knew everything I was trying to deal with and told me where I was going wrong. My best friend has just passed the puppy training course (which means I have also started understanding my puppy better), and we are now going to move on to the next phase. I know we both have a lot to learn, but with Graham and the rest of the team behind us, I know we will have a good life together. I could go on, and wax lyrical, but to truly understand how good this team is, the only way is to pick up the phone, or keyboard and start the journey yourself ... If you have a dog, and want to have the ideal relationship.... Contact the Happy Dog Academy. I must say that I have not been paid for this post, it is just that I am so glad I made the decision to contact these wonderful people. And it is a community enterprise, not just a 'for profit ' business. Please contact them

Reassuring & Supportive

Great Training

Rex and I have just completed the 6 week training course. Rex was only 12 weeks old when Graham made the home visit Rex was a good boy, but the consistent biting and house training was becoming quite a problem. We were shown how to condition Rex. Witch I might just as Add Graham spent 3 hours at our house, with information we never new about dogs. Just the information given was worth the £120, the hole course cost. Withing a week we had got Rex on track with house training and the bighting stopped after a few days. We have completed the course, and although both ourself and rex has not completely mastered the training, the weekly training sheet will help us to carry on with his training. A great improvement on the last training course we had with our last pet. Can’t thank you enough, congratulations to the happy dog training classes for a perfect job, well done. I will be recommending you to everyone, needing help.

Jennifer and Rex. 17^th May 2023.

Having already attended a puppy course when Milo was 13 weeks old, I felt as though I learned more in the home visit with Graham than throughout the whole of the previous 8 weeks course with another trainer (non-connected business). It was more about me learning how to train Milo and I felt I achieved this and the improvement in Milo was fantastic. Sharron & Milo. Jan 2023

Absolutely loved the puppy training classes. Excellent input from the trainers. Highly recommend the course. The Trainers are always willing to help out and give advice. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Learned a lot. Kate & Lucy jan 2023

The trainer (Graham) is knowledgeable of different breeds and is quick to adapt to each dogs learning needs. Form week to week not only did we see an improvement in Dexter, but we could see and commented to each other the improvement in the other dogs in the class. It is easy to see the improvement happening as the course proceeds. Judith & Dexter. Feb 2023

The team is enthusiastic, motivated, and knowledgeable. Graham has different techniques if for any reason your dog needs alternative techniques to work for you. Each dog is treated with respect and owners are too. Graham and the team have time for everyone. Dorothy & Spider. Feb 2023

I am delighted in the difference in Daisy since I started the puppy class, she has gone from being a nervous puppy to a more approachable and better-behaved dog. I was very impressed with the training techniques, so diverse tailored to each dog.

Anne & Daisy, Feb 2023

Kath J and Milo Springer Spaniel

Our little boy Milo is now 9 years old. He has been to the Vets and has seen 3 now. About 2 years ago Milo started with some strange behaviours, he started to hide behind the couch and his house training became a big problem, recall was not great, and it took us 3 or 4 commands to get him to do the things he had been doing well for years. We have had about every test you can imagine. The Vets could not find a reason for his bizarre behaviour.

The Final veterinary practice suggested we saw a trainer, as it may be a behaviour problem and not a medical one. After some research and reading the reviews, we contacted The Happy Dog Training Academy, we booked an appointment a few days later. We met their behaviour trainer Graham and a young lady, sorry but I don’t remember her name. Hours later with what seamed endless behaviour test, we were told our little fella had canine dementia. I have to be honest something I didn’t think dogs could get. But we have had some formal rehabilitation therapy training, over the last few months. Milo is a happy little dog again, we have had to adapt to his new routine, but he is doing really well. Of course, we had expected to pay for the treatment, but to our amazement the therapy and training didn’t cost anything, we were asked just to donate. Both myself and my family really can’t thank them enough for the time and effort. Milo is our little star, and we know we can have the pleasure of him for a wile yet. Big thanks to everyone. Including Healthy Options who gave their Intolerance tests free as well.

Ann R and Mable Cockerpoo

We have just attended the 6-week course completed of the 30/12/22. Mable is not our first dog, we hoped to be able to just socialise her with others, so you can imagine our surprise that after just 2 weeks and our personal home visit, we began to understand just haw much we really didn’t know about brining a puppy up. The training was 5 star, and we cannot speak highly enough of the friendly staff, it really dose feel like a family. Mable and we went through the full six week and were so pleased to gain 67% marks and received our certificate, now proudly hanging on our wall. If anyone has a puppy of indeed dog looking for some help, I urge you to contact them. Ann and of course Mable

nstructors have been awesome (Graham, Christine, Kirsten). And the front of house staff has been so kind and accommodating. We feel so lucky to be near this facility. We just started training at this facility after moving near here, the trainers have a great knowledge. We soon realised just how little we knew, despite having had quite a few dogs in the past. The home visit showed us just what modern dog training was about. As soon as the trainer had gone, both myself and my wife looked at each other. We definitely looked forward to the 6-week course, after just our 3 weeks the change in our dogs is unexpected, improvement we look forward to the next 3. 5 ***** Routh R

Terry R

7 weeks ago

Attended puppy preschool class at our vets, we found them valuable. We now are attending the puppy class, it’s great. The classes are an hour long just about and they teach you a lot of stuff in that amount of time. For pups at least, there is dog to dog interactions so if that's what you're looking for specifically this is definitely the place. I've been to those kind of places in the past and to be honest it’s a mixed bag. My dog is a little shy and the policy these people put in place makes a lot of sense. I got recommend by my vet and I recommend this place to every puppy owner I met. They also have plenty of staff for dogs who are training. We found the head trainer always showed us what to do, after the other training staff help us to get things in place. It means working at home, but we expected that. The Happy Dog do have advance classes. I just don't have any personal experience with that.

Hazel K Daisy

This place does such a great job of helping you train your dog, but they also focus on training the dog's owners. We are putting our second dog through their classes and our first dog is a well-behaved great dog. Our second one is well on her way as well.

Shinli Chi (Hazel)

10 weeks ago

Happy Dog is the place I recommend beginning training your dog. We’ve had very successful experiences with the course. We earned our certificate now hanging proudly on the wall. Now, we are starting the more advanced course. We have had a great experienced and with professional instructors. Their location is convenient and clean.

We're so happy! Thank-you, 

“I am a dog trainer , but as with most trainers i have little time to teach my own dogs, Leeds based dog training classes. So thought id give the happy dog training academy a go, because i had read the revues. I found Graham and the staff to be responsible, reliable, professional and an all around excellent dog trainer. I am very picky about the way my dogs are, handled and trained and I have never felt more comfortable trusting their training, infact as a dog trainer myself I found some new techniques. Graham is hands down one of the best dog trainers I have met in a long time and I would highly recommend him”. I would never say this lightly – Meagan Karnes,

Graham arrived on our door after a desperate call for help with our two year old rescue Siberian husky Skye. When he arrived his calm manner had a overwhelming effect on our totally unruly dog. He brought her back to basic with the way mum would teach her, which he said would help and gave us lessons on our behaviour with Skye which we kept to the letter. The words Watch Me, wait, sit and down are still so much part of our ongoing training. Graham instructed us on all Skye's behavioural issues, fear, aggression and basic obedience. His calmness throughout all our training have been so beneficial to Skye, she learnt to respect us and as well our respect of her and helping her overcome the terrible trauma she had in her first year. Graham's positive approach to dog training is truly fantastic, we now have a calm, responsive dog who obeys commands and has even achieved more than we had hoped for. Skye responded so well to Graham and his training and even looked forward to it and waited by the door for his regular appointments. Graham is kind, considerate of both animal and owners needs, his manner and his approach to our dog is what every owner needs in dog training, feeding and training needs are something we will always continue and know if ever we needed urgent help with anything we know a quick chat or text, will be there for both of us. We always recommend Graham with pride - if Graham can train our mad out of control Siberian husky (the so called hard to train dogs) and turn her into the adorable dog she is today he can train your dog. April 2022

I contacted The Happy Dog Training Academy, as my dog had become reactive to certain dogs when walking her on a lead which, in turn, was making me very anxious and getting to the point where I didn't want to walk her anymore. Graham has been very reassuring and supportive throughout the training and his techniques have proven to be very successful. We subsequently went on to train recall because my dog would ignore me around distractions and had even run off to chase sheep. I have seen a remarkable difference and can now walk her and call her back whenever I want and Graham and the team has even shown me how to train her to ignore sheep and other animals.  I can't stress enough that if you follow Graham's techniques and persevere with the training you will see a remarkable difference in your dog's behaviour. I would have no hesitation in recommending him, and The Happy Dog Training Academy. April 2022

Unbelievable Results

I have been struggling with Rosy, my 10 year old Jack Russel for over 2 year now. She has been hiding, barking and has become house broken, doing her biasness in the house something she has never done. I have had 3 Dog trainers now been to my house, and spent a small fortune in Vet bills, all to no avail. I had read the revues , and then spoken to Graham the Head of training at the Happy Dog Club. Who suggested a home visit.  This was in September, Graham performed some what i would have said to be strange test for my Rosy.  He then told me that my little girl was suffering from Canine Dementia (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction), I have to be honest i never thought pets could get such a thing. But Graham Put some training in place for me to use, it has now been 3 months and although, My little girl will never recover, the training has worked wonders for her, probably more me if I'm honest. It is just nice to know why Rosy doing what she is. Graham has now made 3 visits to see us. With out charging me anything, The Happy Dog Training Academy has to be top of my Christmas List. I am 67years old and Rosy is my all Thank you So Much Hellen - Dec 2021

November 2021

We began Sheba's training at home through a online course, that was not cheap, if I am honest. By the time Sheba was just 6 months old our home training was not going as well as we had hoped. Training from 4 month old Sheba our German Shepherd dog, was showing small but never the less aggression. We found The Happy Dog Training Academy, when out walking, talking to another dog owner. All I can say is WOW!! We were all very impressed with the methods that Graham used to train Sheba, and we were also impressed with the fact that he took time to teach our family how to continue with Sheba's training. The gentle training techniques yield great results, as long as we continue the work that he has began. It was clear to us that Graham and the Training Staff all genuinely cared about Sheba, and Sheba responded with enthusiasm. Thank you, everyone, for the excellent care and training that you provided our girl, I highly recommend, The Happy Dog Training, if you’re looking for your dog to have training. And just one foot note I never Hurd one of the Training Staff raise there voice, in the Six weeks. That's impressive 

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I want to thank Graham for the In-home training. Before this training I had about given up hope on Diesel. He was pulling me on our walks and he would jump up on my guests. Graham was able to work with my hectic schedule and get the job done. Now Diesel obeys me on the first command and I am able to walk him without being drug down the street. My son Aaron would like thank him as well because he no longer has to worry about the dog destroying his shoes, It took me a few days to get to grips with the Brain Training Exercise's. Graham Went through it with us, after just a few minuets Diesel was listening, as though hypnotised with Graham's finger, truly amazing. Would I say Graham was a master trainer "without a question"    Barbie "If you have a problem don't hesitate get InTouch" June 2021

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