South Wales Dog Training Academy

South Wales Dog Training Academy Qualified, accredited and experienced Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant in Bridgend, South Wales.

� For all your Dog Training and Behaviour needs.
� Specialising in puppy education and avoiding common problems, dogs that display aggressive behaviour towards other dogs and building confidence in dogs that are a little worried by the world.

Puppy Improvers graduated today too! 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓These guys have all hit the adolescent hooligan stage of their lives, which c...
29/11/2025

Puppy Improvers graduated today too! 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

These guys have all hit the adolescent hooligan stage of their lives, which can be a very trying time. They all have solid foundations so I know they’ll all get through this time just fine.

Well done Miss Kali, Miss Willow, Miss Billie, Mr Rex and, of course, all their pawrents! 🌟🎉

Graduation day for the Puppy Power course. 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓These pups have come on leaps and bounds - Mr Morris, comes in the hall...
29/11/2025

Graduation day for the Puppy Power course. 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

These pups have come on leaps and bounds -

Mr Morris, comes in the hall like a whirlwind, but can now concentrate beautifully on his Mum and is able to listen to her. 👏

Mr Burr, from wondering if he could ever keep still for more than 2 seconds, to performing Down Stays while his Mum dances around on the other side of the hall. 👏

Miss Ruby, from shaking in her Mum’s arms on week 1, to strutting around performing Touch confidently. 👏

Mr Rocky, what a bright young man he is. He absolutely loves learning new things and enjoys coming to class. 👏

Well done everyone! 🌟🎉

Keep Your Dogs Safe & Seen This Season! ✨🌙As the darker evenings draw in, it’s the perfect time to think about visibilit...
26/11/2025

Keep Your Dogs Safe & Seen This Season! ✨🌙

As the darker evenings draw in, it’s the perfect time to think about visibility on your walks. Flashing collars and reflective coats aren’t just cute accessories, they’re essential safety tools.

Here’s why I recommend them:
🔹 Improved Visibility: Drivers, cyclists and other walkers can see your dog much sooner.
🔹 Safety Off-Lead: If your dog enjoys off-lead time, a flashing collar helps you keep track of them in low light.
🔹 Confidence for Nervous Dogs: Bright or reflective gear can help avoid sudden close encounters with people or other dogs.
🔹 Weather Protection: Many reflective coats also provide warmth and water resistance, perfect for Welsh weather! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Top Tips:
✔ Choose a waterproof LED collar with adjustable brightness.
✔ Make sure reflective coats fit properly and don’t restrict movement.
✔ Check batteries or rechargeables regularly.
✔ Combine visibility gear with good recall and lead-handling skills for maximum safety.

Important
Flashing mode warning: Some experts advise against using the flashing mode on collars, as the constant flashing can be stressful for some dogs or even trigger epilepsy in susceptible dogs. For these dogs it is safer to use these collars in the permanent fixed mode instead.

Stay safe, stay seen, and enjoy your walks! 🐾

Show us what your dog wears to be seen more easily.

If I wanted to work on my dog’s recall this month, here’s 3 things I would do today 👇1️⃣ Stop using the recall word unle...
25/11/2025

If I wanted to work on my dog’s recall this month, here’s 3 things I would do today 👇

1️⃣ Stop using the recall word unless I’m 100% sure my dog truly understands it.
If you can’t bet your house they’ll come running when they hear it… don’t use it yet. Save that magic word for moments you can guarantee success in low distraction areas first!

2️⃣ Pop a long line on to prevent accidental self-rewarding.
Nothing turns into a fun game faster than your dog realising you’ll chase them if they don’t come back 🤦‍♀️ A long line keeps everyone safe and stops your dog learning the wrong lesson.
A note on safety - only ever attach a long line to the back clip of a harness.

3️⃣ Find out what really motivates my dog to come to me.
Recall should be worth their while! Discover their favourite treats, toys or games and use those rewards generously when they do come back. Make coming when called the best choice in the world.

💬 Working on recall with your dog this month? Tell me which one of these you’ll start with!

Happy National Border Collie Day! 🌟Today we celebrate the canine equivalent of a genius on espresso - the incredible, un...
24/11/2025

Happy National Border Collie Day! 🌟

Today we celebrate the canine equivalent of a genius on espresso - the incredible, unstoppable, unbelievably clever Border Collie! 🧠🤯

These amazing dogs aren’t just smart… they’re 'I’ve-already-solved-your-problem-before-you-finished-the-sentence' smart. They thrive on having a purpose, a job, and enough mental and physical stimulation to power a small village!

While they’re absolutely wonderful, they’re not always the best match for a typical pet home. Without activities like agility, herding, training challenges or other brain-bending jobs, a bored Border Collie can quickly turn into a self-employed interior designer… or landscape architect… or escape artist. 😅

So here’s to the Collies who never stop thinking, learning, and working and to the humans who keep up with them (or at least try to)! ❤️🐾

Let's see your Border Collies and hear about how clever they are.

Throwback Thursday!Miss Sunny First started her education with me almost a year ago and what a lovely journey it’s been....
20/11/2025

Throwback Thursday!

Miss Sunny First started her education with me almost a year ago and what a lovely journey it’s been. When I met her at the 1st puppy course, she was a bright little spark with lots of potential and she’s truly blossomed into the most confident, friendly and loving girl.
At the 2nd course, her relationship with her small family member had really started to grow nicely. Now, of course, they're inseperable!

She goes everywhere with her family and they have lots of adventures together. Whether it’s exploring new places, joining in on days out, doing obstacle courses with her small human, or simply being the perfect companion at home, Sunny is always ready with her beautiful smile and wagging tail.

Watching her grow, learn and step into the world with such enthusiasm has been an absolute joy. I’m so proud of everything she and her family have achieved together - here’s to many more adventures for this brilliant girl! 🌟🐾😍

Training really is a journey and it’s always a privilege to be part of it. If you ever need a little guidance with your own pup, I’m here to help.

What Socialisation ACTUALLY Is (and Isn’t!) 🌟So many puppy owners are told to socialise their puppy, but what does that ...
18/11/2025

What Socialisation ACTUALLY Is (and Isn’t!) 🌟

So many puppy owners are told to socialise their puppy, but what does that really mean? And can you actually over-socialise a pup? (Spoiler: yes!)

I’ve put together this swipe-through to help you understand:
✔️ What healthy socialisation looks like
❌ What it isn’t
⚠️ What over-socialisation and flooding are
💛 And how to help your puppy grow into a calm, confident adult

Socialisation isn’t a race or a checklist - it’s about gentle, positive experiences at your puppy’s pace. 🐾

Swipe through to learn more 👉
If you’d like support with your pup, our Puppy Power Course and Puppy Private Sessions are always here to help! 💛

Some dogs don’t need louder training - they need quieter understanding. 💛Not every dog arrives feeling confident and tha...
16/11/2025

Some dogs don’t need louder training - they need quieter understanding. 💛

Not every dog arrives feeling confident and that’s absolutely okay. At South Wales Dog Training Academy, I always work at your dog’s pace, giving them the time, space and support they need to feel safe.

Whether your dog is nervous around new people, worried about other dogs, or simply unsure of the world, they will be met with patience, understanding and compassion. 💛

Together we’ll help your dog build trust and confidence in a calm, pressure-free environment.

If you have a worried pup, you’re unsure where to start, please know you’re not alone and you’re in the right place. 🐾

📞 Julie - 07814 400299

Miss Riley's story will be written shortly, it was only session 2 today.

Happy World Animal Enrichment Day! 🐾🌍Today we’re celebrating one of the most important parts of animal care - enrichment...
12/11/2025

Happy World Animal Enrichment Day! 🐾🌍

Today we’re celebrating one of the most important parts of animal care - enrichment! 💡

Enrichment means giving animals opportunities to use their brains, bodies and natural instincts, whether that’s through play, problem-solving, exploring new scents or learning new skills. It keeps them happy, healthy and confident.

🐶 For dogs, enrichment can be anything from sniffy walks and puzzle feeders to training games and scent work.
🐱 For cats, it could be climbing, hunting-style play, or hiding treats.
🦁 And even zoo animals benefit, keepers around the world design clever activities to keep behaviours natural and brains happy!

So today, why not give your pet a little extra mental workout? Try a new toy, scatter feed or teach a fun new trick. You’ll be amazed how much joy it brings to both of you! 💛

📸 We’d love to see your pet enjoying a favourite enrichment - share a photo or video in the comments below!

Armistice and Remembrance Day 💜Today, I just want to take a moment to remember not only the brave men and women who serv...
11/11/2025

Armistice and Remembrance Day 💜

Today, I just want to take a moment to remember not only the brave men and women who served, but also the animals who stood alongside them.

During the war, mules and horses carried heavy loads through impossible conditions, dogs delivered messages and comforted soldiers, cats kept ships and food stores safe from pests, pigeons carried vital messages home, and even rats were trained to detect hidden dangers. 🐴🐕🐈🕊️🐀

Their courage, loyalty, and trust saved countless lives - and their stories remind us how deep the bond between humans and animals truly runs. ❤️

It’s incredible what dogs, and all animals can achieve, when they work in true partnership with us - something we celebrate every day.

Today, we remember them all.
Lest we forget. 💜🌹

Polite Lead Walking – Setting Up for Success! 🐾Does your pup pull like a little steam engine the second you clip the lea...
09/11/2025

Polite Lead Walking – Setting Up for Success! 🐾

Does your pup pull like a little steam engine the second you clip the lead on? Let’s set them up for calm, happy walks from the start!

✅ Harness Habits
Pop your pup’s harness on and off intermittently throughout the day, not just before walks. This helps them learn that the harness doesn’t always mean excitement and adventure!

✅ The Right Equipment
I recommend a Y-shaped harness with both front and back attachments paired with a double-ended training lead. This is for comfort without putting any strain on your pup's neck and throat while they're learning.

✅ Encourage Calmness
Before heading out, try a short sniffing game or scatter feed to lower arousal levels. 🐶

✅ Train a ‘Wait, Please’
Teaching a simple 'Wait' before going through doors, crossing roads or moving forward helps your pup develop patience and impulse control which are key ingredients for loose lead success!

✨ Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate progress - even a few steps down the drive are worth a cheer!

Need help with lead manners? Join our Puppy Power Course or book a Polite Lead Walking training package!

📞07814 400299

Picture of beautiful Miss Kali getting used to her harness at home. 🥰

Address

Westward Community Centre
Bridgend
CF314JR

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+447814400299

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