HOW TO HIRE · PETS

How to hire a dog trainer in the UK
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

Dog training is unregulated, so methods and experience matter. Here is what to ask.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a dog trainer in five steps

  1. Name the goalRecall, lead walking, manners, reactivity.
  2. Ask about methodsReward-based, with equipment named.
  3. Watch a class or sessionBefore you pay for a course.
  4. Get the plan in writingSessions, homework, support between sessions.
  5. Board and train?In England, overnight stays need a boarding licence.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

No law licenses a dog trainer in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and no qualification is required. England's 2018 Regulations license boarding, not training — so if your dog would stay overnight with the trainer (board and train), that is boarding and needs a boarding licence in England.

Ask what training and qualifications they hold, and see a session. legislation.gov.uk →

Methods and welfare

While your dog is with the trainer, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales) makes them responsible for protecting it from pain and suffering; Scotland and Northern Ireland have matching duties. Ask how they reward behaviour and what they never use.

Ask which methods and equipment they use, and walk away from anything that hurts. legislation.gov.uk →

Insurance

There is no compulsory insurance for a dog trainer. A professional will carry public liability and cover for the animals they look after, and can tell you the insurer's name and what happens if your dog is injured.

Ask for a copy of the insurance schedule.

VAT

Dog training is standard-rated: VAT at 20% applies to group classes, one-to-one sessions and courses alike — it is not treated as exempt tuition. Once taxable turnover is above £90,000 a year, registration is compulsory, and the VAT must then appear as its own line on the bill.

Ask for the VAT number, and see the course or session price with its 20% VAT shown on a line of its own. gov.uk →

“What dog training methods do you use?”

A good answer: Reward-based, explained clearly.

“Which equipment do you use or avoid?”

A good answer: No equipment that causes pain or fear.

“What training or qualifications does the dog trainer hold?”

A good answer: Courses, experience, ongoing learning.

“How many dogs are in a class?”

A good answer: Small enough for attention.

“Will I get homework and support?”

A good answer: Written exercises and contact between sessions.

“Does my dog stay with you overnight?”

A good answer: If yes, which boarding licence covers it.

“What if my dog's problem needs a vet or behaviourist?”

A good answer: They refer you.

Getting the quote right

  • Who actually attends the sessions — the trainer you checked, or an assistant who runs the class, employed or subcontracted
  • Session or course price
  • Group or one-to-one
  • Venue or home visit
  • Refund and cancellation terms
  • The VAT number, and VAT on the training course or session as its own line

Walk away if

  • Pain or fear-based tools
  • "Guaranteed" results
  • Board-and-train with no boarding licence
  • No chance to watch a session
LOW
£20
TYPICAL
£50
HIGH
£150

What a dog trainer costs: £20–£150 per session

Dog training is priced per session or per course — group classes, one-to-one at home, or specialist behaviour work. Dog Training price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE

Dog trainers near you, with the badges that matter shown

ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.

Or post the job free and let them come to you.

  1. AssessGoals and your dog's behaviour discussed.
  2. PlanSteps agreed.
  3. TeachExercises shown and practised.
  4. HomeworkPractice set for the week.
  5. ReviewProgress checked and the next step set.

Reward-based training
Teaching with treats, toys and praise.
Recall
Coming back when called.
Loose-lead walking
Walking without pulling.
Board and train
Your dog stays with the trainer.
Reactivity
Strong reactions to dogs, people or things.
Marker
A word or click that marks the right behaviour.

AFTER

When the job is done

Practise the homeworkShort, regular sessions.
Keep the planNotes and exercises.
Ask for help earlyIf progress stalls.
Close the loopReview once you have lived with the result for a few days; if it falls short, the make-it-right step lets the trainer respond before it goes live.

STEP 1Tell the trainer, in writingDescribe what went wrong with the training and what you want. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the dog trainer must still work with reasonable care and skill.
STEP 2The Locufy make-it-right stepBelow four stars, you decide whether the complaint about the dog trainer goes to the trainer first. We follow it through, and then you review.
STEP 3Trading Standards, through the helplineThere is no licensing body for a dog trainer. If the trainer will not put things right, the consumer helpline for your nation can refer it to Trading Standards — Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060, and Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 in Northern Ireland.
STEP 4Small claimsIf the dog trainer still is not settled, the limits are £10,000 in England and Wales (small claims track), £5,000 in Scotland (simple procedure) and £5,000 in Northern Ireland (small claims court). Keep every message and invoice as evidence.

Hiring a dog trainer: questions people ask

No. Dog training is unregulated in every UK nation. Ask about experience and methods.

In England, if your dog stays overnight as part of a business, that is boarding and needs a council licence under the 2018 Regulations.

Yes, while in charge; welfare law requires protection from pain and suffering.

Typically £50: the range is £20–£150 per session. The dog training price guide breaks it down; put in your postcode above to compare dog trainers near you.

Groups suit basics and socialisation; one-to-one suits specific problems.

Tell the trainer in writing; the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires reasonable care and skill.

MORE GUIDES

More hiring guides in pets

How to hire: Puppy TrainingHow to hire: Dog Behaviour ConsultantHow to hire: Dog WalkingHow to hire: Doggy Day CareHow to hire: Group Dog WalkingHow to hire: Dog BoardingHow to hire: Puppy VisitsHow to hire: Pet SittingAll 701 hiring guides →

Dog trainers near you

Dog trainers in LondonDog trainers in ManchesterDog trainers in BirminghamDog trainers in GlasgowDog trainers in BelfastAll dog trainers on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, schedule 1
  2. Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 9 — duty to ensure welfare
  3. Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, section 24
  4. Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, section 9
  5. Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 49 — reasonable care and skill
  6. gov.uk — make a court claim for money: court fees
  7. mygov.scot — make a court claim for money
  8. nidirect — small claims process
  9. VAT rates — VAT rates for goods and services: standard rate 20% on most goods and services
  10. GOV.UK — Register for VAT: when to register