HOW TO HIRE · PETS

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

Puppy training is unregulated. Here is what to ask about methods and classes.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a puppy trainer in five steps

  1. Check class sizeSmall classes, puppies of similar age.
  2. Ask about vaccinationsWhat the class requires before puppies join.
  3. Ask about methodsReward-based, gentle handling.
  4. Watch a classPuppies relaxed and learning.
  5. Do the homeworkShort daily sessions.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

No law licenses a puppy 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 puppy 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

Puppy classes are standard-rated: VAT at 20% applies to the course and to private home sessions. 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 whether the puppy course fee already includes the 20%. gov.uk →

“How many puppies are in each puppy training class?”

A good answer: Small numbers with enough space.

“What vaccinations do you need before my puppy joins?”

A good answer: A clear policy agreed with your vet's advice.

“What puppy training methods do you use?”

A good answer: Reward-based.

“Do you cover toilet training and biting?”

A good answer: Yes, with practical advice.

“Is the venue safe and clean?”

A good answer: Indoor or secure outdoor space.

“What does the puppy course include?”

A good answer: Number of sessions and topics.

“Is the puppy trainer insured?”

A good answer: Yes.

Getting the quote right

  • Who actually attends and runs the class — the trainer you checked, or an assistant, employed or subcontracted
  • Course or session price
  • Number of sessions and topics
  • Class size
  • Missed session and refund policy
  • The VAT number, and VAT on the puppy course as its own line

Walk away if

  • Large crowded classes
  • Harsh corrections
  • No vaccination policy
  • "Guaranteed" results
LOW
£25
TYPICAL
£40
HIGH
£70

What a puppy trainer costs: £25–£70 per session

Puppy training is priced per session or as a course of weekly classes, with private home sessions costing more. Puppy 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

Puppy 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. WelcomePuppies settled, owners briefed.
  2. ExerciseA new skill shown.
  3. PracticeOwners practise with guidance.
  4. SocialisationCalm, controlled meetings.
  5. HomeworkExercises for the week.

Socialisation
Getting used to people, dogs and places.
Bite inhibition
Learning a gentle mouth.
Crate training
Teaching a puppy to rest in a crate.
Lure
A treat used to guide a puppy.
Recall
Coming when called.
Settle
Lying calmly on cue.

AFTER

When the job is done

Keep practisingLittle and often.
Keep the handoutsExercises to repeat.
Book the next stageAdolescent classes help.
Write the reviewSomething wrong? Use make-it-right first and give the trainer a fair chance to sort it before you review.

STEP 1Tell the trainer, in writingDescribe what went wrong with the puppy course and what you want. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the puppy trainer must still work with reasonable care and skill.
STEP 2Let Locufy follow it upRate the puppy trainer under four stars and Locufy asks if you want the trainer to have the chance to fix it before the review is published; we follow it through.
STEP 3Trading Standards, through the helplineThere is no licensing body for a puppy 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 4Money still in disputeA claim over a puppy trainer can go to the small claims track in the county court up to £10,000 in England and Wales, to simple procedure in the sheriff court up to £5,000 in Scotland, or to the small claims court up to £5,000 in Northern Ireland — no solicitor needed.

Hiring a puppy trainer: questions people ask

No. Training is unregulated in every UK nation.

Ask your vet, and read the class's vaccination policy: most classes set a point in the vaccination course before puppies can join, and some run separate early-socialisation sessions.

Yes, while the puppy is in their charge. The welfare Acts in each nation require its needs to be met, including protection from pain, suffering and fear-based handling that causes injury.

Typically £40: the range is £25–£70 per session. The puppy training price guide breaks it down; put in your postcode above to compare puppy trainers near you.

Basics, socialisation, toilet training and biting.

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: Dog TrainingHow to hire: Puppy VisitsHow to hire: Dog Behaviour ConsultantHow to hire: Dog WalkingHow to hire: Doggy Day CareHow to hire: Dog GroomingHow to hire: Pet SittingHow to hire: Mobile VetAll 701 hiring guides →

Puppy trainers near you

Puppy trainers in LondonPuppy trainers in ManchesterPuppy trainers in BirminghamPuppy trainers in GlasgowPuppy trainers in BelfastAll puppy 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