About
Hi, I’m Steve…
I’m a dog trainer in Surrey, that covers Ashtead, Epsom, Tadworth, Banstead, Leatherhead, Cobham, Oxshott, Guildford and many other surrounding areas.
Having had a life long passion of hanging out with dogs, when we adopted our Lurcher Sam he changed everything. He was different to the others, because he’s a complicated, sensitive boy who is easily overwhelmed and choosy about what other dogs he feels comfortable with. We worked with trainers and behaviourists ourselves and I was hooked. I wanted to learn everything, because I wanted to help dogs and their people the way we’d been helped, so I set about changing careers.
Book A CallQualifications
- Level 3 Canine Behaviour - IMDT
- Level 4 Canine Behaviour - IMDT
- Qualified ATI (Animal Training Instructor)
- Fully accredited member of the ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council) and PACT
- Volunteer work with Celia Cross and the Dogs Trust
The studying doesn’t stop there though, there’s always more to learn, and every dog teaches you something new.
I’ll help you build strong, frictionless, lasting relationships with your dogs based on trust and clear communication. I believe training should be kind, compassionate and most of all FUN. After all, why would either of you want to do it, if it isn’t enjoyable? Having worked in corporate roles for many years, I know what it’s like to have a busy and exhausting day to day, and how important it is for training to be straight forward, manageable and achievable in the time you have. Whether you’re working on basic manners, or problem behaviours like your dog is pulling like a train, or recall has gone out the window, I’m here to help you and create training plans tailored to your dogs’s unique personality and your lifestyle.
Don't miss out, follow us on Instagram!Additional Qualifications:
Industry Memberships
Dog First Aid Certification
Fully Insured
I believe in ethical, welfare-first, science backed training methods that do not use fear or intimidation.
These methods are grounded in positive reinforcement, meaning that if we work together, we will not be using tools such as prong collars, e-collars and choke chains.
We don’t need to, fortunately the same results can be achieved without these.
— My Ethos
Excellent
Based on 8 Google reviews
- Victoria Jennings
Steve has been working with me and my 18 month staffy cross for the last 8 weeks. He is a great guy and has given me all the tools to continue training stop the lead pulling. She is definitely much better already so now it’s down to me to continue the good work and make sure we get there on every walk. Would definitely recommend Steve and Proud Dog Training
- Shaun Adams
I can actually walk Archie now! His pulling ended up causing me a shoulder injury a while back when he caught me off guard, so it was getting to the point where I was worried every time I'd take him out that it could happen again. On Steve’s advice we changed the harness we were using, worked on him engaging with us more on walks, added in some new activities at home, as well as other pieces, and Archie is now so much calmer on walks. I’m enjoying walking him again now, so thank you Steve!
- Henry Davis
Steve’s been great, helping us with Diva’s issues with recall and building her confidence walking in busy environments. The support in between sessions was really helpful too. Would highly recommend. Thanks again Steve
- Aisha Kilbride
Where to even begin?! I couldn't recommend Steve at Proud Dog more! We completed his 8-week programme with our dog, Dodger, and it's honestly been one of the best investments we've made.
We wanted help with Dodger's recall and his habit of jumping up, and the progress has been incredible. Steve's approach is calm, supportive and was completely tailored to us. Everything is broken down into simple, manageable steps, so it never felt overwhelming.
The combination of meeting in-person as well as the video feedback and ongoing support between sessions meant we always felt confident and knew exactly what to work on. Steve didn't just help train Dodge - he gave me the confidence and understanding to continue making progress since we finished our programme. As we're quite local we get to see Steve and his dog Sam on walks sometimes, which is always super nice.
If you're looking for a trainer who genuinely cares and uses kind, effective methods, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Proud Dog.
- Lindsey Wells
Steve was a complete joy to work with and was very patient and friendly. We like to ask a lot of questions and he was always happy to answer them, both during sessions and in-between. We still have a couple sessions left, but the training has already really helped Poppy’s recall and she’s much more engaged with us. Super happy, thankyou!
- Rebecca Cole
Steve is wonderful with our dog! He has done both training hours with our 8 month old black lab as well as drop ins and walks. His communication is wonderful and we highly recommend his services.
- Samantha Tufo
I booked some training with Steve to help with my Cockapoo Buzz and his terrible lead pulling and recall. I was nervous to have 1:1 training but Steve instantly put me at ease. We’re both loving the sessions and Steve is great at reading him and deciding when he needs a break and when he’s ready for the next step, and Buzz is already so much better than he was! Very excited to continue our sessions and would recommended Steve to anyone needing training support.
- Sue Wylie
Steve has worked MIRACLES with my boy Harry, who at 10 & a half years old has had lots of social issues with other dogs for most of his life, but he has managed to getting him walking side by side with his own dog and also not on his halti just leading from his collar, no pulling, no whiping around at his dog or others.
It gives me huge assurance to know that Harry is safe with him when out on a walk, having a calm and enjoyable exercise routine. Thank you Steve