Puppy Foundations Programme
Puppy Training
Build the blueprint for a lifetime of trust, calm, and real-world reliability
With 1 to 1 puppy training in Surrey.
Are you ready to stop surviving the puppy stage, and start intentionally shaping the dog you actually want to live with?
The early stages of a dog’s life quietly set the trajectory for everything that follows. This programme is designed for owners who want to do more than just “get through” puppyhood. It’s for those who want clarity, structure, and confidence - not guesswork, conflicting advice, or short-term fixes.
We go far beyond basic cues like sit and stay (though these are absolutely covered). Instead, we focus on developing a puppy who is calm, engaged, and capable in the environments that matter most: your home, your walks, and the real world.
This isn’t about tricks.
It’s about life skills.
Whether you’ve just welcomed a puppy home, or you’re already navigating biting, pulling on the lead, over-excitement around people or dogs, or uncertainty around socialisation, this programme provides a clear and proven path forward, without overwhelm.
Training doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
It happens in your kitchen, on everyday walks, and as your puppy encounters new situations. The goal is simple: a puppy who understands how to exist calmly and confidently in your world, not one who only performs when conditions are perfect.
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The Foundations We Build
Every well-adjusted dog shares the same underlying pillars. This programme is structured around developing those foundations properly, from the very beginning.
- Engagement & Focus Teaching your puppy that you are worth paying attention to, even when the environment is full of distractions.
- Reliable Recall Building a fast, confident response that allows for real freedom, not constant management or anxiety.
- Loose-Lead Standards Setting expectations early so walks stay calm and enjoyable, rather than turning into a daily tug-of-war.
- The “Off Switch” Helping your puppy learn how to settle, relax, and switch off at home, in cafés, or when life is busy.
- Neutral Socialisation Moving beyond over-excitement and compulsory greetings, and instead teaching your puppy how to be calm, composed, and indifferent in a stimulating world.
What support looks like
This 1 to 1 puppy training programme is delivered through a blend of practical coaching and ongoing guidance, designed to support both you and your puppy as they grow and change.
- Hybrid Coaching Support Hands-on, practical coaching to build your skills, supported by remote guidance to troubleshoot puppy-specific challenges as they arise.
- The Puppy Blueprint Clear, structured training guidance that removes the “what do I do now?” feeling and gives you direction at every stage of development.
- Personalised Video Feedback Puppies change quickly. You’ll be able to submit training footage and receive tailored feedback so small errors don’t turn into long-term habits.
- Direct Ongoing Support Priority messaging support between sessions, so you’re never left second-guessing how to handle real-life situations as they come up.
My Approach
Standards first, not just snacks
I don’t believe in simply tiring puppies out or distracting them into compliance.
I believe in building clear standards, strong communication, and a genuine partnership.
That means helping you understand how your puppy learns, what they actually need, and how to meet those needs in a way that builds confidence rather than confusion. The focus is always on long-term success, not quick wins that unravel later.
If you’re willing to put the work in early, I’ll give you the tools, structure, and support to ensure the years ahead are calm, enjoyable, and built on trust.
Apply to work together and invest in the dog you want to live with, not just the puppy you have today.
Learn More About MeExcellent
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