Build a better relationship with your dog |
Build a better relationship with your dog |
Canine Behaviourist & Balanced Dog Trainer in Brixton, SW2
I am the founder of South London Dog Training and a Level 4 certified canine behaviourist based near Brockwell Park, Brixton. My relationship-centred, balanced framework comes from a completely unique background; before dedicating my career to dogs, I spent over 11 years working as a human psychotherapist.
That clinical experience shapes everything about how I read, understand, and transform the deep behavioural dynamics between dogs and their owners. I believe a dog's actions are heavily influenced by their bond with their owner. By blending my behaviourist knowledge with my therapeutic background, I coach you alongside your dog to address core issues, establishing trust and clear communication.
My Dog Journey
My dog journey started in 2006 when I adopted Spencer, a rescue from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Like many rescue dogs, Spencer arrived with significant behavioural challenges. Working through those hurdles with him revealed a deep, natural ability to connect with and understand dogs on an emotional level.
That turning point changed everything. I threw myself into studying canine behaviour and psychology, eventually making the decision to retrain professionally. Since then, I have dedicated myself entirely to helping owners across South London build calmer, happier lives with their pets.
Spencer remains the core inspiration behind my work—and a daily reminder of the transformation that is possible with the right understanding, patience, and approach.
Why a Psychotherapist Makes a Better Dog Trainer
This is the question I get asked most often—and it's a fair one.
The honest answer is that most canine behavioural issues aren't just dog problems; they are relationship problems. Dogs are extraordinarily attuned to human emotional states. Your anxiety, inconsistency, or communication patterns directly shape how your dog reacts. A trainer who only looks at the dog is missing half the picture.
This is where my clinical background becomes your greatest asset. I understand human behaviour just as deeply as canine instincts. By focusing on both ends of the lead, I help you establish the clear, consistent boundaries your dog needs to feel secure, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of their stress. This relationship-centred framework creates mutual respect and reliable results that conventional methods often miss.
Because of this, my sessions feel entirely different. There is zero judgment and zero blame. Instead, we create a calm, collaborative space to identify the communication breakdown, clear the confusion, and build a practical plan that genuinely works for your household.
Loving Leadership
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Loose Lead Walking
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Obedience Training
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Loving Leadership | Loose Lead Walking | Obedience Training |
A Balanced Approach to Dog Training
I am a balanced trainer. This means I use positive rewards as my primary choice—building motivation, focus, and a strong working relationship with your dog. Where boundaries or corrections are required, they are used calmly, minimally, and precisely, only when the situation genuinely demands it.
In my experience, a purely positive approach leaves many dogs—particularly those struggling with anxiety, leash reactivity, or deeply ingrained behavioural issues—without the structure and clarity they look for. True balance isn’t about punishment; it’s about clear, honest communication.
On average, most of my clients successfully reach their specific goals within 6 training hours.
The Three Foundations of My Method
When you get these three core pillars right, the vast majority of behavioural issues either resolve themselves or become significantly easier to manage:
Loving Leadership: Dogs need structure and clear guidance to thrive. This isn't about dominance or harshness—it's about calm, consistent, confident leadership that makes your dog feel safe enough to step back, switch off, and relax.
Reliable Obedience: A dog that responds to basic commands can be kept safe, managed in challenging environments, and trusted in the real world. Obedience isn't about control for its own sake; it is the bedrock of a relaxed, confident dog.
Calm Loose-Lead Walking: This is where most owners struggle, and where the vast majority of relationship tension originates. Transforming how your dog travels on the lead instantly shifts their mindset and changes your daily life together.
Where We Train: A Fully Mobile Service
I operate a fully mobile service across South London, centred around my base near Brockwell Park (SW2). We can easily find a training setup that perfectly fits your needs and your dog's training needs.
Sessions can take place directly in your home, at the wonderful Brockwell Park, or we can connect virtually via our online coaching sessions. All training begins in a comfortable, familiar environment where we can observe your dog’s natural behaviours. As you and your dog progress, we move straight out into real-world settings across South London, building proofed reliability where it actually matters for your daily routine.
Please note: For home visits, travel fees may apply beyond a certain distance and are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with your postcode to check coverage for your exact area.
I'm based near Brockwell Park in Brixton, SW2, and work with dog owners across South London— including Herne Hill, Clapham, Balham, Streatham, Tooting, Dulwich, East Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Forest Hill, Peckham, Camberwell, Norwood, Westminster, Tulse Hill, Stockwell, Vauxhall, Kennington, Battersea & Wandsworth.
Qualifications & Credentials
I hold one of the highest qualifications available in canine behaviour in the UK. Combining advanced behavioral certification with over 11 years of clinical human psychotherapy practice gives me a depth of insight that very few dog trainers can match.
I work to a strict professional code of conduct, utilising balanced training methods grounded deeply in canine psychology and evidence-based science.
My Core Credentials:
Level 4 PETbc Accredited Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma (Highest UK standard)
Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) – Practical Instructor Course
Qualified Psychotherapist – Over 11 years of dedicated clinical practice
Fully Insured with Protectivity for total peace of mind
Committed to continuous professional development and modern behavioral research