Hello,

Give your cherished dog or puppy the best!

Based in Hampshire, I’m Cary, a professional dog trainer dedicated to empowering owners with effective, reward-based training solutions.

From confident loose-lead walking to reliable recall and tackling specific challenges, let’s unlock your dog’s full potential.

Ready to invest in a happier, more well-behaved companion?

Click the paw for a free, no-obligation chat

Click the paw to find out more

Training joy and confidence into every wag!

My approach

I use a positive, reward-based approach to training that reinforces good behaviour without punishment or aversives. Research consistently shows that both dogs and humans learn best in a relaxed, encouraging environment. That’s why I make training fun and game-based, ensuring you and your dog enjoy every step of the process.

Who I work with

Whether you’re a beginner or refining advanced skills, I offer personalized one-on-one training to help you and your dog succeed. Too busy? I can train your dog for you and provide weekly handovers to keep you on track. Let’s create a plan that fits your life and goals!

My credentials

With a lifetime of experience owning and training dogs, combined with extensive professional education, I bring both practical skills and expert knowledge to every session. My goal is to share this expertise with you, empowering you to build a strong, positive relationship with your dog through effective and rewarding training methods.

Dog training courses

Adolescent & Adult Dog Training

Essentials Programme (Adolescent Foundations)

Real-life training made straightforward

If there’s one or two behaviours you’d love to change for your dog, the Essentials Programme gives you the structure, coaching and step-by-step plan to make it happen, without overwhelm.

Designed especially for adolescent dogs (6–24 months), when training can suddenly feel like it’s unravelled overnight (hello, selective hearing and vanishing impulse control). I’ll show you exactly what to do and why it works, then guide you through real-life practice so you feel confident continuing training independently between sessions and long after the programme ends.

✅ Essentials at a Glance

A structured foundations programme for adolescent dogs.

  • 🎯 Focus: 1 priority behaviour goal (sometimes 2 if progress is strong)
  • ⏱️ 6 private appointments:
    • 1 x Assessment (no training)
    • 4 x Training sessions (1 hour each)
    • 1 x Follow-up (consolidation + next steps)
  • 📝 Training plan + follow-up notes
  • 📲 WhatsApp/email support (within scope)
  • 📍 Home visits or agreed locations
  • 💷 £525

🎯 What we work on

We’ll choose one priority behaviour (sometimes two), such as:

  • Loose lead walking
  • Recall foundations / emergency recall
  • Calm settling
  • Impulse control / jumping up
  • Door manners / boundaries
  • Focus around distractions / neutrality

💡 What’s included

  • Assessment to identify what’s happening and create your training plan (no training in this session)
  • Four practical training sessions with clear homework steps
  • Follow-up session to consolidate progress, troubleshoot, and plan next steps
  • Written training plan + follow-up notes
  • Support between sessions (within scope)

🌿 Perfect for:

Owners who want a clear plan and have the confidence to train independently. You’ll leave each session knowing exactly what to practise and how to practise it, so progress continues between sessions, and after the programme ends, not just during them.

✅ Want to work on more than one to two behaviours?

If you’d like to work on multiple training goals, you can either:

  • extend Essentials with extra sessions (priced separately), or
  • choose Jumpstart, designed for broader progress across several behaviours.

Investment

£525

🚀 Jumpstart Programme
Structured, hands-on coaching for fast, lasting progress

Jumpstart is the medium-level programme for owners who want real change, faster, with more support and structure than a lighter programme offers.

Like all my programmes, it is well-suited to adolescent dogs. That stage where your once-lovely puppy may suddenly appear to have developed selective hearing, poor impulse control, and a strong desire to greet the entire world at speed. It’s normal… and it’s exactly where the right plan makes everything easier.

Jumpstart includes eight 1:1 sessions, designed to create momentum and turn training into lasting habits. After your initial assessment, I take the lead in the early sessions, working directly with your dog so you can see what’s possible when skills are installed clearly and calmly. You’ll then take a more active role as I coach you step-by-step through the next stages, until the new behaviours hold up in everyday life.

✅ Jumpstart is for you if…

  • You want to work on multiple goals (typically up to 3–4 key behaviour areas)
  • You want more structure, momentum and coaching than a lighter programme provides
  • You’re motivated to practise between sessions, but you don’t want to figure it all out alone
  • You want a polite, happy household pet with real-life manners

🎯 What we can work on

Your programme is tailored to your dog, but Jumpstart typically covers foundations such as:

  • Loose lead walking (including around distractions)
  • Recall foundations (and what to do when it matters most)
  • Calm settling
  • Engagement and focus around distractions
  • Impulse control and polite greetings
  • Appropriate social behaviour and neutrality

At your assessment we’ll agree on your priorities, choose the right training route, and keep the plan focused.

🧠 How the programme works (10 sessions)

Session 1: Assessment (60 mins)

No training in this first session. We map what’s happening, identify why, and create a clear plan.

A key part of Jumpstart (from the start and throughout) is management: practical changes to your dog’s environment and routine that prevent unwanted behaviours from being rehearsed. This might include things like using a baby gate to stop door-rushing, adjusting walk set-ups, or changing the way certain situations are handled at home.

This matters because if a dog is still practising the old behaviour every day, the new training has to compete with that rehearsal, and change takes much longer to gain traction. Management doesn’t replace training, but it makes training work faster.

Sessions 2–4: Trainer-led sessions (60 mins each)

I take the lead while you observe. This gives your dog a clear learning picture and gives you confidence because you can see how quickly progress happens when training is set up correctly.

To build momentum early, Sessions 2, 3 and 4 are scheduled close together (all three sessions within a 5 day period). This is a core feature of the programme and clients need to be able to commit to it.

Sessions 5–8: Shared coaching sessions (60 mins each)

You take a more active role while I coach, refine your timing, and troubleshoot real-life challenges. This is where the new habits become yours, and where we make sure results hold up outside the training bubble.

💡 What’s included

  • 8 private sessions (1 hour each)
  • Personalised written training plan after your assessment
  • Follow-up notes after each lesson
  • Occasional video demos where helpful
  • WhatsApp/email support between sessions (within scope)
  • Flexible scheduling at home or an agreed location
  • Fully force-free, rewards-based training

🌟 Expected progress

With consistent practice between sessions, many teams make excellent progress across 2–3 behaviour goals (and sometimes more). Your dog’s learning style, their history, and your practice time all matter, and I’ll be honest and clear about what will make the biggest difference for your dog.

Jumpstart works best for owners who can practise consistently between sessions and follow the agreed management plan.

No judgment, no gimmicks. Just kind, effective training that works.

Investment: £825

Ultimate Dog Programme

Transform your dog’s behaviour — and your connection — for good.

This is the most comprehensive training experience; the flagship, invitation-level programme.

Overview

This programme delivers focused, consistent training over a short period to interrupt the rehearsal of unwanted behaviours and establish clear, reliable foundations.

Training takes place over an intensive period, followed by structured follow-up support. The structure prioritises momentum, clarity, and consolidation.

This is not a menu of behaviours.
It is a fixed, evidence-checked foundation reset. All training gear is provided with the purchase of the programme.

Structure

  • Assessment lasting 60-90 minutes (in person) followed by a written goals document to be agreed by owner and trainer, prior to the work commencing
  • 12 × 1:1 training sessions with Cary working directly with the dog
    • Owner present and observing
    • Sessions are up to 90 minutes, allowing for appropriate breaks and rest periods for the dog throughout the session
  • Up to 3 follow-up meetings involving Cary, the dog, and the owner
    • Used for consolidation, refinement, and real-world application
    • Usable within 6 months of the intensive phase

Sessions are narrated so learning transfers clearly to the owner as well as the dog.

  • All the training equipment used is provided, and is yours to keep at the end of the training period

What This Programme Is

  • An immersive reset for adolescent or adult dogs
  • High trainer involvement with minimal downtime between sessions
  • Clear behavioural foundations installed without distraction
  • Structured, contained, and deliberately non-expansive
  • The dog is not given time to rehearse unwanted behaviours between sessions. This may mean that the dog is not taken for walks during the training phase.
  • Progress builds day on day.

Core Behaviour Foundations (Fixed)*

These foundations are non-negotiable and form the backbone of the programme:

  • Loose-lead walking, so that you can take your dog anywhere on a lead and be able to count on the fact that she or he will keep the lead loose while walking
  • Recall, so that you can call your dog to you reliably whether they are on the sofa in the lounge or out in the middle of a field
  • Calm handling and engagement, so that your dog can focus on you and work when needed to
  • Settling and impulse control, so that you can take your dog anywhere and be able to count on the fact that he or she can rest comfortably near you and be quiet
  • Appropriate social behaviour and neutrality, so that you can rely on your dog’s good manners, whether you are greeting guests at home or have taken your dog to another venue or when you open the car door and your dog waits to jump down

These align with Kennel Club Good (Canine) Citizen Scheme core behaviours to prevent scope creep and maintain clarity.

*If your dog can already reliably perform some of these behaviours in response to cues from you, then we will focus on the other behaviours that are less reliable.

Consolidation & Follow-Up

Follow-up meetings focus on:

  • Owner skill transfer
  • Real-world application
  • Troubleshooting and next-step planning

These sessions support sustainability without reopening or expanding the core programme.

Who This Programme Is For

  • Owners who can commit fully for a short, intensive period
  • Dogs who benefit from consistency and momentum
  • Clients who want clarity, not endless tweaks
  • Those seeking a premium, trainer-led reset rather than weekly maintenance

Who This Programme Is Not For

  • Puppies under the age of 6-7 months
  • Dogs requiring spaced reactivity work
  • Owners unable to commit to the intensive phase

Assessment & Invitation

This programme is intentionally limited
Ultimate is designed as a premium programme with very close trainer support, a structured step-by-step plan, and follow-through between and after sessions. To protect results (and your experience), I only take on a limited number of Ultimate clients at one time.

If the programme is currently full, I can usually schedule your initial assessment within a week of you getting in touch. The assessment carries a fee, which is redeemable against the total cost of Ultimate if we agree the programme is the right fit and decide to move forward. We’ll use your assessment to map out your plan and agree the most suitable programme start date together.

Your assessment is both a planning session and a screening process, so if Ultimate isn’t the right fit for you and your dog, we’ll look at the most suitable alternative programme instead.

Price: £2,250

Rescue & Reactive Dog Training

Does the sound of the doorbell send a jolt of anxiety through you? Are your walks a constant tightrope walk, scanning the horizon for potential triggers that will unleash a torrent of barking, lunging, and distress? Do you feel trapped in your own home, unable to invite friends over for fear of your dog’s reaction? You’re carrying a heavy burden, and the isolation can be heartbreaking.

Imagine the weight lifting. What if you could answer the door without your heart pounding? What if your walks became a source of joy and connection with your dog, instead of a battle against the world? Ignoring your dog’s reactivity doesn’t just impact their well-being; it steals your peace of mind and limits your life together. The anxiety and unpredictability can erode your confidence and the very special bond you share with your dog.

But there’s hope for a different reality. Picture this:

  • The doorbell rings, and you can greet your friends with a relaxed smile. Your dog might offer a curious sniff but settles calmly, knowing you have everything under control. Your home becomes a welcoming space again, filled with laughter and connection.
  • You stroll through the park, the leash loose in your hand. Your dog glances at other dogs passing by but remains focused on you, their tail gently swaying. You can finally breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the simple joy of your dog’s companionship, the loyal friend you’ve always known shining through for the world to see.
  • The secret language of love you share with your dog, those moments of quiet affection and playful connection, no longer feel overshadowed by fear. You can finally share the wonderful aspects of your dog’s personality with others, feeling proud and confident in your ability to navigate the world together.

The Calm Confidence Programme is your pathway to this transformation. Over 12 weeks and 7 carefully structured visits, we’ll guide you and your reactive dog towards a calmer, more confident life together.

  • Visit 1: Deep Dive into Understanding (Weeks 1-2): We start by truly listening to your story and observing your dog in a supportive environment. We’ll uncover the roots of their reactivity, gaining a profound understanding of their triggers and communication style. This personalized insight forms the foundation of our tailored plan.
  • Visits 2-7: Building a Bridge to Calm (Weeks 3-12): Through gentle, positive training, we’ll work step-by-step to reshape your dog’s emotional responses. You’ll learn:
    • To speak your dog’s language: Understanding their subtle body language will empower you to anticipate and prevent reactions.
    • The power of positive connection: We’ll build a stronger bond through engaging exercises, making you the most important focus in their world.
    • How to change negative associations: Using desensitisation and counter-conditioning, we’ll help your dog learn that their triggers can predict good things, not fear.
    • Practical skills for real-world success: You’ll gain the tools and techniques to confidently manage encounters on walks and in various environments.
    • Strategies for creating safety and security: We’ll help you establish routines and boundaries that reduce your dog’s anxiety and build their trust.
    • To become your dog’s calm and confident leader: We’ll empower you with the knowledge and skills to navigate challenges with grace and assurance.

But that’s not all! When you invest in the Calm Confidence Programme, you’ll also receive these valuable bonuses:

  • Detailed Lesson Notes: Immediately following each session, you’ll receive comprehensive notes outlining the exercises, techniques, and strategies we covered. This ensures clarity and provides ongoing support for your practice between sessions.
  • Complimentary Adaptil Collar: To further support your dog’s emotional well-being, we’ll provide a free Adaptil collar. This synthetic copy of the dog appeasing pheromone can help to create a sense of calm and security for your dog.
  • Between-Session Support: We understand that challenges can arise between our scheduled visits. You’ll have access to backup telephone or WhatsApp support to address any urgent questions or concerns, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

The Calm Confidence Programme offers more than just dog training; it offers:

  • A release from the constant stress and anxiety of managing a reactive dog.
  • The joy of relaxed and enjoyable walks, where you can truly connect with nature and your companion.
  • The freedom to welcome friends and family into your home without fear or worry.
  • A deeper, more trusting bond with your dog, built on understanding and positive experiences.
  • The pride of seeing your dog’s loving personality shine through, allowing others to witness the wonderful companion you know and love.
  • Unwavering support and resources to ensure your journey to a calmer life is a success.

Stop feeling trapped by your dog’s reactivity. Invest in the Calm Confidence Programme and rediscover the peace, joy, and connection you deserve with your beloved companionship

Calm Confidence programme price: £625

Puppy Foundations Training

Puppy Prep – 2 Sessions | £195

Two private sessions to help you handle the most common puppy challenges and feel confident you’re on the right track.
Includes:

  • 2 x 60-minute private sessions
  • support with house training, biting/nipping, unwanted chewing and over-excitement
  • clear, practical guidance tailored to your puppy and home

Perfect if you want: a calm plan, better routines, and fewer “what do I do now?” moments.

Puppy Prep – 3 Sessions | £285

Three private sessions for extra support and progression, ideal if you’re feeling overwhelmed or want stronger foundations before adolescence.
Includes:

  • 3 x 60-minute private sessions
  • everything in the 2-session package, plus additional troubleshooting and progression
  • extra help building calm behaviour and consistency between sessions

Perfect if you want: more support, more confidence, and more time to practise and troubleshoot.

Both Puppy Prep options include:

  • my Puppy Prep Booklet (a comprehensive, step-by-step guide you’ll keep and refer back to) plus
  • a Puppy Kong toy to support calm enrichment and settled routines at home. So you’re supported between sessions, not just during them.

Training style: force-free, rewards-based.

Scent work & mantrailing

Ever wonder what the world smells like to your dog? Our mantrailing intro course is your backstage pass to their incredible sensory world. Watch them transform into focused scent detectives, driven by instincts you never knew they had. It’s not just an activity; it’s a primal connection, a chance to witness their innate power and build a bond that’s uniquely yours.

Imagine this: Mark, a seasoned professional, initially saw mantrailing as a quirky hobby. But as his energetic Border Collie, Skye, locked onto the scent, a new level of communication opened up between them. The focus in Skye’s eyes, the determination in her stride – it was captivating. When Skye finally made the find, the pride Mark felt was unexpectedly profound. It wasn’t just about the ‘win’; it was about understanding Skye on a deeper level, witnessing her natural brilliance, and sharing a moment of pure, exhilarating success.

Mantrailing isn’t about age or experience; it’s about tapping into your dog’s primal instincts and experiencing a whole new level of partnership. It’s a mental workout, a confidence booster, and a shared adventure that’s both thrilling and deeply connecting. Whether your dog’s a social butterfly or a bit more reserved, mantrailing offers a rewarding journey into their fascinating world.

Ready to tap into this primal instinct and experience a whole new level of partnership with your dog? Get in touch for a free, no-pressure chat. Let’s explore how you and your four-legged companion can dive into the captivating world of mantrailing.

Ready to deepen your mantrailing journey?

Our progression sessions are designed for those who have already completed an introductory course, whether with us or another trainer. Over 2-3 hours of engaging outdoor activity (location within 15 miles of Alresford, Hampshire, confirmed 1-2 days prior, weather dependent), we’ll build upon the foundational skills you’ve learned, introducing new challenges and refining your canine-human teamwork.

Continue to unlock your dog’s incredible scent-detecting potential and experience the rewarding partnership of advanced mantrailing. As with the introductory session, please bring your dog in a harness, and be sure he or she is comfortable waiting in the car for approximately 30 minutes.

Choose a date and let’s take your mantrailing skills to the next level!

Scent work: Scent work taps into your dog’s natural abilities, offering mental stimulation and a calming activity. It’s perfect for rainy days, providing an outlet for energy without the physical demands of a walk—your dog will likely rest well after a session!

Mantrailing: Mantrailing is suitable for all dogs – reactive, non-reactive, older, younger, injured or perfectly healthy – and we ensure a safe, supportive environment for everyone involved. It’s an exciting adventure that’s as fun as it is rewarding, perfect for boosting confidence in shy or reactive dogs while offering all dogs a thrilling new challenge.

Caroline’s help in training my dog has been amazing. 

My dog is a rescue dog and was reactive to dogs we met on our walks. Caroline, with the help of her own two dogs, has completely changed this behaviour and he is now calm and happy when we meet other dogs. Caroline’s approach is confident and calm and my dog really trusts her and responds to her positive and encouraging approach. 

– EH, Alresford

Training Location

Do You Remember Those Perfect Puppy Dreams?

Remember those Pinterest-perfect puppy dreams? The reality of a teething terror or a suddenly opinionated teenage dog in the Alresford area (stretching out to places like Winchester and Petersfield) can feel… a little less dreamy. If your once-manageable pup has morphed into a furry agent of chaos – the jumping, the selective deafness, the ‘zoomies’ that threaten your furniture – you’re absolutely not alone! You’ve likely navigated the early hurdles, or maybe you’re just starting out, but this adolescent phase can throw even the most patient dog parent for a loop. Whether you’re raising a young pup, navigating the turbulent adolescent months, or even dealing with a dog who’s reactive, finding effective dog training near Alresford that fits into your life is key.

Imagine feeling confident and in control, even with a spirited adolescent dog in areas like Alresford, Cheriton, East Meon, West Meon, Bramdean, Upper Wield, Lower Wield, Alton, Liss, Liphook, Ropley, Medstead, or Four Marks. Picture those frustrating walks transforming into enjoyable outings, perhaps walking with friends and having your dog return when you call – wouldn’t that feel great? Or those moments of chaos at home becoming more peaceful – imagine the relief! Whether you’re navigating the intense energy of adolescence, laying a solid foundation with a new puppy, or seeking solutions for a dog with reactive behaviours, you deserve a training approach that understands your specific challenges and fits seamlessly into your life. Dog Scout is based in the SO24 area, near Bramdean and Bighton. I travel up to 20 miles from my base to work with you, in your local area. We’ll work together in your home and out in the local environment, addressing real-world situations where you need the most support, be it a park in Alton, a quiet lane near East Meon, or even the familiar paths around Medstead or Four Marks. Forget feeling overwhelmed; let’s focus on building a stronger connection with your dog, step by practical step. And for a fun way to engage their natural instincts, explore our local mantrailing group – a fantastic opportunity for both of you, potentially meeting fellow dog lovers from Liss to Four Marks. If you’re ready for private dog training that truly prioritizes your needs and the well-being of your dog throughout Hampshire, let’s connect.

Hi, my name is Cary and I have owned and worked with dogs all my life, starting with growing up in a house where my parents bred Cairn terriers and owned dogs of several different breeds (Cairns, Dobermans, Schnauzers, Irish Wolfhounds). As an adult, I have always had my own dogs, most of them from puppyhood and all of whom I’ve trained myself. I also helped friends and neighbours training their dogs.

​Right now, I have two dogs. One of them sometimes assists me in work that I do with clients.

Click the paw to find out more

Interested to read my dog training tips & comments?

Head to the DogScout Blog below!

  • Why Training Your Adolescent Dog (Ages 7 Months–2 Years) Is the Best Next Step After Puppy Classes

  • Mantrailing: A Fun and Fulfilling Activity for All Dogs, Especially Reactive Dogs

  • Force-Free, Rewards-Based Dog Training: Building a Positive Partnership

Check out some of past clients’ pups!