Next Level Dog Training Reviews

We recently enrolled our dog, Coco, in the residential training course at Next Level Dog Training, and I couldn't be more impressed with the results! From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They took the time to understand Coco's individual needs and tailored the training to address her specific challenges. The transformation in Coco is nothing short of amazing. Not only did she become more obedient, but her overall behaviour improved dramatically. The trainers focused on helping Coco overcome nervousness and anxiety , and I now feel much more confident in managing her in various situations. The facility was top-notch, and it was clear that Coco was well cared for throughout her stay. The daily updates and communication with the trainers made me feel involved in the process, even when we couldn’t be there in person. I highly recommend Next Level Dog Training to anyone looking for high-quality, personalised training for their dog. The dedication and expertise of the team truly made a difference in Coco’s life, and I’m so grateful for their hard work!

This was the best decision we made choosing next level dog training for our boy Hugo. 5 stars +++ and can't recommend enough. It was a tough choice to make but worth it as we have seen the biggest difference in Hugo's behaviour. From first impressions Justin and his team gave us so much advice and shared their extensive knowledge it was clear they are extremely passionate in what they do and this was the right place for him. We felt anxious to begin with leaving him but very shortly put at ease with regular updates. Hugo was assigned to his trainer Chris who has been incredible throughout! His training has been tailored specifically to him and his breed although Chris quickly identified Hugo was highly driven and portrayed the characteristics of a working dog which is unsual for the boxer breed. Therefore this gives us the explanation to understand why there have been struggles with his high energy, reactivity and High arousal, but now we have the knowledge how to channel this using structured play time and walks to fulfill his needs. Regular photos and videos were sent to us daily with detailed information on what they were training on that day and Hugo has been exposed to a lot, we are so proud of his progress but this wouldn't of been achieved without the hard work from his training sessions. In just a short space of time the results have been life changing and proof that with the correct training no medication is needed. It is now a pleasure to take Hugo out for a walk and enjoy his structured play sessions, thank you next level dog training!!

Learnt so much with Rob so far, couldn't recommend him highly enough. I had previous lessons with my dog at another dog training school but it didn't work at all. Within one session with Rob, walking Skye has been a completely different experience. Before, I was being pulled along and although she isn't perfect yet, the level of control is completely different. We've discussed a lot of theory and put a lot into practice, it's perfect for understanding how to deal with my dog in specific scenarios when I'm on a walk with her. I would completely recommend Next Level Dog Training to anyone - I'm enjoying walking my dog again which is all any dog owner can ask for!

It’s been a week now since our boys came home from their 4 week residential training at Next Level Dog Training. The difference is incredible, unbelievable and so much more than we could have ever hoped for. The boys, Bear & Duke are 13 months old Golden Retriever brothers and although beautiful they have been really hard work - very reactive to pretty much everything, they pulled like trains on their leads and despite definitely knowing their names, only responded when they felt like it. We had got to the point where someone had to watch them all the time which was very restrictive. We also have two other Goldens, Betty aged 10 and Bonnie aged 4 who have always behaved very well however their behaviour had also started to change as they jostled for attention. It wasn’t an easy decision to send the boys into training whilst the girls stayed at home, we were worried about them being away for 4 weeks, worried about re-integrating them with the girls and thought that it probably wouldn’t work anyway. Well, we need not have worried – the end result is amazing, the house is calm again, the boys are no longer reactive, they listen to and obey commands, they walk to heel and the girls seem genuinely happy to have them back. Justin & Luke brought the boys home, managed the initial re-introduction to the girls and taught us on how to manage / continue the training now they were back at home. It has all gone so well, so much better than we could have ever dared to imagine. As I am writing this review all four dogs are in the kitchen, calm and asleep and I still can’t believe it! Without doubt and not wanting to sound dramatic, this has been life changing for us and I would absolutely recommend Next Level Dog Training - they have been incredible.

We cannot recommend Next Level Dog Training enough and they really do deserve all the 5 star reviews they get. From the moment I spoke to Justin on the phone, we had confidence they could help us with our highly reactive 5 year old rescue Chocolate Lab Bailey. Throughout the time Bailey spent at Next Level we got regular updates with photos and videos on Bailey's progress and got to have two sessions of over an hour each time with Chris (Bailey's main trainer) and Justin to show the both of us the progress Bailey had made and more importantly what we as Bailey's owners needed to do to continue Chris' fantastic work. It was clear to us every time we met with Chris that he had built an amazing bond with Bailey and that Bailey really listened to what Chris was asking of him. This gave us huge peace of mind that while at the residential training Bailey was happy and enjoying life as at home he is a very happy and goofy lab and we did not want that side of him to change. After four weeks we've had Bailey back home with us for two days and he is a completely different dog - walks with him are a pleasure rather than being highly stressful and challenging every time. The transformation in his behaviour on the lead is amazing and his reactivity to other dogs is 100 times better than before he went for the residential training. When we collected Bailey back from Net Level, Justin and Chris explained everything we needed to do to continue the training and encouraged us to reach out anytime with questions and we are planning to do some follow up 1:1 training with Chris to build on all his great work as we know as owners we also need training as well as Bailey !! Thank you again, Justin, Chris and the rest of the team at Next Level Dog Training.

I cannot recommend Next Level Dog Training enough! From my very first enquiry to collecting Fizz today, Justin and his team have been nothing short of exceptional. Their professionalism and dedication were clear at every step, and they've gone above and beyond to ensure we felt supported throughout the entire process. What really stood out was how they made it clear that their support doesn’t end today. They’ve encouraged me to reach out anytime with questions and are more than happy to send videos or offer advice, even after Fizz's stay. Throughout his time with them, I received regular updates with photos and videos, which gave me so much peace of mind. They patiently answered all my (many) questions, explaining the theory behind their training techniques, and took the time to address all my concerns methodically and thoughtfully. But the true highlight of our experience was Fizz's trainer, Luke. Honestly, words can’t do justice to how incredible he was with Fizz. Watching Luke work is nothing short of mesmerising; He’s so balanced, fair, and kind in his approach. It’s clear that he understands dogs on a deep level and knows exactly how to bring out the best in them. Fizz formed an immediate and genuine bond with him, one that was amazing to see develop over time. Luke treated Fizz as if he were his own dog, making sure every session was not only effective but also fun and engaging. The transformation in Fizz's behaviour has been remarkable, and it's all thanks to the patience, dedication, and expertise that Luke poured into his training. Fizz absolutely adores him, and I know he’s going to miss him terribly now that he’s home. That’s why we've already decided to bring Fizz back for more training and visits in the future, I wouldn’t trust anyone else with him! Luke didn’t just train my dog; he made a lasting impact on both Fizz and myself, giving us the tools and confidence to continue building on everything he’s learned. Thank you, Next Level Dog Training, for your unwavering support and exceptional care. You’ve done an amazing job, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for us!

Got our Rottweiler Ace back from Next Level dog training this week and we couldn’t be happier with the work the team put in with him. He was previously quite reactive to other dogs on walks and was very nervous of new people (men especially) coming into the house and could become quite protective of us when people entered and left. We’ve put into practice how to manage him in the house and we can already see a huge difference, he’s much calmer and happier knowing we’re in control. Couldn’t recommend them enough!

I cannot begin to say how helpful and professional Next Level training is. From the first contact to taking our nervous dog Will in for four week training , the contact with us about how he was doing to the day we collected him and the help they gave us. What I have learnt is how much we the owners need to learn. Will, a rescue was nervous and could be reactive when on a lead. He is now a different dog and we are so pleased. Thank you Chris and thank you Justin.

We sent Simba for the 4-week residential program at Next Level Dog Training. The whole team were great but Justin and Luke were absolutely fantastic. This has been something we had wanted to do for years, but finding the right place had been really tricky and given he was a rescue we didn’t want it to undo any of the amazing progress we had made. We had a holiday booked and had planned to leave him with family, however his resource guarding had become more frequent and we didn’t feel comfortable, which is where my partner found Next Level. They were amazing right from the start at settling my anxiety and reassuring me we were doing the right thing. The knowledge they had on Akita’s, their stubbornness and the reasons for resource guarding gave us the confidence to take the leap and trust them. We sent him ahead of the holiday with the intentions that we could pick him up if needed as we were concerned they would be unable to earn his trust and be able to work with him. Within just 2 days, they had him out and were training him which amazed us. They were patience and took their time which paid off immensely. We had a training session a few days before him coming home to teach us what they taught Simba, and we were amazed. They did another handover on drop off, to help support integration of what he had learnt on his trip away. The transformation in his behaviour has been amazing—he’s so much calmer and easier to manage. We sent him away for an attempt, but honestly didn’t expect this level of obedience (akitas are notoriously stubborn!). Cannot recommend them enough if you are looking for dedicated trainers. Be prepared for one tired doggo when you get them back! & yes, he did still love us when he returned (& is even more cuddly).

My 4 year old rescue American Akita Simba went for four weeks. The team built a great relationship with him especially Luke. He has come back so much more responsive and obedient that we could have imagined and the team have put us in control moving forward to keep his training up and keep him improving. We feel a lot more in control now which is great and Simba has more confidence and is less anxious and therefore reactive than we thought was possible.

I cannot recommend Next Level Dog Training enough. I originally purchased my autism assistance dog through another company, under the impression that she was fully trained. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and after spending a lot of money and being repeatedly misled, I was understandably hesitant to trust another training company. For four months, I worked on laying the foundation with my dog, trying to bring her to a level I was comfortable with. While she is brilliant, her youth and excitability limited where I could take her, which in turn affected my independence. That’s when I reached out to Next Level Dog Training. From start to finish, they exceeded my expectations. They kept me fully informed about every step of my dog’s progress and provided frequent updates, which I really appreciated. Thanks to their real-world training, my dog has been transformed. She’s now able to handle a wide variety of environments—shops, pubs, libraries, and busy places—places where previous trainers didn’t bother to take her. The team, led by Justin, genuinely cares about the dogs they work with, and it shows in their dedication and the results they achieve. Thanks to their hard work, I’ve regained my independence and can confidently go anywhere with my dog. I am endlessly thankful for the care and attention they gave her. If you want to transform your relationship with your dog, I can’t recommend Next Level Dog Training highly enough. They will make a real difference.

Lester is a five year old Airedale Terrier. Anyone who knows this breed will tell you they are extremely intelligent, wilful, demanding clowns. Lester is no exception. Lester pulled so hard on walks that I simply couldn't walk him. If he saw a squirrel he'd go absolutely bananas. When people came to the house he'd be jumping up and down and lunging at the door and them, it was so bad that even relatives started to avoid coming to the house. So we set out to find a dog trainer who could help us have a better experience with Lester without crushing his personality or scaring him into submission. When we told friends and family that we were sending Lester to bootcamp they all said “good luck with that!” Well aren’t they surprised. Justin and his team have done a fantastic job. Our primary objective was for me to be able to walk him, closely followed by controlling his prey drive and calming his excitement when we had visitors. Lester has come home a much happier dog. He’s more relaxed, well mannered, and less reactive. His response to the word “Squirrel” no longer has the nucleonic reaction it used to have. In fact there is no response now. That is testament to how Justin listened to us when we first met. We mentioned Lester’s reactiveness & described how he goes off on one at the mere mention of the word let alone seeing one on his walks. It's clear from the improvements we've seen that Justin makes a point of listening to you & whilst not promising to fix everything, he does identify what’s important and will focus on that. Justin also made sure he trained both of us (me and my husband). When we picked Lester up he was absolutely brilliant in Justin's hands. Then Justin asked us to do the same things. It was clear Lester was capable of going back to his old ways with us. And there is the most important lesson. Next Level dog training have shown Lester how to behave with the help of the right signals from the handler. It is now up to us to learn those signals and make them a part of our daily lives. Lester was a handful before he went to bootcamp, now he is an absolute joy. He even goes to the toilet on command. He is still the same old dog. He counter surfs, he still comes up to us & barks if he wants something (especially if he needs to go out) but he’s no longer demanding treats, he walks beautifully at your side, he doesn’t chase the cat, he doesn’t bark in the car if someone walks by. The other day a lady who knew Lester from the past commented on his changed reaction to her when they met out on a walk. Next Level have done a brilliant job! The best part of this whole experience was the very first walk I did on my own with Lester, I couldn't believe the difference. I'm loving walking him, it's absolutely changed our lives. Thank you Justin and the team, we couldn’t be more satisfied, we can’t recommend you highly enough!

We only picked Logan up on Sunday, after he had spent 4 weeks on a residential training program to stop his reactivity with other dogs, cats birds and sometimes large noisy vehicles. Justin and his team have done very well and we are experiencing a great change in his behaviour. It is now a pleasure to walk Logan as long as we keep up the same corrections that we have been shown how to do. We are very pleased that we entrusted our family dog into the care of Next Level

Next Level have undoubtedly changed our life and most importantly Benji’s life. Benji has frustration reactivity to dogs and wildlife and his reactivity was very intense. We knew we made some mistakes in the socialisation period right away and have spent the last year trying to address his reactivity. The constant anxiety and worry was so difficult for us and we felt pretty hopeless, guilty and regretful of our decisions early on. Having tried 5 trainers/behaviourists, Benji was still just as reactive and his world was becoming so small - advice such avoid all triggers, 5-10 minute walk a day, medicate him. Benji is a lovely dog, enthusiastic, quick to learn so we felt that he was capable and deserved so much more than what he had. Residential training was an incredibly difficult decision and it was heart wrenching to leave Benji for 4 weeks. However we felt that Benji would benefit from a consistent and intensive approach, and felt so assured after our initial phone call with Justin and seeing the amazing reviews. When I dropped Benji off I felt assured that he would be very well cared for by all of the staff, and thought the facilities were amazing. Our minds were soon put at rest when we started to get incredible updates and progress videos of Benji walking calmly around other dogs and animals, in many locations, bed work, impulse control, breed specific work, and it was lovely to see the amazing bond he had with Chris. He was having more fun than he’s probably ever had at home! We attended NLDT for a training session mid-stay and then went back for the full handover at the end so we could meet Chris and observe how he worked with him before practicing until we felt comfortable to take him home. Chris and Justin were so supportive and encouraging. We felt really clear about the instructions given to us and how to ensure the success continues. It was especially lovely to see how much the staff, particularly Chris, enjoyed working with Benji. We felt a bit bad separating them! 😆 We went home with a clear plan and ready to dedicate ourselves to the consistency needed to keep up the amazing results. We now have a more confident and level headed dog who understands what he’s being asked. Since our handover we have continued with the bed training, heel work and breed specific play, and we continue to be able to walk past dogs and animals without reaction. Something we had lost all hope for only a few weeks ago! The biggest adjustment has definitely been letting go of all our tension and anxiety, but with practice we are learning to relax and are seeing the rewards of being consistent. Huge thank you to Chris, Justin and everyone else in the team who worked with Benji. Your facility and dedication to the dogs is incredible and we can never explain how grateful we are. Residential is not a quick fix and requires onward consistency and hard work, but if it’s the route you are considering for your dog I could not recommend Next Level any more. Thank you!!! ❤️

The trainers at next level dog training were absolutely amazing. They have transformed our life and allowed my dog to now redirect their reactivity. They helped form a basis for us to work upon and we can now go on anxiety free walks for all. They teach you how to handle your dog so you can take over the lessons at home. My dog went from never being able to be near another dog to now being 1 m away and ignoring them. They kept me updated throughout and sent me photos and videos of our boys progress. I would recommend them to anyone, and thank them immensely.

I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service provided by Chris, Matt, and Justin during Dante's two-week residential training program. From the moment Dante entered the program, it was evident that he was in capable and caring hands. Throughout the two weeks they kept me updated on Dante's progress, providing reassurance and invaluable insights into his training journey. They patiently answered my constant questions and concerns, demonstrating a genuine commitment to both Dante's well-being and my peace of mind. Under their guidance, Dante has transformed into a remarkably well-mannered and confident dog. His ability to interact with other dogs has improved tremendously, and he now exudes a calm and friendly demeanor in their presence. Not only do they focus on obedience training, but they also prioritize building a strong bond between the dog and owner. Their dedication, patience, and expertise have not only benefited Dante but have also equipped me with the tools and knowledge needed to continue his training at home. I am truly grateful for the positive impact Chris, Matt, and Justin have had on Dante's behavior and overall well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking exceptional training for their dogs.

Can't thank Justin, Luke and the rest of the team enough. We now have a dog that's a pleasure to take out. Thanks so much guys!!!

If you are considering residential training but are concerned about being away from your dog or are cautious about the cost, please erase all of those worries right now, and know that this is without doubt the BEST decision you could make for your furry family member, and I hope you can take the time to read this review to find out why! My golden retriever Lab cross, Bonnie, has always been a nervous girl, but when I was confident and calm in the past, she didn’t react to her fears as she trusted that I was in control. This all changed however, when my husband passed away suddenly last year at age 44. The children and I were obviously emotionally shattered, and we used Bonnie as our therapy in many ways, she brought us so much comfort. But as a result of our emotional instability perhaps, Bonnie started to become more fearful of dogs and strangers, and as time went on, she became reactive. Every walk was an anxious one, she was always on high alert, looking for the next ‘danger’. It was beyond my ability to resolve and I was becoming more and more anxious and also upset as it seemed to be such a change in her character. Parting with her for 4 weeks was something I never thought I could do but I knew she deserved support as much as I did. The transformation has been incredible! I have just returned from a walk with her, and I can feel her calm and happy energy! I have walked in busy areas with so many people and dogs and she didn’t even look at them, she was so focused on me! And because I know I have to be a strong and confident leader for her, it will improve my own mental health! From my first conversation with Justin, I knew that Next Level was right for my family. It was clear straight away that he and his team are so experienced and skilled, and not only that, they genuinely care deeply about the dogs they work with. Justin, Luke and the rest of the team are so clear in explaining their methods, and I learned so much from them on the 2 days I visited in week 2 and 3. One of the key things that sticks with me is thinking about how many commands I use! Simplifying it to my recall word, whatever that may be, and “heel” until I release you, makes everything more manageable and I don’t need to over think anything! Lots of praise when correct, and a quick correction when she falters, which so far has not happened! This evening, 3 of the children’s friends came round to the house, and they were all delighted as Bonnie, who usually barks and hides, came to them happily and calmly to get a stroke! It has only been 2 days and I am already so sure that with my continued work using the techniques exactly as I have been shown, Bonnie and I will have amazing, happy adventures together in the Lake District hills. Next Level have without a doubt, given us all a new future. I should also mention that after my husband died we welcomed a miniature Dachshund to our family. She is not reactive and loves everyone, however I sent her with Bonnie as she hasn’t known a life without her and sleeps on her every night! I did not expect any training to happen, she was there as a companion. How wrong I was! Little Luna is walking to heel on and off lead! Her recall is amazing and she no longer barks at anyone for attention! I just feel very sorry for Luke’s potential back pain as she is the smallest mini dog I have ever seen, so rewarding her every time she did the right thing may have taken it’s toll 😉 If you have read this far thank you! As you can tell, I am utterly delighted with the results. The Next Level team have not only changed the future for our precious dogs, they have also brought so much joy to a family who have been through a traumatic time and we can now look forward to our adventures with our girls, stress free! Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts Jenny, Iona, Billy, Bonnie & Little Luna

Top class place to train your dog. Highly recommend. Dog trainer Rob is absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, with a good sense of humour. Looking forward for our next training session.

I spoke to Justin @ next level dog training after hearing about them from another dog owner on social media. We needed help with our over friendly and exuberant 2yr Labrador who at 37kgs pulled and dragged us to get to anyone/anything in sight to say hello! I explained to Justin that due to falling over while trying to hold on to him twice I had lost all hope of ever being able to walk him again. He took the time to explain what residential training involved and was able to address any concerns that we had. When he said he needed Finn for 4wks my heart sank as I knew we would both miss him terribly and of course there was the cost to think about. Although it was a 2hr drive we decided to take him ourselves and what a lovely place we saw. During his 4wk stay we received constant updates/videos on his progress, seeing how happy he was while working with his trainer Chris made us smile. At the end of Finns stay we spent an hr with Justin and Luke learning the techniques of loose lead walking and consistency that we needed to carry on with. Finn has been home almost a wk now and I'm out walking him to heal, on a loose lead every day now. All thanks to you guys who we'd recommend to anyone, thankyou for the love and care you all gave to Finn during his stay with the biggest thankyou of all going to Chris! We know he was a tough nut to crack, you are a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! Thankyou from Gill, Mike and of course Finn 🤎