K9 Training Academy Ltd is an established, registered and fully insured dog training company based between Steventon and Harwell, offering flexible training for dogs of all breeds. We welcome dogs and their owners from Didcot, Abingdon, Wantage, Oxford, Wallingford and beyond.
Training Options
1-to-1 & Group
Indoors
Soft-surface arena
Outdoors
Secure grass areas
Who we are
Full-time professional dog trainers
K9 Training Academy is led by Martin and Belinda, experienced full-time professional dog trainers with extensive knowledge of dog training and behaviour. They work with all breeds, from young puppies through to adult dogs, tailoring training to the individual dog, handler and their goals. Their expertise is supported by qualifications and experience across civilian, military and law enforcement dog training.
For specialist disciplines, K9 Training Academy also works with experienced specialist trainers, giving clients access to a broader range of training while maintaining the Academy’s practical, progressive approach.
Our approach
We teach both ends of the lead
Our training is reward-based and draws on both classical and operant conditioning. But successful training is about more than teaching exercises. We help you understand what motivates your dog and develop the practical handling skills, timing and consistency needed to make training work in everyday life.
Group training with individual support
With 2–4 instructors in each group, our courses combine short demonstrations with breakaway training and individual tuition throughout each session, so you get the benefits of training around other dogs while still receiving practical help with your own dog.
One-to-one training tailored to your dog
For dogs that need more individual attention, one-to-one training focuses on the specific needs of you and your dog, whether you’re working on everyday training, a particular challenge or more complex behaviour.
Our Facilities
A secure place to train and make progress
Our secure indoor and outdoor facilities near Didcot allow training to continue throughout the year, whatever the weather. Our large indoor soft-surface arena provides plenty of space for training in comfort, while our secure outdoor grass areas allow you to make the most of good weather and provide a more natural environment where dogs can learn around the everyday sights, sounds and distractions of a working rural setting.
As confidence and skills develop, training can progress onto the surrounding open grass areas, introducing more space, freedom and natural distractions.
Dog training for all breeds
Practical training for dogs at every stage and all abilities
Start wherever your dog is now. Whether you’re looking for training for a young puppy that needs to learn the basics, an adult dog that you want to develop new or more advanced skills, or one-to-one help with challenging behaviour, training begins at the level that suits your dog’s age, experience and individual needs.
Home Training & Group Courses
Puppy Training
Reward-based training for puppies of all breeds, with one-to-one home training available from eight weeks old before vaccinations are complete, and group classes for fully vaccinated puppies. Training covers recall, loose-lead walking, socialisation and essential everyday skills, with retrieve and steadiness training available for future working dogs.
Training for Novices & Advanced
Adult Dog Training
Progress from basic obedience to advanced training, developing reliable recall, off-lead walking, impulse control, everyday handling skills and greater confidence and reliability in a range of real-world situations.
Suitable for any dog from 16 weeks subject to assessment
Scent Detection
Put your dog’s natural scenting ability to work with focused scent training that’s mentally stimulating, rewarding and suitable for dogs of many different abilities.
Suitable for dogs of any age where behaviour is causing concern
Dog Behaviourist
Understand what’s driving your dog’s behaviour and work towards lasting improvement with expert assessment, tailored guidance and training that addresses the underlying causes.
From Foundations to Advanced Training
Progressive Training from Novice to Advanced
Develop your dog’s obedience, control and everyday handling skills through progressive training designed to build greater reliability, confidence and good manners. From the foundations covered in our Juvenile & Novice Training through to the more advanced off-lead control and handling developed in our Adult & Advanced Training, each stage builds on the skills already learned.
The Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme is incorporated into this progression, with Bronze covered within our Juvenile & Novice Training and Silver and Gold skills covered within our Adult & Advanced Training. Owners can work towards these awards as part of their training should they wish to do so.
K9 Training Academy is accredited to test the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme at every level, so dogs and handlers who choose to pursue the awards can progress from Bronze through to Silver and Gold with us.
How it works
From first call to a dog you can trust
Get in Touch
Call Belinda or Martin and tell us about your dog, your household, what you want to achieve and any challenges you are having.
Face to face meeting
We prefer to meet you and your dog before booking, so we can discuss your training requirements and properly assess your needs.
The right training
We recommend the right group course or tailored one-to-one training for you and your dog, with sessions available during the day or evening.
Keep developing your dog’s skills
Progress to more advanced training, work towards the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen awards, or explore more specialised training depending on your goals.
Next Step
Ready to start training with your dog
Call Martin or Belinda to talk through your needs and arrange a face-to-face meeting, or browse our training options and upcoming courses.