Science-led Training and Rally School

We are based in Ulrome, East Yorkshire. Currently, our group classes take place at Rickaby Hall, Ulrome, YO25 8TP...we are looking at expanding classes to cover other regions in the Holderness area.

Our 1-to-1 trainings are also done in Ulrome. However, we can come to your home if necessary. If we need to travel more than 10 miles from YO25 8TP, we would ask for a mileage fee to help cover our costs. Please contact to discuss.

We only ever use positive and force-free training methods. We keep up-to-date with the latest scientific studies, research and publications to ensure all our methods are science-based. Science shows that positive reinforcement (adding something nice when a good behaviour happens), not only results in that behaviour happening again, but also improves motivation, learning capabilities and relationship.

We do not use or recommend any aversive techniques or equipment at K9 STARS (such as an e-collar, anti-bark collar, choke/check collar, prong collar, pet corrector, shaker cans), as these can cause fear and anxiety for your dog and damage your relationship.

If you are currently using any aversive equipment with your dog and would like to discuss alternatives, please get in touch. We are non-judgemental and can help you find a kinder, more effective way of training.

We offer 1-to-1 training and group class training. We cover puppy to adult training, from beginners through to advanced levels.

We offer Good Citizen training, rescue dog packages and Kennel Club rally training. We can cover all aspects of general training including recall, loose lead walking, good manners, controlled greetings, how to settle, toilet training and much more.

Currently, we can not help with behavioural issues, as this requires accreditation as an Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT), a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) or a Veterinary Behaviourist (VB).

We can help assess if the challenges your dog are facing are training or behavioural related and, if behavioural, we can refer you to the right person. More information on the different professional roles can be found here. We will be able to offer more help with behavioural issues during 2026.

At K9 STARS, we are passionate about animal welfare. We do not support, promote, or otherwise enable blood sports such as hunting or shooting and are proud to be part of the Business Without Blood Sports Pledge. We do not train or accept dogs that are to be used in any type of blood sports, including the flushing and retrieving of game.

I am working towards the Level 4 Canine Training Instructor with PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers). In addition, I have a Masters degree with Honours in Chemistry, a Post Graduate Certificate in Research Training and a PhD in Medicine.

I am a student member of PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers), working towards becoming a practitioner on the Animal Training Instructor register with the ABTC (The Animal Behaviour and Training Council).

The ABTC is the only register of dog trainers recommended by leading organisations such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross.

I started training dogs in 1989, when I took my first ever dog (Penny, a rescue, black lab cross) to training classes.

I have been involved in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme for over 10 years. I have trained and competed in Kennel Club rally since 2016 and have passed the Kennel Club Requirements of a Rally Judge and Rally Practical Judging in 2024. I also hold a Higher Certificate in Canine First Aid (2025).

I am a PhD Scientist and use my scientific background to interpret and teach the most up-to-date training methods. I have over 10 years teaching experience at the University of Hull and the University of Liverpool.

For more information, please see our About Us page, where you can learn more about the dogs I currently share my life with.

If your dog is over 6 months old, we will ask for a 1-to-1 assessment prior to joining a group training course. This is to make sure that a group training environment is the right solution for you and your dog.

Puppies under 6 months of age can join the Puppy Foundation course without an assessment.

For her health and the health of other puppies, we ask that your puppy is vaccinated and has been cleared by the vet before they join a group class.

However, we understand how important it is to socialise puppies as early as possible. Therefore, we can offer 1 to 1 puppy training, at your home, before they have finished their vaccinations. This will help speed up their learning, build their confidence and help you bond.

Of course. Please contact us to discuss which class you would like to attend and when.

Family members, including children, are welcome to attend training classes. It's really important that everyone in your house is training the same way, so your dog does not get confused. If other family members are eager to learn, then please bring them along. We just ask that you keep additional people to a minimum so we can ensure we have a focused group.

No. As an Animal Training Instructor, I train humans to train dogs.

At K9 STARS, we are focused on building human-dog partnerships. Training develops the bond and relationship between you and your dog. By spending time training with your dog, you will learn to communicate with each other better, this means you will be able to solve problems and overcome any challenges you face in real life. Most dogs already have a good understanding of human behaviour, it is us humans that need teaching on dog behaviour to allow you to live in harmony together.

That is perfectly fine, making mistakes is how we learn. If they get it wrong, we help them.

Dogs, like humans, need information to learn. We need to provide that information in a simple, clear way for them and let them know when they get it right. If they get it wrong, then we change the way we explained it or we break it down for them. Like humans, some dogs may find it easier explained in a different way.

Imagine a child learning maths. If they get the calculation wrong, we try to explain it better, show them an easier way and help them get to the answer. When they finally get it right, we tell them they got it right and praise them. Next time, they will hopefully be able to work it out quicker.

(....years ago, caning was used as punishment in schools for getting something wrong, but now we know that positive punishment causes psychological harm, anxiety, and negative learning experiences for students, it is the same for dogs!)

Absolutely 😀. First of all, dog training is a fun, sociable hobby for you, where you can spend quality time with your dog and like-minded people.

Dogs that are perfect* in every way will love training with you. Us humans will never be able to speak dog. Much of their communication is through body language and we have physical limitations (for starters, we don't have a tail and we can't move our ears!). Although some dogs may try 🙉, they will never be able to speak our verbal language. The only way we can effectively communicate with our dogs is through the language of training.

Training using positive rewards and non-aversive methods will strengthen your relationship with your dog and build trust. You'll also find that an hour of training can be much more stimulating (and tiring) for your dog than going for a walk for an hour.

(*If anyone ever says to you that your dog is not perfect, then walk away, you do not need that negativity in your life 😘)