We are based in East Yorkshire and cover Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea and all surrounding areas. Our current group classes take place in Ulrome, YO25 8TP.

1-to-1 training can be done at your home, out on a walk or at K9 STARS in Ulrome, where we have indoor and outdoor facilities. There may be a mileage fee for travel over 15 miles from YO25 8TP. Please contact us to discuss.

We use ethical training methods to ensure animal welfare is our first consideration. We only use positive and force free methods, equipment and training aids. We keep up-to-date with the latest scientific studies, research and publications to ensure all our methods are science-based. 

We do not use or recommend any aversive techniques or equipment. 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.

For more information read our blog on ethical dog training.

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 am working towards the Level 4 Canine Training Instructor with PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers). In addition, I have a PhD in Medicine and MChem (Hons) in Chemistry.

I have over 30 years experience in dog training. 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. I also hold a Higher Certificate in Canine First Aid.

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.

We offer 1-to-1 training and group class training and are fully insured.

We cover puppy training, adult dog training, senior dog training, rescue dog training, beginners through to advanced levels and Kennel Club rally training. More details about specific training exercises can be found in the course descriptions.

The key to a calm, confident, happy dog is to continue their education throughout their life, so we have developed learning pathways for dogs of all ages and abilities. If you are unsure of which type of training would best suit you and your dog contact us for a chat.

Whether you want to socialise your new puppy, have a rescue dog who has had little training, a golden oldie who would like some more enrichment in their life, if you want your dog to come back to you when called, not to pull on a lead, gain more confidence or you want to train for Kennel Club rally, we have something for everyone.

Rally is a relatively new Kennel Club dog sport. It involves you and your dog working as a team to navigate a course with numbered signs indicating different exercises to perform... a sort of 'obedience exercise obstacle course'.

For more information or to book onto our rally classes click here.

We are happy to train with all dogs who are safe to work with (e.g. can be safely handled by their Guardian and have no bite history).

Dogs that are reactive to other dogs will struggle to learn and will be overwhelmed in a group class environment, so we would advise 1 to 1 sessions to start, to ensure we set them up to succeed.

At K9 STARS, we specialise in dog training. This means teaching life skills, improving your communication, building confidence and strengthening the relationship between you and your dog. We cannot offer advice for serious behavioural issues such as severe anxiety, aggression, obsessive-compulsive behaviours or phobias, as this work should always be carried out by a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

If you are unsure, would like to discuss 1 to 1s vs. group classes or would like help to find a qualified and accredited Clinical Behaviourist please do not hesitate to contact us and we can arrange a chat.

No. 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. 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.

No. As an Canine Training Instructor, I train humans to train dogs, so I will guide and support you to train your own dog.

At K9 STARS, we are focused on building strong human-dog partnerships. By working with you and your dog together, I will help you communicate with each other better, so you are able to solve real life problems easier.

Most dogs already have a very good understanding of human behaviour, as humans, we are still learning about dog behaviour. When training with us, you'll be building on your own knowledge, you'll learn more about your own dog and you'll become a better friend to them.

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.

Yes, providing all legal conditions are met!

At K9 STARS, we do not discriminate against breed or type. We are insured to work with exempted dogs in our classes and 1 to 1 sessions. Just let us know when booking if your dog is exempt.

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 children, it is the same for dogs!)

Absolutely! Not every dog needs training… But every dog (and their human) benefits from positive, force-free learning! You can read more about the benefits of training with your dog in our blog, Training is not just for Puppies and Bad Dogs.

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.

NB - If anyone ever tells you that your dog is not perfect, just ignore them and walk away, you do not need that negativity in your life ♥.

We have a maximum of 6 dogs/puppies in a each class, to ensure we have a focused group and that everyone gets some 1 to 1 time.

Our classes (and 1 to 1 sessions if you so wish), take place at a village hall, which has both indoor and outdoor facilities.

Depending on the weather we can train inside the hall (which has central heating) or in the grounds outside. For puppies who have not yet had their 2nd vaccination, we will stay inside.

The hall has toilet facilities and is accessible with ramps. We also provide chairs when working either inside or outside.

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

Sorry, but no. We require all bookings at least 24 hours in advance. Booking is easy to do online or you can contact us.

When booking for the first time, we will ask you to fill out an intake form to ensure the class and environment is right for you and your dog.

We ask that your puppy has had at least their first vaccination (DHP + Lepto) and has been cleared by your vet to attend indoor puppy classes We recommend 1 week after their first injection, however, your vet will advise when it is safe for your puppy to attend. If you are unsure about vaccinations please consult your vet directly.

Proof of vaccination is required when booking. If you would like to book a space on a puppy class, but your puppy has not yet had their 1st vaccination, please contact us and we can hold your space until you have your proof of vaccination.

While not mandatory, we highly recommend that your dog is vaccinated against kennel cough and is cleared by a vet to join group classes (we recommend 2 weeks after their vaccination).

The kennel cough infection can be caught anywhere an infected dog has been - even when out on a walk, at the vets, the groomers or at training.

If you decide not to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough, we will ask you to sign a disclaimer when booking group classes.

Yes, you can book just one class.

With our flexible booking system you can pay as you go, select individual or multiple dates and select weekly rolling or specific dates.

This also gives you a chance to try a class before committing to a 6 week course.

Each course has 6 different classes covering 6 different topics. You need to attend all 6 classes to graduate and get your certificate.

Courses run on a 6-week rolling basis, but you can start any time and you can choose to attend classes on any of the dates specified with our flexible booking system!

So if you have a holiday planned or work shift patterns, don't worry, you can still join and complete one of our courses, it'll just take a bit longer, as you'll have to wait for that class to come back round again.

Top Tip: If you are not joining classes for 6 straight weeks in a row or you miss a week or two, refer to the class dates on the course page, as you will need to complete all 6 different classes to get your certificate.

If you are unsure or have questions just contact us.

_{*Rally STARS and Senior STARS classes run on a rolling basis, with no courses.}

We accept credit and debit card payments and PayPal. Payment is taken securely online at time of booking.

To book offline or if you wish to pay via bank transfer please contact us.

No. If you create an account all your previous details will be saved and the form will automatically fill in for you. You can create an account at any time.

To create an account when you first book, click "sign up" in top right corner of the booking confirmation page.

To create an account after a booking, find your original confirmation email and click on the "Edit Forms" button to take you to the booking confirmation page where you can "sign up".

Top Tip: When booking ensure you "Login" first before selecting dates to ensure the form populates!

If are looking to book more than two 1 to 1 sessions, we recommend that you purchase a discount code upfront to get either 10% off 3 sessions or 20% off 6 sessions.

When you have purchased your code (which is sent via email), go to the online booking page, select the dates and times when you would like your sessions and use the code at checkout.

The code can be redeemed against multiple bookings, so you do not need to pick all your dates at once.

If a date does not show in the calendar when you are trying to book, it is probably because that class is now full or booking is closed.

Booking opens 12 weeks in advance and closes 24 hours before. We only have a limited number of places on each class, when all spaces are full, the date will disappear from the booking calendar.

If there is a specific class you are trying to book for and are struggling, please contact us.

For our group class courses, we recommend that you purchase a 6 week package discount code upfront and save 10% (details on how to purchase the code can be found on the training course page).

When you have purchased your code (which is sent via email), go to the online booking page, select the class dates you want to attend and use the code at checkout.

The code can be redeemed against any 6 dates you select and can be used for multiple bookings (you do not have to pick all 6 classes at once!).

Make sure you select the correct dates for each of the 6 specific classes. Either choose a start date and "select and make reoccurring" for 6 weeks or refer to the class dates on the course page and select dates individually.

Yes, if you have paid for one pay as you go class, you can still upgrade to the full course package and just pay the difference.

For example, if a full course (with discount) is £108 and you have paid £20 for a single class, you can pay £88 to complete the remaining 5 classes.

Just let us know and we will send you a link to book.