About The Trained Dog Co.

At The Trained Dog Company, we specialise in providing carefully selected, fully trained companion dogs that are ready to integrate seamlessly into family life.

Our focus is simple — to create dogs that are calm, reliable, and genuinely easy to live with, both at home and out in the real world. Each dog is raised and trained within a home environment, with the structure, exposure, and guidance needed to become a well-balanced companion.

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Our Background

The Trained Dog Company was founded by Antonia Mitchell, following years of experience training thousands of dogs through our sister company, Surrey & Sussex Dog Trainer. Through this work, we saw a clear pattern.

Many owners were struggling not because they lacked effort or care, but because they were starting with dogs that didn’t yet have the foundations needed for modern life. Training could absolutely transform these dogs — but it takes time, consistency, and the right guidance.

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Meet the Team

Get to know our expert team.

Antonia Mitchell

Founder & Head of Training

Emma

Client Experience & Programme Manager

Adam

Senior Canine Development Coach

Our Training Process

Step 1 — Selection & Early Development

Each dog is carefully selected for temperament, health, and suitability. From the outset, they are raised and developed in a structured, home environment, building confidence, engagement, and calm behaviour.

Dog sitting attentively during outdoor training

Step 2 — Structured Training & Real-World Exposure

Through a progressive training programme, we develop reliability, manners, and neutrality. Dogs are gradually introduced to real-life environments — from countryside walks to cafés, travel, and busy public spaces — ensuring they can navigate everyday life with ease.

Step 3 — Personalised Handover & Integration

We work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition into your home. Through a tailored handover process, you’ll learn how to maintain and build on your dog’s training, creating a confident, lasting partnership.

Trainer handling German Shepherd outdoors

Why We Created This

We created The Trained Dog Company to offer a considered starting point.

Our dogs join you as young, carefully developed companions, having been thoughtfully guided through their early months. Rather than navigating those formative stages alone, you begin with a dog that already understands how to move calmly and confidently through a human world.

This means:

Less stress
More enjoyment
A more seamless transition into dog ownership

It’s not about shortcuts — it’s about setting both dog and owner up for success from the very beginning.

Our Approach to Training

Our training focuses on what truly matters in day-to-day life.

Not just obedience in controlled environments, but calm, consistent behaviour wherever the dog goes.

Every dog is developed with an emphasis on:

Calmness and emotional control
Clear communication with their handler
Neutrality around people and other dogs
Confidence in real-world environments

They are raised inside a family home and exposed to everyday situations, including children, household routines, travel, and public spaces.

Dog sitting on gravel in outdoor setting

Our Standards

All of our dogs are carefully selected not only for temperament, but also for their health and long-term suitability as companion dogs.

We are fully licensed with a 5-star rating for the sale of animals, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of welfare, care, and professional practice. This sits at the core of everything we do, from early development through to training and placement.

Woman with trained dog beside water outdoors

What Sets Us Apart

We don’t produce large numbers of dogs.

Each dog is individually selected, trained, and matched to the right home.

Our aim is not just to provide a trained dog, but to create a long-term partnership that works from day one.

If you’re considering one of our dogs, we’d love to hear more about your lifestyle and what you’re looking for.

We can then guide you on whether one of our dogs would be the right fit.

Customer Testimonials

Read our 5 star rated Google Reviews.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Lauren George 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We sent our cocker spaniel, Bonnie, to Antonia for a 3 week residential stay in preparation for our baby’s arrival and wow, we couldn’t be any more impressed. From the minute we enquired to the minute we collected Bonnie, Antonia has been super helpful, extremely knowledgeable and really put us at ease. We have been updated very regularly of Bonnie’s progress and even received a little card in the post full of pictures of Bonnie from her stay with Antonia. Bonnie is an excitable young girl and Antonia has taught her to relax in situations that we could only have dreamed of before the training. We have just spent the evening in the pub and Bonnie was completely unfazed with how busy it was. Walking loosely on a lead was a big thing for us and over the 3 week stay Bonnie has learnt just that. She has even learnt to walk calmly with a pram! We couldn’t recommend Surrey and Sussex Dog Trainer enough! It has truly changed our experience with our little pup for the better! We’d like to thank Antonia and her team for everything they do! Now we feel ready for Bonnie to become a big sister!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Heather Fearn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We sent Ziggy because we wanted him trained not to pull on the lead. He has learnt that and much more! The team have just the right balance of professional skill and love for the dogs in their care. We knew Ziggy was in safe hands and the ‘pupdates’ sent via WhatsApp were often hilarious and the highlight of our day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    C. du Baret 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been sending my pup to school once a week since she was 4 months and it's just the best investment in her. It's no overnight fix, of course, but she's clearly learning and retaining skills much faster than I could train her by myself. The handover days mean I get the techniques and can continue her training throughout the week, too. 100% would recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Ross Howe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic dog trainers. They have been helping me with some issues with my springer. My dog hasn't been training with them for long but im sure seeing good improvement 👏
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Antonia Creak 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our working cocker spaniel is 1 year old and has been having group sessions twice a week for the past 2 months. It is so handy having the friendly team collect and drop her back home in their van while we are working. She comes home tired from all the concentration. The regular WhatsApp video feedback and monthly in person handover meetings help you understand what she has learnt so you can try and carry on at home with the same techniques. She is definitely better behaved and a lovely family dog. I highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Eloise Fenton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barry has been attending day training once/twice a week since February this year. We started this training as he is an anxious and sometimes reactive dog and we were struggling with knowing how best to work with him on improving this. Since starting training at Surrey & Sussex Dog Training, we have already seen great progress when working on a calm sit or his loose lead walking. We have also attended 2 group sessions which are a great opportunity for us to learn what Barry is learning and continue to put this into practice in a ‘real world’ setting and at home. Thanks to the whole team for being so lovely and looking after our ‘big bad Baz’ 🐶
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Theresa Sherry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had such a wonderful experience with Antonia and her team! They are incredibly knowledgeable and clearly understand dog behaviour on a deep level. Our little labradoodle has enjoyed her weekly training sessions and we are so proud of the progress she is making. The group handover session was epic, watching 15+ dogs and owners showing off what their pooches had been learning. Our goal of off lead beach walks don’t seem like an unattainable dream anymore!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    C Astor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been sending my two rescue lurchers to Surrey and Sussex dog training for one month and am delighted with the progress they have made. In particular, one of my dogs is dog reactive. I have used dog trainers in the past and whilst my dog made big steps forward to neutrality we couldn't quite manage to go further as she really needed to be training alongside other dogs in a safe environment. From her first session, I saw videos of her walking calmly past sitting dogs - I was amazed! I have also recently attended a group training session, which was a really big confidence boost for me. I know that my dog picks up on my anxiety when we see approaching dogs, so an opportunity for us both to practice under close supervision was really helpful! My dogs both adore all the trainers and rush to jump in the van. They come home tired and happy. I have often planned my walks to minimize any potential encounters with dogs, as I found the reactive outbursts so disheartening and to be honest, scary. Can't believe that at the weekend we were running and playing in a big group of dogs, slaloming in and out and then sitting calmly with other dogs maybe 5 foot away.  I am very optimistic about where my dogs and I are heading.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Louisa Leake 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alfie has been going to the day training sessions for just over a month now and they are exactly what he (or we!) need.  He’s doing really well, runs off excitedly when he’s collected and then sleeps for several hours when he gets home!  Thanks to Antonia, Adam, Emma and Ella for everything you have done with Alfie so far and he is clearly fond of you all. The group training session earlier today was really helpful for us too. Thank you 🐶

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German Shepherd resting on grass outdoors

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Ready to welcome a calm, capable companion into your home? Enquire today to begin the conversation.

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