Training Levels

Our dogs are developed through a structured training programme, with each level offering a different depth of training, exposure, and lifestyle-specific preparation.

Each level builds on the last, allowing you to choose the right fit for the life your dog will step into.

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Couple playing with trained dog outdoors

Level 1
Companion Foundation

From £15,000

This is the foundation for a calm, well-mannered family dog.

Dogs at this level are trained to:

Walk calmly on a loose lead (“with me”)
Respond to recall
Settle calmly in the home and on a place bed
Show good manners around people and other dogs
Travel comfortably and adapt to new environments

They are introduced to real-world situations such as cafés, public spaces, and everyday outings.

Ideal for:
Families or individuals looking for a well-behaved, easy-to-live-with companion.

Level 2
Advanced Companion

From £17,000

Building on the foundation level, these dogs are trained with increased reliability and tailored exposure to suit your lifestyle.

Training includes:

Consistent loose lead walking in busier environments
Reliable recall with higher levels of distraction
Strong place/settle behaviour in public settings
Greater confidence across varied environments
Lifestyle-specific training, tailored to your routine

Examples of lifestyle-specific training may include:

Golf course companion
Horse riding companion
Office or workplace companion
Travel and holiday environments

Ideal for:
Owners who want a dog that can confidently fit into specific aspects of their day-to-day life.

Level 3
Elite Companion

From £20,000

Our highest level of training, designed for those wanting exceptional reliability, precision, and a more specialised skill set.

Dogs at this level demonstrate:

High-level consistency in busy and unpredictable environments
Advanced responsiveness at distance
Greater precision in handling and commands
Extensive exposure to complex real-world situations
A high level of focus and engagement with their handler

In addition to all of the above, these dogs begin foundations in more specialised training, such as:

Gundog training foundations (e.g. steadiness, basic retrieves, engagement, whistle commands)
Assistance-style training foundations for bespoke tasks (tailored to individual needs)

This level also includes a more in-depth handover process, allowing additional time to work closely with you to ensure you feel confident handling your dog and maintaining their training.

Ideal for:
Owners looking for a highly capable, versatile dog with strong reliability across all environments and the potential for more specialised work.

A Note on Matching

While we offer different levels, the most important factor is matching the right dog to the right home. We will always guide you on which level is most suitable based on your lifestyle and expectations.

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 🐶