Working breeds · Wirral
Get reliable off-lead freedom and a dog you can take anywhere in six weeks.
We have seen massive improvement in our border collie since starting with James. Our pup was overly excited around other dogs and would just run off to say hello every chance he got. After working with James our pup recalls when needed, engages with us and is much calmer when he does interact with other dogs.
Fantastic dog training & practical training for real life situations. James will work with all breeds and with owners of all experience. It’s great to see a real tangible difference in Buddy after just a few weeks! It’s also amazing to see the change in other dogs who are also part of his training.
You chose a working breed because you pictured walks, cafés, weekends away, and a dog that could come anywhere with you. Right now, your days are shaped around the dog.
Your dog is turning every outing into a military operation.
What we work towards
What have you stopped doing with your dog?
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By the end of the six weeks, he was coming back from things that used to be impossible, and I'd stopped second-guessing every outing. It's not that he's perfect. It's that I finally have a plan for when things go wrong, and he knows what I'm asking. Last weekend we walked a whole field off-lead and I actually enjoyed it.
Because I could trust her at a distance, we were able to add things we'd never have attempted before, like scent games and search work in open fields. The training stopped being something I had to squeeze into the garden and became something we did on every walk. She's happier, and so am I.
Private training and owner coaching for working breeds in family homes. Start with an assessment, choose the six-week Freedom & Reliability Program, or focus on one or two priorities with Chaos to calm.
In person · At home or a suitable local location
A 60 to 90-minute in-person assessment for owners of German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and similar working breeds. We look at your dog's current behaviour, your lifestyle, and what is actually causing the chaos. You leave with a clear training plan and an honest recommendation on the next step.
Best for: Owners who are unsure what they need, who have been burned by other trainers, or who want to understand the problem before committing to a full programme.
What it is not: It is not a free sales call. It is not a quick fix. It is a real session that delivers value whether you continue or not.
Outcome: Clarity on what is actually going wrong and a clear plan for what comes next.
Apply NowSix weeks · One-to-one · Your dog stays at home
A six-week one-to-one programme for owners of working breeds in family homes. We take your dog from chaotic and reactive to calm, off-lead reliable, and welcome anywhere you want to take them.
Best for: Owners of German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and similar breeds who want off-lead freedom, walks they actually enjoy, and a dog they can take anywhere.
What it is not: It is not a quick fix. It is not a board-and-train where the trainer does the work and hands the dog back. It is not suitable for protection training, sport work, or aggression cases that need veterinary behaviour referral.
Outcome: A calm, off-lead reliable dog in real-world environments. A dog you can take to the pub, the beach, the park, or a family barbecue without stress.
Apply NowThree sessions · Three to four weeks · One-to-one
Three one-to-one sessions over three to four weeks, focused on lead walking, calmness in the home, and basic reliability around distractions. This is a focused intervention, not the full transformation.
Best for: Owners who are not ready to commit to the full six weeks, who want to test the approach, or whose main issue is lead pulling and home calmness rather than full off-lead reliability.
What it is not: It is not the full off-lead Freedom & Reliability Program. It will not deliver a dog you can take anywhere. It builds a solid foundation and gives you a taste of what is possible.
Outcome: A calmer dog on lead and more control in the home. Most clients who do this continue into the full programme once they see the progress.
Apply NowNot sure which fits?
Apply NowTell me about your dog and what you want to change.
We check suitability and agree the right programme. If the Freedom & Reliability Program is not the right fit, I will tell you.
Practical coaching with you and your dog, so you know exactly how to handle situations after I leave.
You use the routines at home while I stay in touch to keep you on track.
The Freedom & Reliability Program is designed to give you a dog you can take places and a system you can rely on.
James was recommended to me and I’ve not been disappointed. We have been coming to James for 5 months now and have seen huge progress in Tully my Malinois pup.
James gives you the tools and training needed to gain a well balanced and well behaved dog.
I would have no hesitation in recommending James to anyone looking for a very knowledgeable trainer who is both caring and motivational.
I have been working with James for the last 5 months with my 14 month belgian malinois. He was recommended to me by a friend with the same breed. From day 1 I felt relaxed and James is very knowledgeable about this breed. He has been professional and helpful at all times. Both Zeus and I enjoy every aspect of the training which is always fun and informative. Would highly recommend for all your dog’s needs.
Built for owners of working breeds who want reliable recall, calmer outings and a dog they can include in everyday life.
We are selective about who we work with because we want to deliver real results. If this sounds like you, the next step is to apply.
Not sure whether it fits your dog?
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Training focuses on the skills your dog needs and the handling you’ll use afterwards.
All work is layered onto clear communication, including low-level e-collar conditioning where it supports reliability.
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I started with working sheepdogs, gained years of work experience under a military dog handler and worked in RSPCA rehabilitation. In 2020 I founded England's first PSA sport club. I have run a dog training business for eight years and worked with hundreds of working-breed owners across Wirral, Cheshire, Merseyside and Liverpool.
Athena, my German Shepherd puppy, has been coming to James from about 3 months old. He has helped us with any advice needed, anytime and is always friendly and encouraging - both to us humans and our dog friends. He has a wealth of experience from pets to working dogs. I highly recommend and have done so to many people when out and about. Thank you James and we look forward to continuing our journey with you!
So glad that James was recommended to me. My Dutch Herder loves training and the work we are given to do, and James gives me all the encouragement and guidance with my handling skills that I was needing.
I am based on the Wirral and work with owners across Wirral, Cheshire and Merseyside. I specialise in training working breeds, with private training and owner coaching.
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I want you to enjoy your working-breed dog and live a full, active life together.
If you attend every session, complete the daily homework and send your weekly check-in videos, and you do not see significant progress, I will refund your investment in full.
This only works if you show up and do the work. If you are ready for that, the next step is to apply.
Apply NowBefore you decide
Ask about anything that matters to your dog or household before choosing a programme.
A £99, 60–90-minute in-person assessment at your home or a suitable local location. We look at your dog’s behaviour and your lifestyle, identify the problem, and give you a written training roadmap and an honest recommendation. The £99 is credited toward the Freedom & Reliability Program if you enrol. It is a paid assessment, separate from the free suitability call.
A six-week one-to-one programme for owners of working breeds in family homes. It includes six 60-minute in-person sessions, one per week, daily WhatsApp support with video feedback, a weekly updated plan, e-collar conditioning and low-level remote communication, real-world exposure sessions and a transfer session at the end. Your dog stays at home.
Three 60-minute one-to-one sessions over three to four weeks, focused on one or two priorities such as lead walking, home calmness and basic reliability around distractions. You receive a personalised plan after each session and WhatsApp support for questions and short video feedback. It is not the full off-lead Freedom & Reliability Program.
The assessment is one in-person session with a written roadmap and next-step recommendation. For the Freedom & Reliability Program or Chaos to calm, attend your agreed sessions and practise your plan between them. The Freedom & Reliability Program includes daily WhatsApp support with video feedback; Chaos to calm includes WhatsApp support for questions and short video feedback.
We work towards dependable recall around real-world distraction. No universal off-lead result is promised. A lead or long line remains appropriate when needed for safety, access rules or the dog’s stage.
No. We check health, temperament, history and suitability before agreeing a programme. Severe human-directed aggression or a bite history may need a different structure. Severe fear, separation distress or health concerns may need veterinary support or referral.
The Freedom & Reliability Program includes e-collar conditioning and low-level remote communication training. We discuss suitability, clear communication and the handling involved before agreeing the programme. The assessment and Chaos to calm have the separate inclusions listed above.
I am based on the Wirral and work with owners across Wirral, Cheshire and Merseyside. All three services are in person and non-residential; your dog stays at home.
Fill out a short application. If it looks like a fit, I’ll send you a link to book a free 20-minute call.
Not ready to apply for training yet? Leave your name and email. I’ll send you our guide personally.
A suitability conversation
What happens on a typical walk? What have you tried, and what would you like to improve?
Fill out a short application. If it looks like a fit, I’ll send you a link to book a free 20-minute call.
Apply now!
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