South West Dog Skills Reviews 

Have had a really positive experience with South West Dog Skills. I Have a very big 40kg sensitive dog. They helped with understanding his needs, behaviour and taught me the skills to support him. We still practice what we learnt. It has made me a better owner and was definately money well spent.

Wanted to ask Matt some advice so booked a 30 min zoom call & had to pay the £55 upfront. The call was scheduled a few weeks later. Totally admit I forgot until a few hours after our scheduled call. I emailed straight away however was pretty shocked that I couldn't reschedule - but would have to book & pay for another call. There were there no reminders, and he didn't call or text me at the time of our meeting even though we had previously messaged via whatsapp. If you book with SW Dog Skills, just make sure you set your own reminder as its their policy NOT to - I QUOTE 'send reminders or follow up on missed sessions.' I asked why as it seems such poor customer service but he didn't reply. I also asked if we could just have a 5 min chat instead but he didn't reply to that either.

I spoke to my vet about this, they did warn that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer..All i'd say is do your research and understand a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer are two very different levels of skill. Next time I'll be more discerning. I am writing this review as would hate for someone else to waste their money.

I would highly recommend Matt at South West Dog Skills. He has helped me immeasurably with my border terrier who had become really cautious. He took a holistic approach to her wellbeing and taught me so much about my approach. He was incredibly positive and encouraging and as a result it has made a massive difference across the board. I have come away with a greater understanding of her behaviour and reassured that I'm doing the right things. Thank you so much!

I’m so glad we found Matt and Tam at SWDS, their relaxed and supportive approach has helped reshape the relationship with our best friend, taught us a new approach to supporting our dog and given up us lots of fun in agility. The centre is well designed and well managed, the range of activities is good and the online courses are easy to access with good follow up support. The dogs are at the heart of everything they do and their dedication to supporting sensitive dogs to cope with the world around them is amazing.

South West Dog Skills helped me train my puppy virtually during lockdown, has provided courses that help me understand what her behaviour is communicating and make me a better owner. We enjoy our agility sessions very much! Training with kindness and understanding has given me a well-adjusted and happy little dog.

Experienced, supportive, non judgemental trainers to support you and your dog and help develop that beautiful connection between you. The lay out and set up of the venue has been very carefully considered to support the training of sensitive dogs. They get to know your dog as an individual so the group lesson is still adjusted to your dog. I feel super calm when I arrive with my dog and therefore, so is he!

On line and face to face course materials are fantastic; shop with natural chews, treats and excellent equipment and enrichment tools.

Really enjoyed the online presentation, Fantastic information presented in an easy to understand format, so I could use what I'd learnt straight away with my dog.