A better behaved dog
or your money back!
Teach your dogs the life skills to enjoy stress free walks.
Give your dog the freedom to explore the world with you while staying calm, focused, and happy.
The Life Skills For Dogs online course teaches essential skills like reliable recall, loose lead walking, and staying calm in any environment.
Perfect for puppies, adolescents, rescues, and even reactive dogs, it helps reduce problem behaviours, build confidence, and make life with your dog easier.
By training in real-world situations, on walks, in parks, and busy environments, your dog learns to listen, follow, and stay engaged.
This course isn’t just obedience, it teaches life skills.
A well-trained dog can enjoy more off-lead time, more adventures, and a happier, calmer life with you.
And if your dog doesn’t improve, I’ll give you your money back, no questions asked.
Short-term effort brings a lifetime of benefits for both you and your dog.
Why Choose This Course?
Award Winning and Accredited
I’m an award winning, accredited trainer with years of experience helping dogs and their humans enjoy calmer, easier, and more enjoyable walks. You’re learning from someone who really does this every day.
Experience That Actually Counts
I’ve spent years teaching reliable recall in person, in classes, and out in real-world environments. I’ve worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, and personalities, so I know what genuinely works. Everything I teach here comes from real hands-on experience, not theory.
Well-Rounded Training Expertise
Even though scent sports and dog hobbies are what I’m best known for, general obedience, reactivity, and everyday behaviour challenges have been my bread and butter for years. I’ve worked with dogs of all types and personalities, and I know how to get results in real life.
My Guarantee
I’m confident in the methods I teach because it’s something I’ve worked on and perfected over the years. If you follow the course and don’t see an improvement in your walks, I’ll give you your money back. No hassle and no awkwardness. I want this to work for you.
Reviews
Lorinda ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My girlie Millie is a rescue dog — very strong, very lively, and goes from zero to DEFCON 1 in 0.1 seconds. She desperately wants to play with every dog she sees. I wanted training to help us be calmer, improve impulse control, arousal levels, loose lead walking, and most importantly, recall.
The training is very straightforward to follow and I can use parts of it on every walk. Our loose lead walking has improved massively with follow-feeding, changing direction, reward marking and knowing which strategies help us most. Recall has become a joy — now when off lead, she comes straight to me even if another dog approaches.
The reward marker “yes” works brilliantly for us. She looks at me instantly and knows good things follow.
I love how clearly everything is set out, and the videos help us see our progress. I genuinely never thought we’d get this far.
I thoroughly recommend this training — it’s effective, fun, and a brilliant bonding experience. Consistency + positive reward = success. We’ve loved every minute.
Denah Jones ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is a bit of a dog whisperer. My 6-year-old border collie loves all the activities we do — mantrailing, dummy retrieval, and most recently life skills. Neil tailors training to my dog’s specific needs and knows exactly what makes him tick.
He is patient, quick to spot what I’m doing incorrectly, and gives instant feedback. Loose lead walking is becoming a pleasure, recall is improving, and sit-stays are next on my list!
My dog is reactive towards other dogs, especially males. I was worried about group classes, but Neil made it a positive experience. Working alongside other dogs has increased his confidence hugely.
Neil is a fabulous trainer. Try anything on the Crafty Canine menu — you won't be disappointed.
Louise Hooton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’ve taken part in a variety of training — gundog, scentwork and mantrailing — all of which have been enjoyable. It’s great seeing my dog challenged and using his brain.
Neil tailors sessions to each dog and helps problem-solve when learning new skills.
Don’t hesitate to book — you won’t be disappointed!
Kate Starkie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoyed the tracking course from Crafty Canine. It’s broken down clearly to get the foundations right, with great explanations and helpful video footage.
It even shows when dogs make mistakes — which is incredibly useful for troubleshooting. The foundations also keep my young dog’s brain busy while she matures.
Highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to do tracking at home.
Cuthbert Jackson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve really enjoyed the tracking course. Neil explains things clearly and is always willing to help and support.
William Dunn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve attended two mantrailing sessions (so far!) and both have been fantastic! Neil is a great teacher and worked entirely at my dog’s pace, so he enjoyed every minute.
The difference in his trailing confidence after just one session was incredible. We can’t wait for more!
Shell Radcliffe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Iris and I are loving mantrailing with Neil. What a brilliant way to have fun with your dog. Iris is always shattered afterwards!
Highly recommend The Crafty Canine.
Holly Peel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is super knowledgeable and gives us fantastic insights into our mantrailing. He helps us build on our skills, and I’d definitely recommend trailing with him!
Paula Louise Armour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing. Can’t recommend Neil and Crafty Canine enough. He is excellent at reading dogs and supporting them through any difficulties.
It’s been brilliant learning to read my dog and work as a team.
Claire Dawson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is a great trainer — patient, calm and quick to understand how to get the best from both dog and owner.
We mantrail, do scentwork and have had 1-to-1 sessions. His adaptable approach is fantastic. His sessions fill up fast, and being able to choose individual dates works great for shift workers.
Andrea Little ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is amazing in all the sports he teaches — so knowledgeable, helpful and informative. I do mantrailing and absolutely love it. My two dogs love seeing Neil because they know they’re going to have fun.
Whatever training you choose with The Crafty Canine, you’ll have fun and learn loads from a fantastic, positive trainer. 100% recommend.
Amanda ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil took me and Gus, my Labrador, through our mantrailing introduction. We loved it so much we book as many sessions as possible each month!
He’s also helping train my 11-week-old Ridgeback — we’d be lost without him.
Clair Vaughan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We really enjoy mantrailing with Neil — he’s patient and has taught me so much.
Natalie Jones ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cannot recommend Neil enough!
I thought I’d made a mistake getting a puppy, but Neil’s advice and training made me a confident owner — it was me that needed training!
Simple advice, great results, and huge improvements at home. Thoroughly enjoyed the class.
Danielle Thomas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We joined puppy classes with a very nervous, timid dog and finished with a confident, attentive dog.
Neil always offered alternative ideas and was open to honest conversations about everything.
We can’t wait to start the Beginners Course!
— Danielle & Otis 🐾
Sarah Hughes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is fantastic — we saw results within days. Nala was too afraid to leave the house when we started. Now she loves her walks, is far more confident, and even attended group classes!
Jaq Maddocks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(No written comment, five-star rating)
Hannah Brockley Official ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can’t recommend The Crafty Canine enough. Neil is always on hand to help, even outside sessions. His advice has made a massive difference to Dexter’s behaviour. So grateful!
Tayla Clamp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is brilliant and super knowledgeable! We had a loose lead session and learned so much.
We’ve got plenty to practice, and Neil always checks in with more tips. Highly recommend 🐶
Sarah Law ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommended!
Nova was extremely reactive before Neil helped us. I thought she’d always be like that. Now she’s improving constantly.
He explained everything clearly and taught me how to support her. She can now enjoy life!
He also caught an amazing picture of her mid-zoomies 🤣💖
Hannah Penny Brockley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is wonderful! After only two sessions I'm seeing massive progress with my dog Dexter, who has reactivity and lead-etiquette issues.
I cannot recommend enough!
Andrea Evans ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil has been amazing — especially ensuring our training plan works with my disability.
My reactive dog has been closer to another dog than he has been in years, and he’s happier than ever. Neil uses positive methods and the progress is incredible.
Highly recommended for both disabled and non-disabled owners.
Neal Frost ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil has been a great help with Max — huge improvements in behaviour and always quick to respond between lessons.
Highly recommended.
Joanne Rich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We started mantrailing last spring and love it. Neil is patient, explains everything well and tailors his approach to each dog.
Highly recommended.
Anwen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(From the dog!)
I like mantrailing with Neil and finding yummy treats. I get very excited! My owner says Neil is very good.
Woof!!
Lorrain Wanless ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We do mantrailing with Neil. He’s so positive and the venues are lovely. Give it a try — you’ll be hooked.
Helen Roberts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Totally recommend Neil and his classes. Miri has developed beautifully from puppy to 17 months. Training has boosted her engagement and potential — exactly what I wanted.
The classes were fun, effective and full of like-minded people. A brilliant experience.
Laura Burton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a 1-to-1 and two group courses. My Labrador has made fantastic progress and is calmer every week.
Neil’s calm manner, great teaching style and plenty of tips make each lesson valuable.
Putting the work in really pays off.
Kelsey Jones ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Bosnian street dog Seren and I have been training with Neil for months. After trying many online courses, nothing worked until Neil.
Her loose lead walking, confidence and reaction to distractions have improved dramatically. Her arousal levels are lower and she’s far more engaged.
Neil reads dogs incredibly well and always keeps Seren safe and comfortable.
Highly recommended to anyone wanting real results.
Angela Wynn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thoroughly enjoyed both the Loose Lead and Recall workshops. Highly recommend.
Chelsea Bushby ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Only one session so far, but already seeing great results. Clear explanations and tips that make everything make sense. Excited for more!
Donna Wilson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Neil is absolutely fantastic. Jax is learning so quickly — I never thought I’d get him to sit, never mind listen!
Only two sessions in and the difference is amazing. We love the training.
Best Specialist Dog Trainer - 2025
