Dog training in Sunderland. Master the basics, unleash the success. From wriggly puppies to grown-ups who need a fresh start.
Classes, 1:1s & recall with Gil, Nicky & Sarah.



Just brought a puppy home, or untangling years of habits? There’s a class, or a quiet 1:1, with your dog’s name on it.
Start them off right with socialisation, bite inhibition, early recall and the good manners that make life so much easier.
Our weekly club. Train alongside other dogs in a calm, friendly hall, puppy through to advanced adult, with real graduations to work towards.
Just you, your dog and a trainer. Tailored sessions for reactivity, recall, lead pulling and whatever matters most to you.
The off-lead freedom every owner wants. Reliable recall and loose-lead walking, built up step by step.
Nervous, reactive or fearful? Patient, kind support to help your dog feel safe and settle in.
Thousands of Sunderland owners have trained with us, and they stick around. Club walks, fun days, graduations and a group chat that genuinely cheers your dog on. Your dog gets trained; you get a whole new circle of dog people.
We’re a well-established Sunderland team who genuinely love this. Thousands of local owners trust us with their puppies, their rescues and their “I’ve-tried-everything” dogs, and they keep coming back as part of the family.
We train the owners as much as the dogs, building trust between you and your dog.
A calm hall, real attention, and a community that roots for your dog.
A clear path of classes and graduations to work towards.
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A few of the Back To Basics family, at class, in the field, at the seaside, and everywhere in between.














Here’s what a few of our dog training family have to say.
EXCELLENT Based on 37 reviews Posted on Google julie ordTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been going to back to basics dog training for two years and I can honestly say that the training , knowledge, help, and confidence that myself and my dog have from attending there sessions is amazing All I can say is a very big thank you to you all and as we still do attend classes hope to keep on learn more ways to help me and my dog THANK YOU 🐕👏👏👏👏Posted on Google josh youngTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic training from a family ran business. My dog has improved massively since attendingPosted on Google Claire JordanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Back to Basics has been a game-changer. Our boisterous, excitable doodle has transformed into a calm, sociable, well behaved dog and, as an owner, I have learned so much, thanks to the training, patience and advice of Gil, Nicky and Sarah. Back to Basics is not just about training the dog, it equips the humans with the knowledge and practise they need to be responsible dog owners. It is also a social event for the dogs and the owners and is always fun and rewarding.Posted on Google Rob IrvingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A fantastic training service with approachable trainers who want nothing but the best for you and your dog. Gill, Nicky and Sarah are so passionate about what they do and make their classes fun and engaging. The training makes sense they really do give you so much time and attention. My dog and I attended for over a year worked our way up to the advanced certificate, thanks to their training we enjoy our time together out of the house so much more than we would have without all the skills we picked up. Around 7 months ago we stepped away due to my work commitments and after leaving they’re still on the other side of the phone to provide support with a couple of issues we’ve had in that time. We miss our Tuesday nights! Couldn’t recommend these guys enough.Posted on Google Janice BertramTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend back to basics training school enough. Gil, Nicky and Sarah are amazing trainers. They make the classes enjoyable, they are patient, kind and understanding, getting the best results from both the handlers and dogs. If your wanting the best results for training your dog this training school to enrol with.Posted on Google Emma SwansburyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been attending Back to Basics weekly training sessions since Albert was 12 weeks old. He is now 8, nearly nine years old and still absolutely love coming. Yes, the classes teach owners about obedience, heel work, dog etiquette and lots of other essential skills, the sessions are also fun and engaging for both dogs and owners. The dog club is ran by a team of genuinely friendly, knowledgeable and experienced people who truly care about both the dogs and their owners. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the sessions to anyone looking to build their dog handling skills.Posted on Google Zak JohnsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been taking my puppy here for a few months now and honestly could not recommend the classes enough. We look forward to it every week they are brilliant :)Posted on Google Caitlin BryceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic dog club ran by professionals. So grateful for all I have been able to learn and achieve with my dog. We started classes when he was just 18 weeks, almost four years have passed and we still love attending both agility and training!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Drop us a message or give us a call, we’ll help you pick the right class or session and get you booked in.
Our weekly group classes run at Fulwell Methodist Church in Seaburn, right on the Sunderland coast, an easy drive from Roker, Fulwell, Whitburn and Cleadon. For one-to-one training we come to you, covering Sunderland, Whitburn, South Shields and the wider North East coast.
Not sure if you’re in our area? Give us a call on 07494 457540, we’re always happy to help.