GOOD BOY ACADEMY

Surrey · Fear-Free Certified

Every dog. Every breed. Every stage.

Professional dog training that works with your dog's nature, not against it. From boisterous puppies to dogs with complex behaviour challenges — we meet them where they are.

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COAPE CertifiedFear Free12+ Years ExperienceFully Insured
Professional dog trainer with golden retriever in Surrey

What We Offer

Programs designed for where you are.

Whether you have a brand-new puppy or a dog with a complex history, there's a programme built around your dog's actual situation.

Puppy foundation training at Good Boy Academy
£45/session

Puppy Foundation

For puppies 8 weeks – 6 months. We start from scratch: socialisation, bite inhibition, sit, stay, come, lead walking, and house manners. Sessions are fun, reward-based, and structured so your puppy actually enjoys learning. This is the most important investment you can make in your dog's future.

What's included

  • 6-week course (12 sessions)
  • Puppy workbook to track progress
  • WhatsApp support between sessions
  • Certificate of completion
  • Discount on follow-up Adult programme
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Adult dog obedience training in woodland park
£55/session

Adult Obedience

For dogs 6 months+. Whether your dog ignores recall, pulls on lead, barks at other dogs, or just needs a brush-up on the basics, we'll build reliable, real-world obedience through positive reinforcement — not correction. Training that works both inside the home and out on busy streets.

What's included

  • Tailored 8-session programme
  • Written progress report
  • Training guide PDF (yours to keep)
  • 1 complimentary follow-up session
  • Lifetime email support after graduation
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Dog behaviour rehabilitation session in open field
£75/session

Behaviour & Rehabilitation

For dogs with anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or complex behaviour challenges. These bespoke programmes are designed after a thorough initial assessment — because every difficult behaviour has a root cause we need to understand before we can help. No shortcuts, no punishment, no timeline pressure.

What's included

  • 2-hour initial assessment (included)
  • Fully bespoke written training plan
  • Video progress review sessions
  • Direct trainer contact between sessions
  • No fixed session limit — we work until it works
  • Vet liaison where appropriate
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How We Work

We train with dogs, not against them.

Good Boy Academy is built on one principle: dogs learn best when they want to learn. That means we never use punishment, correction collars, choke chains, or anything that creates fear or pain. Every technique we use is rooted in modern behavioural science and positive reinforcement — the same methods used by the world's leading animal behaviourists.

We take time to understand your dog as an individual — their history, their triggers, their temperament, and their needs. Only then do we design a training path that's realistic for your life and genuinely effective for your dog. Some dogs respond in three sessions. Some take twelve. We adjust as we go.

Our approach is certified by COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) and aligned with Fear Free principles. We work in partnership with local vets and animal behaviourists when complex needs arise. If we can't help, we'll tell you — and we'll refer you to someone who can.

COAPE CertifiedFear Free PractitionerAPDT MemberFully Insured
Reward-based dog training — trainer offering treat

Science-Based

Every technique is rooted in modern behavioural science and evidence-based practice.

Reward-Focused

Positive reinforcement only. No punishment, no fear, no pain — ever.

Individually Tailored

Every plan is designed for your specific dog, life, and goals — never generic.

Sarah Mitchell, Founder of Good Boy Academy

Sarah Mitchell

Founder & Lead Trainer · COAPE Certified · 12 Years Experience

I started Good Boy Academy after years of watching brilliant dogs written off as "bad" — when really, they were just misunderstood. Every dog I've worked with has taught me something. A nervous rescue collie showed me patience I didn't know I had. A destructive adolescent Labrador reminded me that boredom is a behaviour problem, not a character flaw.

I started this work because I believe that the bond between a dog and their owner is one of life's genuine joys — and I want to help every family I work with feel that. Not just a dog that sits on command, but a dog you understand and who understands you.

"Training is the most loving thing you can do for your dog."

Your journey with us.

Step 01

Free Assessment

A 30-minute call to understand your dog, your goals, and which programme is right for you. No obligation, no pressure.

Step 02

Training Plan

We design a personalised training programme built around your specific dog — not a cookie-cutter approach.

Step 03

Training Sessions

Regular sessions with Sarah, homework exercises, and WhatsApp support between every visit.

Step 04

Graduate

Your dog completes the programme. You receive a certificate — and the skills to keep it going for life.

Real Results

Real dogs. Real results.

Archie
Archie was reactive to other dogs — barking, lunging, the full works. We'd tried other training approaches with no luck. After 8 sessions with Sarah, we can walk past other dogs on the pavement without a single reaction. The change in him — and honestly, in us — has been incredible.

Emma B.

Archie · Cocker Spaniel

Biscuit
We got Biscuit as a puppy during lockdown and had absolutely no idea what we were doing. Sarah structured everything perfectly from week one. We went from genuine chaos — chewing, jumping, no recall — to having a dog we're actually proud to show off. The puppy programme was worth every penny.

Tom & Sophie R.

Biscuit · Labrador

Maya
Maya has separation anxiety and we'd tried two other trainers before Sarah with no real success. Sarah took the time to understand Maya's specific triggers and designed a very specific, gradual programme. Within 12 weeks, Maya can be left alone for three hours without distress. I genuinely didn't think that was possible.

Rachel H.

Maya · Border Collie Mix

Rated 5 stars across 80+ reviews

Transparent Pricing

Straightforward pricing.

No hidden fees. No pressure to book a block. Pay per session or save with a package — the choice is yours.

Puppy Foundation

£45

per session

Block of 12 — £490 (save £50)

6-week structured programme for puppies 8 weeks–6 months. Includes workbook and ongoing WhatsApp support throughout the course.

Book a Session →

Adult Obedience

£55

per session

8-session package — £399 (save £41)

Personalised 8-session programme for dogs 6 months+. Includes written progress report and 1 complimentary follow-up session at 8 weeks post-programme.

Book a Session →

Behaviour & Rehab

£75

per session

2-hour assessment — £150 (credited to programme)

Fully bespoke programme for complex behaviour challenges including reactivity, anxiety, and aggression. No session cap — we work until the outcome is achieved.

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All sessions held at your home or a local outdoor environment relevant to your dog's training needs. Travel within 25 miles of Guildford included. Further travel available at £0.45/mile.

Got Questions?

Common questions.

Still have questions? Just reach out. hello@goodboyacademy.co.uk