We use a holistic, balanced approach shaped by decades of learning from trainers across many disciplines.
Good training should make sense to both dog and human, so we don’t follow one rigid method or condemn another. Instead, we focus on the dog in front of us — assessing what it needs in that moment and adjusting the tools and techniques accordingly.
Our goal is always clear communication, fairness, and understanding. Because long-lasting results don’t come from force — they start with trust and clear communication. 

You’ll learn how to understand your dog — not just how to get obedience, but how to build cooperation, confidence, and emotional balance.
Our courses cover everything from the science of motivation and behaviour, to the practical skills of communication, engagement, and leadership.
Whether you’re training a family companion or a working stock dog, you’ll gain the tools to educate, not just train — and to bring out the best in your dog through clear, fair, and purposeful guidance.

Once you finish the existing material, you’ll have a strong foundation in canine behaviour, communication, and applied training principles that you can use for life — whether with your current dog or future ones.
I you stick around you will have the chance to keep learning with us through new modules, live Q&A sessions, and continued updates as our library grows.

The Stock Dog Education Course is designed specifically for handlers who have access to livestock and are working toward real work or competition goals with their dogs.
It dives deeply into instinct development, stock handling principles, and the communication needed between dog, handler, and livestock — all of which require hands-on application in a stock environment.

If your herding breed is primarily a companion dog and you don’t have access to stock, our Companion Dog Education Course will be a better fit. It draws on the same behavioural principles but focuses on channelling working drives and improving clarity, engagement, and cooperation in everyday life.

We use whatever helps the dog learn clearly and fairly. That might mean food, play, movement, pressure, or release — depending on what motivates the dog and what lesson we’re teaching.
We don’t rely on one method or label; instead, we focus on what brings out clarity, confidence, and understanding.
Every tool is used thoughtfully, never emotionally — always in a way that builds trust rather than fear.

Both courses are built on the same foundation of behavioural science, communication, and handler education — but they serve very different purposes.

• The Companion Dog Education Course is designed for pet and lifestyle dog owners who want to build calm, confident, and cooperative dogs at home or in public settings. It focuses on communication, engagement, manners, and emotional regulation — helping you create a balanced, happy companion.

• The Stock Dog Education Course is for handlers working with livestock or training toward real work or competition goals. It dives into instinct, stock sense, handler positioning, and the communication required between dog, handler, and stock in practical working situations.

In short:

Companion Dog Education teaches you how to build harmony at home.
Stock Dog Education teaches you how to build teamwork with your stock dog in the yard and paddock.

Like most things in life — you get out what you put in.
If you’re willing to practice regularly, keep an open mind, and give things a go, you’ll see results far faster than someone who signs up and stops after the second lesson.
The course contains everything you need to succeed; there’s no secret formula or magic dust hiding behind the curtain.
The real magic is you — your effort, your patience, and your consistency.

Absolutely. The Academy is designed to guide you step-by-step, starting with the fundamentals and building toward advanced application.
You don’t need prior experience — just an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Our lessons are structured to make complex concepts easy to understand, and you can choose to go as deep into the “why” as you like, or keep it simple and practical.

At this stage, the Academy is a self-paced learning platform, but we regularly offer opportunities for feedback and guidance through live Q&A sessions, our inbuilt communities, and one on one online coaching programs.
We encourage students to share their progress and questions in our communities — we love seeing how the lessons come to life in real dogs and real situations.
For one-on-one guidance, selected online coaching is available and in-person training with our Hooked on Hounds team is also an option when you’re ready to take the next step.