Our Training Philosophy

At Hartmoor, we believe that trust is the foundation of all training. Without it, guidance becomes management, and compliance replaces understanding. Every dog is an individual, every handler has unique goals, and our work adapts to both — never forcing either into a generic system.

We prioritise relationship before performance, and confidence before pressure. Training is always thoughtful, deliberate, and structured around the dog’s physical, mental, and emotional development. Rushing or taking shortcuts risks long-term damage, and we refuse to put dogs in situations they are not ready for.

Our approach is grounded in understanding the canine mind and how humans can communicate effectively. We use positive, reward-based methods designed to set dogs up for success. Every session is bespoke, progressive, and adaptable — whether your goal is a well-mannered companion, a working gundog, or competing in tests or trials.

We start with foundations training, giving dogs and handlers the clarity, skills, and confidence they need. From there, plans are tailored to individual goals, whether breed-specific enrichment, steady work in the field, or advanced competition.

Every element of our training respects the dog’s welfare as the highest priority. Sessions are designed for age and development, with appropriate duration, intensity, and breaks. Where necessary, we offer in-home training to cover life skills, steadiness, and practical handling.



Labels and trends come and go, but at Hartmoor, we keep it simple: you’re either a good trainer or you’re not. Our style could be described as positive but not permissive — guided by trust, integrity, and results that last.