From just £109 for 4 weeks

Award Winning Dog Training

at our
Bristol-based
locations
5.0 stars based on 65+
reviews
Innovative, positive, real-life, results-driven training that has transformed the lives of thousands of dogs and owners.
Watch our video
An Overview

Our Training

In Person Classes

Hands-on training sessions designed to give you and your dog the best building blocks.
4 classes £109.99 | 8 classes £169.99

Small Class Sizes

Palatable class sizes means you get plenty of 1-2-1 for you and your dog.

Achievements

One step at a time, your dog collects achievement awards.

Weekly Availability

With classes running every week simply join when convenient.

One-to-one Available

Don't fancy classes? Use our contact form and we can arrange 1-2-1 instead.
Watch our video
Weekly Classes
Start straight away - With classes running every week simply join when convenient.
Achievements
One step at a time, your dog collects achievement awards to mark their progress.
Small Class Sizes
Palatable class sizes means you get plenty of 1-2-1 for you and your dog.
About Us
About Us
Houndplus
Expert Trainers
HoundPlus provides expert dog training and behavioural support, specializing in complex issues like aggression toward people or other dogs. Founded by Nick Benger and Livy, with trainers Rachel and Maarja, our team combines extensive knowledge and proven methods. Honored as the Best Dog Training Firm in Bristol by SME News and named Dog Training Service of the Year by South West England Prestige Awards, we’re committed to professional, effective results.
Dog Behaviourist
Nick Benger is a recognised expert in dog training and behaviour, featured on Amazon Prime’s The Pack and host of the “Dog Talk with Nick Benger” podcast. He’s been highlighted by The Guardian, American Kennel Club, Daily Express, and Variety, and is a regular guest on BBC Radio Bristol. Nick’s depth of expertise guides HoundPlus, ensuring that every client receives the highest standard of care.
Classes
Good Dog Classes
Group dog training
Results Driven
  • Tailored approaches for each dog
  • Experienced, award winning trainers
  • Supportive learning environments
  • Positive, science-based techniques
  • Guidance that goes beyond class sessions
Older than 6 months (puppy classes available)
  • General obedience and improvement
  • Newly adopted Puppies
  • Puppy behaviour
  • Specific puppy challenges
  • Much needed socialisation
What you learn

Loose Lead Walking

Walking on a loose lead is a fundamental skill that makes daily walks more enjoyable and less stressful. Our dog training classes teach your dog to walk calmly without pulling, you’ll be able to enjoy peaceful walks and maintain better control in public spaces.

Master calm, controlled walks with ease.
Enjoy walks without constant pulling or distractions.
What you learn

Effective recall

A reliable recall is one of the most important commands for your dog’s safety, ensuring they return to you immediately, even in distracting or potentially dangerous situations. Through consistent training, your dog will learn to respond promptly and enthusiastically.

Gain reliable recall, no matter the distraction.
Build trust as your dog comes back when called, every time.
What you learn

Staying on command

Teaching your dog to stay on command is essential for their safety and obedience. With consistent training, your dog will learn to stay in place, even in distracting situations, giving you more control and helping them remain calm and focused when it matters most.

Master the ability to stay put in any situation with ease.
Ensure your dog's safety and calmness with reliable obedience.
What you learn

Item Dropping

Learn how to train your dog to safely and reliably drop items on command. This skill is crucial for preventing destructive chewing, accidental swallowing of dangerous objects, and ensuring your dog releases items quickly when needed.

Teach your dog to drop objects safely.
Keep play fun and safe with quick and easy item release.
What you learn

Food Manners

Proper food manners are essential for a well-behaved dog, reducing the risk of food aggression and begging. Training your dog to wait for permission before eating fosters patience and creates a more controlled, peaceful mealtime environment.

Say goodbye to food aggression with polite behaviour.
Create calm meal times, with no more begging or stealing.
What you learn

And more

At HoundPlus, our dog training classes are designed to cater to your needs. If there's something specific you want to learn, simply let our instructors know. We're here to ensure that both you and your dog get the most out of every session.

Specific issues always welcomed
Happy to accomodate for your dogs needs
What you learn

Lead Walking

What you learn

Recall

What you learn

New Environments

What you learn

Item Dropping

What you learn

Food Manners

What you learn

And more

Who are our dog training classes for?

Any dog over 6 months old by the class start date
If your dog is younger than 6 months - get in touch with us about our puppy training options.

How our group dog training classes work

Intensive Course
Achieve reliable off-lead recall, no matter your dog's challenges.
£297
Billed Once
Book Intensive Course
3x 2 Hour Group Sessions every other week (starting on your selected start date)
Follow-Up 30-Minute One to One Session in a park to ensure you're able to transition your skills to the real world.
Phone Support at Any Time during the course. Dog trainer on speed-dial.
Private WhatsApp Group for Attendees to ask questions & get rapid support
BONUS Video Tutorials will be sent to you to supplement the in-person training so you never forget what to do.
Looking for something intensive?

60-Day Off-Lead Fast Track

"I am fully committed to transforming your dog's off-lead behavior in just 60 days—but success depends on your consistency. This program requires a daily commitment of 10–15 minutes to practice the exercises I provide" ~ Nick

Imagine the freedom of your dog running off-lead, burning off energy, and making life so much easier. But every training video tells you something different, and residential training is expensive with no guarantees. Maybe you don’t have access to secure fields, or your dog is too distracted to be trusted. Perhaps their breed isn’t known for recall, or they’re just not food-motivated.Whatever the challenge, you're not alone. Let's make off-lead freedom possible—without the frustration.

You will be held accountable and pushed to stay on track, but ultimately, your effort determines the results. Only enroll if you're ready to commit and take action.

More than a club

Be part of a community

HoundPlus goes beyond traditional dog training classes. We know that dealing with dog behavioural challenges can feel overwhelming, especially for new owners. Our group sessions bring together like-minded individuals to share experiences and tackle challenges together.
State of The Art Training
Bristol Based

Looking for one-to-one instead ?

If our dog training classes or locations don't quite meet your needs, we also offer personalised one-on-one sessions at a location of your choice, tailored to fit both your schedule and specific training goals. If this sounds more your speed, fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you ASAP.
Trusted by over 1,000 owners since 2021
5.0
65+ ratings
100+
Dog breeds

What our customers say

We're rated 5.0 stars on Google by 60+ reviewers

Laura. S
4 months ago
We know Livvy and Nick for about 5-6 years now and they helped every step of the way from puppy classes to dealing with a 55kg male adolescent, to working through reactivity ... They truly are the best. Especially dealing with a lazy and very anxious human (me) that over-reacts a lot more than the dog.There are no words that can express how thankful I am and how much I recommend them and their team.
Ryan Hicks
4 months ago
We know Livvy and Nick for about 5-6 years now and they helped every step of the way from puppy classes to dealing with a 55kg male adolescent, to working through reactivity ... They truly are the best. Especially dealing with a lazy and very anxious human (me) that over-reacts a lot more than the dog.There are no words that can express how thankful I am and how much I recommend them and their team.

I'm an owner of a dog who was, I REPEAT, was reactive until he attended "Reactivity Resolved" with Nick Benger of hound +. Here, in a group session Scamp and I had the fortunate experience in a safe setting to be around other dogs and learn how to NOT be reactive. So much confidence has been unleashed in me I can now take him to places I would once have avoided in the knowledge that my young boy will look to me despite what other dogs are doing, he's the calmest, happiest boy I have ever seen. I can even take him to "good dog training" where he learns all he needs to walk without any frustration or angst with both Livvy and Nick. With confidence comes the ability to attend yet more classes such as trick training with Rachel helping me to form a bond that I would never have thought possible.

Marcia Tidbury
4 months ago

We first encountered HoundPlus just after we adopted our very cute but very naughty rescue pup and were clueless about what to do – and terrified we were just going to make him worse. We signed up to obedience classes and Nick, Livvy and the rest of the team were so supportive and knowledgeable –  I slept well for the first time in weeks. The other lovely thing about it is the HoundPlus community, who make you realise you're not the only one wondering what the hell you were thinking bringing this feral creature into your lives. Mingus is now on his way to being a level 2 Bristol Good Dog. And the man-trailing, hoopers and scentwork sessions are brilliant too.

Louise Banbury
4 months ago

I've worked with Nick and Livvy for a number of years with my reactive Spanish rescue, they are fabulous in every way, not just for the dog but a huge support for the owner as the caregivers burden can become detrimental to your own wellbeing some days. I cannot rate them highly enough for the level of support they have provided us and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any dog owner.

Rebecca Roberts
4 months ago

I've really enjoyed working with Nick and the team. I wanted to build confidence in my 1 year old sprocker who's very shy in new situations. The scentwork course has been the best thing for her! She's learnt a great new skill and has come on leaps and bounds in her confidence. She's gone from cowering behind me to interacting with all the other dogs and humans. Nick, Rachel and Livvy are really encouraging and knowledgable and I've really enjoyed the bonding experience with my dog.I've already booked on to our next course! Would recommend to any dog owner!

Kelly O'Connor
3 years ago

I have a dog who looks like an angel but isn't. Nick and his staff have been great. The ethos is to use kindness with the dog and there is no making the owner feel bad either. Some of my dog's behaviour is due to my reaction to her bad behaviour and they are happy to train me too.

Sue Ashman
2 years ago

We approached Nick after adopting our rescue dog, Diggle.  We didn't know much about his background, but we believe he had been used for Badger baiting in his previous life, and has the scars and missing teeth to back this theory up. Within a few weeks of him coming to us his issues started to surface.  He was extremely anxious, which presented as aggression, and we had several  fairly serious incidents with other dogs, and an occasion where he was triggered by my dad approaching him, which unfortunately resulted in my dad being bitten.We contacted Nick who came and visited us in our home, and my parent's home to assess Diggle.  He gave us insight into what Diggle's triggers were, and advice and guidance on how to deal with it.  The change in in our little dog is amazing, we can now have enjoyable, relaxed walks with him.  He is still cautious of other dogs, but with Nick's guidance we have taught him that dogs = treats, so he now looks at us for a dog treat when another dog approaches, instead of going into meltdown - he even has several doggy pals that he walks with on a regular basis.  He is so much more relaxed with people now, he is on excellent terms with my Dad, and instead of growling at visitors to the house, he is excited to see them and wants cuddles.  I honestly can't thank Nick enough, he has changed our lives and given Diggle a quality of life that we don't think he has ever had before.  Would highly, highly, recommend him. Thank you so much Nick!

Laura Jackson
2 years ago

We had a lovely experience with our whippet puppy and HoundPlus. Friendly, approachable, relaxed and non-judgemental! We had a really great time and was a fab way to social our pup. Only wish we could have done more than 4 weeks of classes! Would love a follow up course if there are plans to do them in the future. High recommend HoundPlus!

Abi Canterbury
2 years ago

Hound plus has been great since we started puppy training class. The training we received was excellent, they not only helped with our puppy but trained us too! We have now singed up for hoopers and trick classes and like the puppy training they are really fun and informative! Hound plus have such a wide range of knowledge and they are always happy to answer questions on their app. There is always plenty to do from training classes to a free pack walk on Sundays. I would highly recommend Houndplus to all that ask for the best dog trainers who know exactly what they are doing and have a passion for what they do. Everyone is super friendly and approachable, just a super lovely group of people!

Camille Mitchell
2 years ago

How we compare

Traditional dog training
Award Winning

Our award-winning approach guarantees top-tier dog training, recognised for excellence in the industry.

Dog Behaviourists

Our certified dog behaviourists specialises in understanding and addressing complex behavioural issues, ensuring your dog’s well-being and harmony in your life.

Positive Reinforcement

We focus on positive reinforcement techniques that build trust and strengthen the bond with your dog.

Customised Programs

Each dog is unique, so we offer tailored training programs to meet their specific needs and goals.

Proven Results

Our training methods are proven to deliver lasting results, with countless success stories from happy clients.

Hound +

Meet the team

Our team of skilled dog trainers brings extensive experience and knowledge, all in one place. We’re here to provide expert guidance, helping you train and develop your dog to its full potential, ensuring a strong, positive relationship with your pet for years to come.

What you learn

Recall

A reliable recall is one of the most important commands for your dog’s safety, ensuring they return to you immediately, even in distracting or potentially dangerous situations. Through consistent training, your dog will learn to respond promptly and enthusiastically.

What you learn

New Environments

Introducing your dog to new environments can often be stressful for both the dog and the owner. With proper training, your dog will learn to handle new places with confidence and calmness, reducing anxiety and making outings more enjoyable.

What you learn

Item Dropping

Learn how to train your dog to safely and reliably drop items on command. This skill is crucial for preventing destructive chewing, accidental swallowing of dangerous objects, and ensuring your dog releases items quickly when needed.

Nick Benger
Managing Partner & Dog Behaviourist
Livvy Brewer
Managing Partner & Dog Trainer
Rachel Sheppard
Dog Trainer
Maarja Heinsoo
Dog Trainer
Have an enquiry?
Contact us
Have a question about our classes or want to talk about one-to-one training ? Fill out the contact form below and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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P‍uppy Classes
Trick Classes
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