About Us

About Us

At Canine Connections, we are passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds through training, exercise, and fun activities. We specialise in a wide range of dog training programs, catering to all types of dogs but with an emphasis on high-drive working dogs. Our mission is to bring out the best in your dog, ensuring they reach their fullest potential while having a blast along the way.

Our Training Programs

Puppy Training: The foundation for a well-behaved dog starts early. Our puppy training classes are designed to give your little one the right start in life. We'll teach them basic obedience, socialisation, and good manners, setting the stage for a well-adjusted, confident and well-behaved adult dog.

Life Skills: Our life skills training program is perfect for dogs of all ages. Whether you're looking to address behaviour issues, improve obedience, or simply enhance your dog's manners, we've got you covered. Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to transform your dog into a well-mannered companion.

Agility: For the active and agile dogs, our agility training classes are a perfect fit. Agility not only provides great physical exercise but also stimulates your dog mentally. It's a fantastic way to channel their energy into a fun and challenging activity while enhancing their coordination and responsiveness.
Scent Work: Nose work and scent training can be incredibly rewarding for dogs with high drive and natural hunting instincts. We'll tap into your dog's keen sense of smell and turn it into a thrilling game. Scent work can be a great outlet for their energy and a fun way to bond with your dog.

High Drive Working Dogs: Our trainers are experts in working with high-drive working dogs. We understand that these dogs have unique needs, and we tailor our training to harness their energy, intelligence, and drive for a purpose. Whether your dog is a working breed or just has a high level of enthusiasm, we can help you manage and enhance their skills.

Why Choose Canine Connections?
  • Experienced Trainers: Our team of certified trainers is passionate about dogs and dedicated to helping them reach their potential. We stay up-to-date on the latest training techniques to provide the best support for you and your dog.
  • Positive Reinforcement: We believe in training through positive reinforcement, building trust, and a strong bond with your dog. Our methods are effective and reward-based, ensuring your dog enjoys the learning process.
  • Tailored Training: We understand that every dog is unique. Our training programs are customized to suit your dog's personality, needs, and goals.
  • Fun and Enriching Activities: We believe that training should be fun for both you and your dog. Our classes include a variety of engaging activities to keep your dog's tail wagging!
  • Proven Results: With a track record of successful outcomes, we are proud to have helped numerous dogs and their owners become happier, more confident, and well-trained teams.

 

 

Lisa Slater, APDT, IMDT (Head Trainer)


Lisa has been passionate about animals all her life. Growing up in Cyprus there were plenty of stray animals that needed help, from cats and dogs to chickens, rabbits and donkeys. Think the Durrells and that was pretty much Lisa's early experience with animals.

Lisa has owned and trained dogs for many years and strongly believes in ethical, reward based training. She has experience re-homing and rehabilitating dogs with severe behaviour problems such as separation anxiety, people aggression and resource guarding. 

Lisa has been studying canine behaviour and training for many years but really became interested in working as a dog trainer when encountering problems with her own dog who developed reactivity issues at a young age. Lisa feels she has learnt more from working with her own dogs than any book or course could have taught her.

With a passion for agility training and dog sports in general, Lisa has trained her dogs to a high level in both aglity and gundog work.

Lisa has also volunteered at local dog shelters to gain further experience handling different breeds and temperaments. 

In addition to training dogs, Lisa has also clicker trained a Welsh Highland Pony, called Stinky, to do tricks and appeared on ITV’s 'Teach My Pet To Do That' in September 2017.

Since tragically losing her young Working Cocker Spaniel, Gimli, in August 2022, Lisa dedicates a lot of her time supporting people with spaniels and also volunteers and fosters for Spaniel Aid UK.

She now shares her home with a Ruby Rue, Chocolate Labrador and Henry, Working Cocker Spaniel. Both dogs were rehomed due to behavioural issues. 

Lisa's accreditations include:

  • Member of the Assocation of Pet Dog Trainers
  • Full Member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
  • Registered Instructor with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council
  • Member of the UK Behaviour & Training Charter
  • Agility 1st Accredited Instructor
  • Force Free Trick Trainer
  • Happy Puppy Instructor
  • Gundog Training Academy Handler










Gemma Gardner, IMDT (Puppy Instructor)