Over 60 5-Star Reviews from Happy Dog Owners
Struggling with your dog right now?
Walks feel stressful.
Recall isn’t reliable.
Or things just aren’t how you hoped they’d be.
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Change Behaviour Kindly — And Strengthen Your Bond Along the Way
Reward-Based Training That Works in Real Life
Understand the Why Behind the Behaviour — Not Just the What
Experienced, Certified Trainer Committed to Ethical Practice
Kind Training. Clear Results. Support You Can Trust.
Best Rated Dog Trainer in South Somerset 2023 & 2024 & 2025
Accreditation
Somerset Dog Training that grows confidence at both ends of the lead
Discover our comprehensive range of tailored training solutions designed to unlock your dog's full potential and strengthen your bond
1:1 Dog Training and Behaviour
Personalised training sessions tailored to your dog's needs.
Online Courses / Membership
Access to online courses and resources for convenient learning
About Dog Training With Laura Mars
Award-Winning 1-to-1 Dog Trainer in South Petherton, Somerset
If your dog’s behaviour is leaving you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next — you’re in the right place.
Welcome to Dog Training with Laura Mars, offering friendly 1-to-1 dog and puppy training in South Petherton, South Somerset. I provide personalised sessions that help dogs and their people feel calmer, more confident and equipped with real-life skills that last beyond the lesson.
In 2025 I was recognised with the Best Ethical Dog Training & Mentorship Provider – South West England and the Client Service Excellence Award, reflecting my commitment to kind, reward-based training and tailored, individual support for every family I work with. Trusted by many local dog owners, you’re welcome to read their experiences and see the difference thoughtful, ethical training can make.
I particularly enjoy working 1-to-1 with adolescent dogs, supporting owners through the teenage phase when recall seems to vanish, lead pulling increases and focus can feel frustrating or even disheartening. Sessions are practical and enjoyable for both dog and human, helping you rebuild skills — and confidence — through games that work in everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for puppy training, support with recall or lead walking, or simply want to better understand your dog and strengthen your relationship, sessions are designed to replace confusion with clarity and help both of you feel calmer, more confident and able to thrive together.
Alongside modern, science-backed canine training, I draw on a background in human coaching and learning, designing bespoke plans that suit both your dog’s needs and your learning style. You won’t be handed a script or made to feel you’re getting it wrong — you’ll be supported step by step with clear guidance, achievable goals and space to ask questions.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: clear, kind training builds confident dogs and empowered owners. Training should feel supportive, not stressful — strengthening the bond between you and your dog while creating behaviour that holds up in real life, not just during sessions. Because lasting change isn’t about control — it’s about understanding, clarity and consistency.
Helping You and Your Dog Feel Calm, Confident and Connected
You're in the right place.
A calm, supportive space for both of you.
As a fully qualified, force-free dog trainer, I use ethical, evidence-based methods to help you create real, lasting change — without fear, force or frustration.
Support for both ends of the lead — so you feel confident too
With a background in both canine behaviour and human learning, sessions are tailored to you as well as your dog — replacing confusion with clarity so you feel confident, capable and supported every step of the way.
Trusted by dog owners across South Somerset
Consistently recognised as a top-rated dog trainer (2023, 2024 & 2025), with heartfelt reviews from families who now feel calmer, more confident and more connected with their dogs.
Award-winning, ethical practice
Recognised for excellence in reward-based training and outstanding client support, reflecting a commitment to doing things kindly and properly.
Experience beyond the session
As the founder of a national mentoring programme for dog trainers, I support professionals in developing ethical, thoughtful practice — bringing that same level of care and understanding into every client session.
Kind training that builds real-life skills
Training should feel supportive, not stressful. Sessions are practical, enjoyable and effective, helping you understand your dog and build skills that hold up in real life — not just during lessons.
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CALLING ALL PET PROFESSIONALS
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
What training methods do you use?
I use modern, science-based, reward-focused methods that are kind, ethical and effective. My approach is often described as force-free training — meaning I never use fear, pain or punishment.
Instead, I focus on setting dogs up for success, reinforcing the behaviours we want and helping them feel safe and confident as they learn.
This approach isn’t just about teaching skills. It’s about building understanding, reducing stress and strengthening the bond between you and your dog — so behaviour improves in real life, not just during training sessions.
We use modern, reward-based methods that set your dog up for success and protect your bond.
Can you help with recall struggles?
Absolutely! Recall is one of my favourite areas of training to work on. Many dogs find coming back when called tricky — especially with all the distractions of the outside world — but with the right approach, it can become reliable and fun.
I use positive, reward-based methods to build your dog’s motivation, confidence and focus, so that returning to you becomes the best choice they can make. Together, we’ll turn recall struggles into recall success, giving you peace of mind and your dog more freedom to enjoy the world safely.
Will you judge me if I’ve tried other methods?
Absolutely not. Many owners come to me feeling frustrated, confused or unsure, especially if they’ve tried advice that didn’t sit comfortably or didn’t work as hoped. You are not alone — and you won’t be judged here.
My role isn’t to criticise what’s come before. It’s to help you move forward with clear, kind guidance that feels aligned with your values and supportive of your dog’s wellbeing.
Dogs — and humans — learn through experience. If something hasn’t worked, that’s simply information. Together, we’ll focus on reducing stress, rebuilding understanding and creating a plan that feels both ethical and achievable.
Training should feel supportive, not shaming. My priority is to help you feel confident, capable and hopeful again — while strengthening the relationship with your dog.
Absolutely! We specialise in recall training to improve your dog's responsiveness.
Do you work with dogs who struggle around other dogs?
Yes. I offer 1:1 behaviour support for dogs who find interactions with other dogs difficult—whether that looks like barking, pulling, overexcitement, or worry when another dog is nearby. My approach is tailored, kind, and science-based, focusing on reducing stress, building confidence, and helping both you and your dog feel calmer and more in control on walks and in everyday life.
Do you offer online training support?
Yes — I offer online training sessions via Zoom, providing the same calm, supportive guidance you would receive in person.
Online sessions work particularly well for behaviour support, recall training, adolescent challenges and foundations, allowing us to look closely at what’s happening in your dog’s everyday environment. You’ll receive clear, step-by-step guidance, practical exercises and ongoing support to help you feel confident implementing the plan.
For many families, online training is a flexible, effective option that fits around busy schedules — while still delivering real-life results for both you and your dog.
Yes, we provide online courses and behaviour consultations for convenient training from anywhere.
How long will it take to see results?
Every dog — and every family — is different. Some changes can happen quite quickly once we introduce clear structure and consistent reinforcement, while other behaviours take more time, especially if they’ve been practised for a while.
My focus isn’t on quick fixes. It’s on creating steady, sustainable progress that holds up in real life. During our sessions, you’ll have a clear plan, achievable steps and ongoing guidance so you always know what to work on next.
Most importantly, you’ll start to feel more confident and more in control of the process, which often brings relief long before the behaviour is fully resolved.
What if there has been a relationship breakdown between my dog and me?
First of all, you’re not alone. Many loving owners reach a point where things feel tense, frustrating or disconnected — especially during challenging phases like adolescence or after repeated struggles with behaviour.
The good news is that relationships can be rebuilt. Through clear, kind training, thoughtful structure and positive experiences, we can restore trust, understanding and confidence on both sides of the lead.
My approach focuses on reducing stress, rebuilding communication and helping you both feel successful again. It’s not about blame — it’s about creating small, achievable wins that gradually bring back connection, calm and partnership.
With the right support, it’s absolutely possible to move from feeling stuck to feeling hopeful — and to enjoy your dog again.
We specialise in training solutions to rebuild the bond and strengthen the relationship.
Are you qualified and accredited?
Yes — I am qualified in Canine Behaviour and Training and accredited by respected professional organisations within the dog training industry, including:
Sarah Whitehead - Canine Behaviour and Training, Canine Principles, School of canine science
I am committed to ethical, force-free practice and ongoing professional development, ensuring my methods remain modern, evidence-based and effective.
Continuing education and reflective practice are an important part of my work, so you can feel confident you’re receiving informed, up-to-date support grounded in both science and compassion.
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