
Work With
Nathan Leighton
Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
Nathan is the senior behaviourist and founder of The Dog Trainers. For the last 10 years, he has helped 3000+ dogs to be calmer and more confident in the human world. He is highly accredited, if not the most accredited trainer in the UK. His main goal is to strengthen the dog-human relationship, using force free, ethical methods, and help dogs and humans coexist.
Accreditations and Certifications
Packages and Pricing
The next available date that a new client can book after for this trainer is:
8 January 2024
Once you have booked your package, you will see the trainers calendar and be able to select a date. Please make sure this is a date after the above date.
6 Key Facts About the Trainer
You can also scroll further down the page for full information and the trainers professional development history
Nathan has a level 5 qualification in Analysis and Application of Canine Behaviour Modification
Nathan works with Northumbria Police and Fire Services to help them maintain the welfare standards for their dogs.
Nathan is 1 of 5 senior instructors for Dog Training College in the world, 1 of 2 L&D Ambassadors of Pet Professional Network
Nathan is an accredited behaviourist of the prestigious IMDT - an 12 month intensive accreditation process
Nathan has 5 dogs of his own, 2x German Shepherd x Collies, a Rottweiler x Staffy, a mixed Patterdale Terrier and a Jack Russell.
His 1:1 working hours are:
Monday 1 - 5
Wednesday 9 - 5:30
Thursday 12 - 5:30
Friday 12 - 4
Monthly options are available here
Single Session
£140
For basic training problems
✅ A 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 1 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ A well-trained dog.
Bronze Program
£245
For basic training problems and added support
✅ 3x 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 3 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 3 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
Silver Program
£450
For more complex training problems or those that want more support
✅ 6x 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 6 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 6 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
Gold Program
£695
For maximum support with your training
✅ 12x 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 12 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 12 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
Monthly options are available here
Monthly options are available here
Single Session
£140
/ 1 month
For basic training problems
✅ A 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 1 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ A well-trained dog.
Bronze Program
£89 pm
/ 3 month
For basic training problems and added support
✅ 3x 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 3 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 3 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
Silver Program
£99 pm
/ 5 month
For more complex training problems or those that want more support
✅ 6x 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 6 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 6 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
Gold Program
£95 pm
/ 8 month
For maximum support with your training
✅ 12x 1:1 Session with our trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos
✅ 12 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 12 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
Monthly options are available here
Monthly options are available here
Single Session
£220
For basic training or behaviour problems
✅ A 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 1 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Bronze Program
£295
For basic training or behaviour problems and added support
✅ 3x 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 3 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 3 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Silver Program
£495
For more complex training or behaviour problems or those that want more support
✅ 6x 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 6 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 6 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Gold Program
£895
For maximum support with your training or behaviour modification program
✅ 12x 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 12 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 12 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Monthly options are available here
Monthly options are available here
Single Session
£220
/ 1 month
For basic training problems
✅ A 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 1 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Bronze Program
£110 pm
/ 3 month
For basic training problems and added support
✅ 3x 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 3 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 3 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Silver Program
£110 pm
/ 5 month
For more complex training problems or those that want more support
✅ 6x 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 6 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 6 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Gold Program
£125 pm
/ 8 month
For maximum support with your training
✅ 12x 1:1 Session with our behaviourist and trainer at your home (or other agreed location)
✅ Access to training videos and a plan of action
✅ Vet report
✅ 12 Month email / WhatsApp support
✅ 12 Months to use your sessions
✅ A well-trained dog.
✅ Some pet insurance companies will cover the cost of this program
Monthly options are available here
More About The Trainer
Nathan is a qualified, level 5 canine behaviourist with a natural ability to communicate with dogs. Nathan takes on and successfully rehabilitates the most difficult of dogs using kind methods that can be enjoyed by both the dogs in training and their guardians.
Recently, his company has been awarded with UK Dog Trainer of the Year 2020/2021 from the DogFriendly Magazine which has also lead to various features in local news papers and included in blogs around the world.
During his time training dogs, Nathan has spoke in worldwide online seminars with hundreds in attendance, travelled the UK delivering in person seminars, worked with clients worldwide via Zoom and successfully trained and helped other dog trainers.
Nathan has a fantastic reputation in the local community and gets recommendations from clients and former clients alike, local vets, other trainers and behaviourists and pet professionals, he also boasts over 200 positive reviews.
Nathan has amassed an impressive list of accreditations, certifications and completed CPD courses, including:
Accreditation with the Institute of Modern Dog Training and Behaviour (IMDTB)
Senior Instructor and Approved Dog Trainer with Dog Training College
Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
Animal Training Instructor with Animal Training and Behaviour Council (ABTC)
Learning and Development Ambassador for the Pet Professional Network
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Canine Welfare Visitor.
Each year, Nathan continues his professional development working towards his Clinical Behaviour title, undergoing further courses, webinars, seminars and training events with some of the top trainers in the world.
For his own dogs, Nathan regularly attends training classes, has 3 sessions a week with Craig Ogilvie Dog Training, undergoes specific practical online training regularly all to develop his own dogs, his relationship with them and his handling and play skills.

Ongoing Continuous Professional Development
Title | Tutor / Teacher | Course Provider | Course Logo |
|---|---|---|---|
Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life | Professor Peggy Mason | The University of Chicago | |
INTRODUCTION TO TALKING DOGS RALLY | Cris Brown | Ruff Diamond Dog Training | |
Canine Behaviour Expert - Level 6 Diploma - OFQUAL Qualification | Various | The DoGenius | |
Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour | Various | British College of Canine Studies | |
Diploma in Canine Law | Various | British College of Canine Studies | |
Diploma in Competitive Obedience | Various | British College of Canine Studies | |
NeuroPsychology | Various | Centre of Excellence | |
Scent for Six | Nando Brown, Jo-Rosie Haffenden, Dean Nicholas | The School of Canine Science | |
SA Pro Trainer | Julie Nairsmith | Subthreshold Training | |
Behaviour Bible - Chapter 1 | Nando Brown, Jo-Rosie Haffenden, Dean Nicholas | The School of Canine Science |
Completed Continuous Professional Development
Title | Tutor / Teacher | Course Provider | CPD Hours | Date Completed | Course Logo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level 5 Analysis and Application of Canine Behaviour | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 448 | 30/09/2020 | |
Dog Aggression for Professionals | Dr Amber Batson MRCVS | Nosey Barker | 39 | 07/02/2021 | |
Advanced Dog Aggression for Professionals | Dr Amber Batson MRCVS | Nosey Barker | 39 | 24/07/2021 | |
Aggression in Dogs | Michael Shikashio | Aggression in Dogs | 36 | 05/07/2022 | |
Aggression in Dogs Conference | Various | Aggression in Dogs | 36 | 03/10/2020 | |
Aggression in Dogs Conference | Various | Aggression in Dogs | 36 | 21/10/2021 | |
Puppy Power | Dr Amber Batson | Nosey Barker | 36 | 23/01/2022 | |
The Puppy Lab | Nando Brown, Jo-Rosie Haffenden, Dean Nicholas | The School of Canine Science | 30.5 | 12/06/2019 | |
6 Day Advanced Training and Behaviour | Various | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers | 30 | 25/05/2019 | |
Relabelling Reactivity | Kamal Fernandez | Kamal Fernandez Online Dog Training | 30 | 18/04/2022 | |
2020 Unleashed Conference | Various | Dog Training College | 18 | 16/11/2020 | |
30 Days of Canine Science | Nando Brown, Jo-Rosie Haffenden, Dean Nicholas | The School of Canine Science | 17.5 | 08/12/2019 | |
Inspiring Resilience in Fearful and Reactive Dogs | Sally Gutteride | Canine Principles | 15 | 29/03/2020 | |
Online Behaviour week | Chirag Patel | Domesticated Manners | 14 | 24/04/2021 | |
Pro Days | Tom Mitchell and Lauren Langman | AbsoluteDOGS | 12 | 27/11/2018 | |
Pet Psychology Diploma | Daniel Morgan | New Skills Academy | 12 | 29/11/2018 | |
Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program | Dr Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT | SeparationAnxietyDog.com | 12 | ||
The Consultation and Follow-Up Report | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 12 | 11/07/2020 | |
Train the Trainer Days | Tom Mitchell and Lauren Langman | AbsoluteDOGS | 12 | 28/06/2018 | |
Dog To Human Aggression | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 12 | 20/07/2019 | |
Abnormal Repetitive Behaviour in Dogs | Dr Amber Batson MRCVS | Animal Magic | 12 | 10/07/2021 | |
Trauma Conference | Various | Control the Meercat | 12 | 31/07/2021 | |
Career as a Dog Trainer | Mustafa Ozmus | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers | 12 | 06/01/2019 | |
Pro Dog Trainer | Tom Mitchell and Lauren Langman | AbsoluteDOGS | 10 | 16/03/2018 | |
Pro Dog Trainer Geek | Tom Mitchell and Lauren Langman | AbsoluteDOGS | 10 | 26/02/2020 | |
Animal Behaviour and Welfare | The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies | University of Edinburgh | 9 | 30/07/2021 | |
Canine Sex, Hormones and Neutering | Sarah Whitehead | ThinkDog! | 7 | 01/02/2021 | |
Anticipatory Behavioural Skills | Kay Attwood | Dog Training College | 7 | 07/03/2020 | |
Food For Thought | Dr Nick Thompson, Dr Conor Brady, Dr Brendan Clarke | Dog Training College | 7 | 25/02/2023 | |
Resource Guarding | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 6 | 08/06/2019 | |
Behaviourism 101 | Dean Nicholas | The School of Canine Science | 6 | 25/10/2019 | |
Working with Noise Sensitivity and Phobias | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 6 | 12/06/2019 | |
Communicating, Arousal and Problematic Behaviours | Craig Ogilvie | Ogilvie Dogs | 6 | 24/06/2022 | |
Abnormal Repetitive Behaviour in Dogs | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 6 | 13/06/2019 | |
Reactive Rascals Instructors Course | Leanne McWade | Dog Training College | 6 | 21/08/2019 | |
The Art of Consultation | Jo-Rose Haffenden | The School of Canine Science | 6 | 25/10/2019 | |
Canine Body Language Instructors Course | Leanne McWade | Dog Training College | 6 | 14/06/2019 | |
Impulse Control | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 6 | 11/06/2019 | |
Helping Dogs In Difficulties | Dr Clive Wynne | Dog Training College | 6 | 22/05/2023 | |
Separation Anxiety | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 6 | 20/01/2019 | |
Fear Free Dog Training & Behaviour in the Veterinary Clinic | Laura Ryder | Institute of Modern Dog Trainers | 6 | 11/10/2019 | |
Interactive Play Instructors Course | Craig Ogilvie | Craig Ogilvie Dog Training | 6 | 29/06/2019 | |
The Science of Scent | Nando Brown | The School of Canine Science | 6 | 26/10/2019 | |
Case Studies | Dave Brice IMDT | The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist | 6 | 16/07/2021 | |
Deep Dive - Sensory Intergration - Remy's Story | Kathy Murphy, Lauren Novack, Bobbie Bhambree | BehaviorVets | 5 | 25/06/2021 | |
Constructional Aggression Treatment | Kellie Snider and Lauren Novack | BehaviorVets | 4.5 | 20/08/2021 | |
Applied Behaviour Analysis | Lauren Novack | BehaviorVets | 4.5 | 20/03/2021 | |
Canine Body Language | Leanne Milburn-Turner | Dog Training College | 4 | 03/03/2020 | |
Deep Dive - Sensory Intergration | Kathy Murphy, Lauren Novack, Bobbie Bhambree | BehaviorVets | 4 | 21/11/2020 | |
Recall for Professionals | Kay Attwood | Kay9 | 4 | 25/05/2021 | |
The Truth About Extinction: What every trainer needs to know | Emma-Jane Lee | The DoGenius | 3 | 09/11/2021 | |
Dog Law | Trevor Cooper | DogLaw Ltd | 3 | 25/04/2020 | |
Stranger Danger: Management and Modification Strategies for Dogs Who Are Anxious Around People | Nicole Larocco-Skeehan, CPDT-KA | Tawzer Dog | 3 | 19/08/2021 | |
Loose Leash Walking for Canine Professionals | Kay Attwood | Kay9 | 3 | 13/06/2021 | |
The Fallout Of Punishment & Negative Reinforcement | Emma-Jane Lee | The DoGenius | 3 | 12/10/2021 | |
What a vet and behaviourist would like you to know about neutering | Amber Batson | International Canine Behaviourists (ICB) | 2.5 | 19/06/2021 | |
Overarousal Workshop | Kamal Fernandez | Durham Dogs | 2 | 14/11/2021 | |
Shaping | Kamal Fernandez | Durham Dogs | 2 | 14/11/2021 | |
But my dog isnt food motivated | Kathy Sdao | International Canine Behaviourists (ICB) | 2 | 30/04/2020 | |
Puppies Workshop | Kamal Fernandez | Durham Dogs | 2 | 14/11/2021 | |
The Biology of Socialization | Dr Jessica Hekman | International Canine Behaviourists (ICB) | 1.5 | 20/06/2020 | |
Breeds | Jonathan Clark | Dog Training College | 1.5 | 31/03/2022 | |
Oh For Quadrants Sake | Jon Davidson | Dog Training College | 1.5 | 12/04/2021 | |
Children & Dogs Crash Course | Leanne McWade | Dog Training College | 1.5 | 24/02/2022 | |
Snappy to Happy - Working with the Aggressive Dog | Danielle Beck | Dog Training College | 1.5 | 29/07/2020 | |
Understanding Puppy Socialisation | Dog Training College | 1 | 22/03/2019 | ||
Working with Aggression in Multi-Dog Households - Webinar | Emma-Jane Lee | The DoGenius | 1 | 17/08/2021 | |
Physiology of Rewards | Dr Amber Batson MCVRS | Dog Training College | 1 | 01/12/2022 | |
Predation Substitution Training | Simone Mueller | Canine Principles | 1 | 29/05/2021 | |
Recall Masters | Kay Attwood | Dog Training College | 1 | 15/03/2021 | |
Oops I bought littermates | Emma Phillips | Dog Training College | 1 | 02/08/2021 | |
Puppy Health and Wellness | Dog Training College | 1 | 25/03/2019 | ||
HELP! My Dog’s Scared of Fireworks | Dog Training College | 1 | 17/03/2019 | ||
Getting to grips with Toilet Training Puppies | Dog Training College | 1 | 31/03/2019 | ||
Understanding Puppy Biting and Chewing | Dog Training College | 1 | 17/03/2019 | ||
Wolf Awareness | Simone Mueller | Canine Principles | 1 | 29/05/2021 | |
Understanding Puppy Development | Dog Training College | 1 | 26/03/2019 | ||
Stop Dogs Pulling - The Tellington TTouch Way | Dog Training College | 1 | 17/03/2019 | ||
Building Your Dogs Confidence | Dr Janet Finlay | Dog Training College | 1 | 14/05/2019 | |
Canine Compulsive Disorders | Dog Training College | 1 | 31/03/2019 | ||
Puppy Relationship Building | Dog Training College | 1 | 23/03/2019 | ||
Behavioural Insight - Herding Breeds | Unknown | IMDT | 0.5 | 22/04/2020 | |
Canine Emotion | Leanne McWade | Dog Training College | 0 | 12/08/2019 | |
Intro to Canine Body Langauge | Leanne McWade | Dog Training College | 0 | 12/08/2019 | |
Working through reactivity using TTouch | Dog Training College | 0 | 02/06/2019 |
















