Designed. Structured. Deliberate. Engineered.
National specialists in canine behaviour, rehabilitation and advanced real-world training.
Who we are
At Canine UK, we recognise that behaviour doesn’t exist in isolation. Genetics, health, environment, experiences, learning and lifestyle all influence how a dog behaves.
We look beyond the behaviour itself to understand what contributes to it, why it continues and what needs to change.
Our approach combines behavioural assessment, practical training, rehabilitation and owner education, with strategies tailored to each dog and their circumstances.
We don’t just aim to change behaviour during training. We equip owners with the understanding and skills to maintain progress in everyday life.
Understand the behaviour. Address the causes. Build lasting change.
At Canine UK, we recognise that behaviour doesn’t exist in isolation. Every dog is influenced by a combination of genetics, health, environment, previous experiences, learning and the people they live with.
Understanding those influences is central to how we work.
We look beyond the behaviour being presented to establish what may be contributing to it, why it continues and what needs to change.
Our approach combines behavioural assessment, practical training, rehabilitation and owner education. We develop realistic strategies that consider both the dog and the circumstances in which they live.
Our objective isn’t simply to change behaviour during a training session. It’s to help owners develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to maintain progress in everyday life.
Understand the behaviour. Address the causes. Build lasting change.
Our approach
Our methodology is grounded in behavioural understanding, clear communication and practical application.
We use a balanced, individualised approach to training and rehabilitation, drawing on a range of methods and equipment appropriate to the dog, the circumstances and the objectives.
Reward, motivation, guidance and accountability all have a place in our work. Our priority is effective, sustainable progress that owners can confidently maintain in everyday life.
A behaviour is part of a bigger picture. We begin by understanding what is happening, what may be contributing and what is realistic for your household.
A Behavioural Audit is a standalone service, with no obligation to book further training. Puppies under six months and eligible dogs joining our Predation & Chase Rehabilitation programme can start directly.
Built for life beyond the session.
Rewarding useful behaviour, building engagement and strengthening the relationship between dog and owner.
Teaching practical skills and improving the timing, consistency and handling that help your dog understand.
Looking at everyday routines, rest, appropriate activity and the conditions that support learning.
Using suitable settings and controlled exposure while managing risk. We do not ask owners to provoke dangerous behaviour.
Working towards useful behaviour with the people, places and daily situations that matter to you.
Understand the purpose of the work, not just the name of a method.
Positive reinforcement, motivation and strong relationships are important parts of our work. We also use other methods and equipment where the individual dog or situation requires them.
You should understand the plan and learn how to carry the work into everyday life. Progress does not mean the work is complete. Some dogs need ongoing management, and calm neutrality can be a valid goal.
Welfare, practice and accountability guide how we assess, design and deliver training for every dog and owner.
Canine UK was built with an ambition that extends beyond the dogs and owners we work with directly.
We want to contribute to higher standards of canine welfare, professional practice and behavioural decision-making across the UK.
Our involvement extends into the wider canine community, including engagement with local authorities, rescue organisations and other professionals responsible for the welfare, management and future of dogs. We believe experienced behavioural professionals have an important role to play in these conversations.
Within our own organisation, that same responsibility is reflected in the standards we expect from every Canine UK professional. Continued education, mentorship, accountability and professional development are fundamental to how our national network grows.
But our measure of progress is bigger than the number of dogs we train.
01 Better-informed owners.
02 Better-equipped professionals.
03 Better behavioural decisions.
04 Stronger rescue and rehoming outcomes.
05 And, ultimately, higher standards of welfare for dogs.
That is the Canine UK Standard.
Our story
“The dog in front of you should determine the approach, not the label attached to the trainer.”
Canine UK began with two established dog trainers and a shared commitment to helping dogs and their owners.
Lisa Whitehouse had built North Yorkshire Dog Training using a balanced approach to training and behaviour. Positive reinforcement has always been a fundamental part of Lisa’s work, alongside the appropriate use of other training methods and equipment where the individual dog or situation requires it.
James Herrington established South Yorkshire Dog Training and originally worked within a positive-only training framework. A few years ago, James reached out to Lisa because he wanted to broaden his knowledge and understand more about the methodology she was using, particularly with dogs and behavioural problems that required a wider range of training options.
They quickly realised they worked extremely well together.
There was never a divide over the value of positive reinforcement. Both believed in rewarding dogs, building motivation and creating strong relationships between dogs and their owners. What changed was James’s exposure to a broader training framework and the understanding that effective training does not need to sit within one fixed ideology.
As they began working more closely together, sharing cases, knowledge and practical experience, North Yorkshire Dog Training and South Yorkshire Dog Training naturally became more connected.
From that partnership, Canine UK was created.
A major part of that vision is education. We want to help move the industry away from rigid camps, labels and method based thinking, and towards a more informed, evidence led and individual approach to training and behaviour.
That means encouraging professionals and owners to ask better questions, understand why methods work, recognise when different approaches may be appropriate, and judge training by welfare, clarity, suitability and outcome rather than by ideology alone.
At the heart of Canine UK is a simple principle: the dog in front of you should determine the approach, not the label attached to the trainer.
That is the culture we want to build within Canine UK, and the wider conversation we want to help change within the industry.
Our founders
“My approach is built on structure, clarity and accountability. I want owners to understand the dog in front of them, set realistic expectations and build behaviour that holds up in real life.”
Co-Founder & Canine Rehabilitation Consultant
James is Co-Founder of Canine UK and an experienced dog trainer with a particular interest in complex behavioural work, rehabilitation and aggression.
“Complex behaviour needs calm strategy, not guesswork. Every dog deserves an individual approach built around risk, welfare, clarity and long-term stability.”
Co-Founder & Canine Behaviour Consultant
Lisa is Co-Founder and Canine Behaviour Consultant at Canine UK, bringing more than 20 years of experience with dogs alongside an academic background in psychology and advanced study in canine behaviour.
Training and behaviour
Different backgrounds and practical experience come together in a shared commitment to the dog in front of us.
The team behind the team
Join Canine UK
We are building a carefully selected network of skilled canine trainers and behavioural professionals across the UK and beyond.