Dog Training South West
Real-World Behaviour Modification & Obedience Training That Works
Take the Lead Training delivers specialist dog training across the South West. Headed by Jamie Penrith — a nationally recognised expert in predatory behaviour, recall work and off-lead control — we provide private, 1-to-1 training for dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. If you’re dealing with livestock chasing, persistent lead pulling, or unreliable recall, we offer straightforward, welfare-focused solutions that get results.
Behaviour Problems We Help Solve
We don’t use gimmicks or quick fixes — we work with you directly to resolve genuine behaviour problems using experience, clarity, and humane methods. Common issues we tackle in the South West include:
- Chasing sheep, deer, other livestock, or vehicles
- Unreliable or inconsistent recall
- Sheep worrying and livestock attacks
- Over-excitement and lapses in obedience
- Lead pulling and poor handler focus
- Ethical, professional e-collar use (where appropriate)
Livestock Worrying & Predatory Behaviour in the South West
The South West’s patchwork of moorland, farmland and coastal paths makes livestock encounters a real risk. Dogs that chase or injure sheep can cause serious welfare harm and face legal consequences. We specialise in interventions for dogs with strong prey drive or a history of livestock chasing, delivering targeted, practical plans to reduce risk and improve control.
Whether your dog has:
- Already pursued or harmed sheep or deer
- Become fixated on movement, scent, or wildlife
- Come from a rescue or working background
- Struggled to maintain focus off-lead in high-distraction areas
We help you create control and safety — not by suppressing drive, but by directing it with structure and clarity.
Recall Training & Off-Lead Control
Reliable recall depends on trust, clear communication, and staged proofing in the real world. If your dog bolts in open country, ignores you near distractions, or can’t safely be off-lead yet, our structured recall work is designed to change that quickly and sustainably.
We also provide professional, ethical e-collar conditioning where appropriate — a tool that, when used correctly, can restore safe freedom for dogs that would otherwise be restricted. All training is 1-to-1, with full coaching and support for you as the handler.
Why Work With Take the Lead Training in the South West?
- 25+ years of hands-on experience, including a decade as a police dog handler
- National specialist in predatory behaviour, off-lead control and e-collar training
- Based in Tavistock and providing services across the South West
- Ethical, proportionate and welfare-driven methods
- Trusted by legal, political and animal welfare organisations across the UK
- Practical, results-focused and efficient training
Book Your Dog Training in the South West
Whether you’re dealing with livestock chasing, obedience problems, or want to set your puppy up for success — we’re here to help. Choose training that produces lasting change and real freedom for your dog.
Local to the South West
We work right across the South West, including Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, Truro, Falmouth, Newquay, Barnstaple, Taunton, Tavistock and surrounding towns and rural areas. From moorland and farmland to coastal paths and busy parks, our training is tailored to the real-world challenges you face across the region.