The Rural Dog Trainer

23/05/2026

Let’s be serious…. Ditch the labels, crawl out from under the rock and do what’s right for the dogs.

I’m so tired of these insane labels that people hide behind. Train the dog in front of you. The labels mean NOTHING!

The divisiveness spreads everywhere… race, religion, nationality, s*x and dog training ideology.

Here’s my take, if you’re helping dogs, if you’re not sitting dogs, if you care to make the world better for dogs AND the people who love them, it’s all good!

Who is brave enough to set aside the label and put the dogs first. I know some of you will …. But who?

23/05/2026

It is so vital to keep your dogs on leads around livestock! Keep wildlife, livestock and your dogs safe by being responsible. No matter how well you think your dog is trained it is absolutely under no circumstances worth the risk to let your dog off where they can get to livestock.

Something you may not know: A farmer is within their rights to shoot your dog if your dog is scaring, chasing or attacking their animals.

The injuries were so severe the lamb had to be destroyed

25/04/2026

Dreading walks because your dog reacts to everything? 💔

Constantly on edge, avoiding places, feeling judged… it’s exhausting.

These two troublemakers, Ginny & George, are just at the start of their journey to calmer, more stress-free walks — and this is what the beginning can look like.
I’m Phoebe — The Rural Dog Trainer. I offer 1:1 dog training in Settle and surrounding areas to help you feel more in control and support your dog in a way that actually works.

No judgement. Just real-life, step-by-step progress.

📍 Settle & surrounding areas
📩 Message me to get started

13/02/2026

Hi, I’m Phoebe – The Rural Dog Trainer 🐾

Are you losing your mind with your dog’s antics?

Do you feel like pulling your hair out?

I can help make all of this go away.

Living in the beautiful rural North Yorkshire with your dog should be a dream…

😮‍💨 Fed up with Jess dragging you from pillar to post?
😤 No matter how much you shout, “Jess! Get here!” across a field as she darts after another dog or a rabbit… she just won’t come back.

🫣 Tired of the daily embarrassment of Jess barking and lunging at every dog she spots?

All of this is turning everyday life into a real challenge.
You’re committed — but the frustration is real.
And it doesn’t have to stay this way.

I’m Phoebe, The Rural Dog Trainer, and for the past 15 years I’ve dedicated my life to gaining as much hands-on experience with dogs as possible — all with one clear goal in mind… to become an established, trusted dog trainer.

After leaving school, I went to college to study Animal Care, where my work placement was at a busy doggy day care. I also completed work experience at dog kennels and training classes, spent time dog walking professionally, and went on to work for one of the most successful dog training companies in the UK.
Every step of my journey has been about learning dogs — their behaviour, their needs and how to truly support owners in real-life situations.

Today, I work with dog owners across rural North Yorkshire and offer both ad-hoc training sessions for specific issues and structured 90-day training programmes for more in-depth, long-term results.
There is hope — and I’ll be right there to guide you every step of the way.

With my 90-day programme, you could enjoy a calm, well-behaved companion and the peaceful countryside life you deserve.

✨ Ready for change? Let’s get started

13/02/2026

✨ LIMITED TIME OFFER ✨

Get 10% OFF all One-to-One sessions and programmes booked and purchased before the end of February 2026!

Our 1-2-1 Services include:
Puppy Training 🐶
Reactivity Training 🐕
General Obedience 🦴

Start your journey to a calmer, happier dog today.
📲 Message me or call 07734072270 to book!

03/02/2026

Fearful behaviour in dogs is distressing to observe, but effective support should focus on building the dog’s confidence through calm, consistent guidance rather than reinforcing fear responses.

Dogs learn from the consequences of their behaviour. If a dog receives attention, reassurance, or physical comfort at the moment they are actively displaying fear (such as trembling, retreating, or trying to escape), this attention can unintentionally reinforce the fearful response.

A more effective approach is to calmly guide the dog through the situation and reinforce moments of relaxed or confident behaviour. For example, when a dog remains calm as a person approaches, or recovers quickly after a mild stressor, rewarding that behaviour with praise, gentle affection, or other positive reinforcement helps the dog learn that staying calm leads to positive outcomes.

Reassurance is still important, but timing is critical. Support and affection should be given when the dog is showing coping skills and emotional stability, rather than during the peak of the fear response.

24/01/2026

this has been rescheduled to do bad weather conditions super cold, wet and windy. This will now be held on the 8th of February same time and same place xx

13/01/2026

Absolutely stunning packed with character and dog friendly!

Perfect for a retreat with your pooch!

13/01/2026

Great question for all my followers and clients?

Why did you choose the dog breed that you now have?

Did you know I offer a service to help you find the perfect dog breed that will suit your lifestyle, because each individual dog breed isn't just about the looks and size.

One of the first questions I ask in a behavior consult is:

“Why did you choose the breed of dog you have?”

People are often surprised by that question.
They expect us to start with training issues, reactivity, barking, or leash walking.

But the answer to this one question tells me a lot about how hard life with this dog is going to feel.

When someone says something like:
“I am retired and enjoy relaxing at home so I picked a Pug to keep me company.”
or
“I love backpacking and got a Cattle Dog who would enjoy that with me.”

I know we’re starting from a solid place.

When the answer is more along the lines of:
“I wanted a big dog.”
“I wanted a non-shedding dog.”
“I wanted a merle dog/a bue-eyed dog/ the cute puppy I saw.”

I already know there’s going to be friction.

Because regardless of how much you like their looks ... the dog’s idea of a good life and the human’s idea of a good life probably don’t line up very well.

I cannot say this often enough:

‼️ Different dog breeds are not the same personality in different packaging. ‼️

They don’t just differ in size, coat, or color.
They vary WIDLY in how they experience the world, what they find rewarding, and what kind of life feels satisfying to them.

This is why I think the most important question is not:
“Do I want a big dog or a small dog?”
or
“Do I want shedding or non-shedding?”

It’s this:

“What PERSONALITY of dog do I actually want to live with?”

What kind of day feels good to you?
What level of activity fits your life?
What kind of temperament makes everyday routines more fun ... not impossibly hard?

If you’re someone who enjoys quiet days at home, a high-drive field line retriever is going to be extremely exhausting.

If you live in the middle of a big city, a dog who is highly sensitive to movement and noise will struggle.

If you live on acreage full of wildlife and no fence, a dog with strong prey drive will spend their life trying to chase things.

While I will help you as much as I can as a trainer, I CANNOT change who your dog is.
So choose wisely when you pick a breed.

You need to get a dog who wants similar things in life as you.
(Whether that is adventure, challenges, experiences ... or relaxation and socializing).

It's actually a lot like picking a partner as a human :D
The question shouldn't be:
"Do I like how this dog looks?"

Instead, always think:
"Is that the dog I want to live with?"

The answer to that will go a long way towards the two of you being happy together!

13/01/2026

The best part of this job is seeing the shift from where a dog starts to where they end up.

​If you’re stuck in a cycle of stress with your dog, you know how heavy it feels to be constantly on edge or frustrated. But the truth is, it doesn't have to stay that way. When you’re actually ready to put in the work and commit to the process, real change happens.

​I can guide you through the exact steps to get there, just like the progress you’re seeing with Glen and his owners here. If you want this kind of relief and success, let's get to work.

10% off until the end of February