2026 Marks 15 Years of Heath’s Personal Dog Training
This year marks an important milestone for Heath’s Personal Dog Training. The business was established in 2011, and 2026 is our fifteenth year supporting dogs and the people who love them.
You might notice our 15-year logo appearing across the website and social channels from January. It’s something that will stay with us throughout the year as a quiet marker of how far things have come.
From One Nervous First Session
Back in 2011, I went to my very first client feeling nervous and second-guessing myself the whole way there.
That first session went really well. And I never looked back.
What began as home visits gradually grew into running classes across Essex. Over time, the work evolved, but the focus stayed the same: helping owners better understand their dogs and build calm, trusting relationships with them.
Sharing What I’ve Learned
One thing I’m especially proud of is the growing library of free training tips we’ve built up over the years. There are now over 200 free resources available, covering everything from toilet training and loose lead walking to jumping up and recall.
You can explore all of those here: Free Dog Training Tips.
I love the moments when an owner realises they don’t even need to use the word “no” to train their dog. That shift often leads to a deeper understanding of their dog, and a much better relationship as a result.
Community, Not Just Training
Over the years, I’ve also added other ways to support owners outside of formal training. This January marks our 75th Social Walk, another free service that has grown naturally over time.
The Social Walks bring together past and present clients, offering a relaxed environment for dogs to practise recall and loose lead walking in real-life settings, while also providing valuable socialisation opportunities. Just as importantly, they give owners a chance to connect, share experiences, and keep learning together.
Dogs, Owners, and Relationships
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve met some truly wonderful dogs, and just as importantly, some caring, committed owners.
A lot of my role isn’t actually dog training. It’s coaching people. Supporting them, building confidence, and helping things click. Watching owners enjoy better relationships with their dogs is still the most rewarding part of the job.
Looking Ahead
As we move through our fifteenth year, the focus remains on continuing to support dogs and their owners with kindness, clarity, and practical, real-world guidance.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far.