About Me/Reviews
Chris Tooze
Northampton Based
IMDT Qualified Dog Trainer
I’ve always had dogs… Around the beginning of 2009 I realised my passion for training and coaching was far more than a passing interest. I’d had childhood pets when I was a kid, and as soon as I could I got my dog, Maisy the Border collie cross. I found it incredibly fufilling to train with her, understand her and have her as part of my life.
After getting Maisy, I spent a lot of time travelling around many training classes trying to understand training and dogs. I got to see many trainers, how they taught and what worked. It wasn’t until later in life that I saw WHY some things worked, and why that wasnt necessarily the best way to train. The first classes were very much about the ‘Alpha’ dog, and I didn’t know any better. But at least I got to see that type of training first hand.
Our second dog, Rocky, a GSD x came with his own challenges. This time around we used a specialist protection dog trainer in Wales that focused on something called ‘balanced’ training, where I trained him to platinum level... This was especially hard, as Rocky was a rescue and had some behavioural issues around other dogs that we needed to work on, but slowly we managed to get him better, though the balanced training did more harm than good for his mental health. In later life, I’d steer away from that training methodology too and work on more science based training.
From there we moved to Northampton where I tried even more trainers before focusing on a force free, positive trainer that started to explain a little more. I didn’t know it yet, but he taught science, rather than folklore! Mainly I just found an affinity with that training style as it seemed a bit kinder and forgiving, though still didnt quite work for me. Here I began learning about dog psychology, associations, and the connections I was making with my dogs. I started to look at the science. It’s something I had been doing a long time ago, but I couldn’t join the dots properly or even know what sources to trust. From here I started to create my own principles, theories and proceedures and started to impliment them on just about every dog I could find. Still using the science based training but taking away anything that seemed clunky or unneccisary from a science point of view.
During Covid, I got made redundant (twice!) and thought that while I love training dogs, and had been helping countless friends’ dogs over the years, I wanted to not only focus on it more, but become accredited. This is where it all started, really. I’ve found the science fascinating and used that to slowly build on my own techniques and exercises to deliver an easy to learn version of some very complex ideas. It’s not magic, or super specialist knowledge… Just science, boiled down to bitesize chunks involving dog treats and commands.
So that’s me!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY SERVICES BY CLICKING THE LINKS BELOW
Qualifications, courses and professional development
- IMDT Certified at Distinction Level
- K9 First Aid
- Course, 2 day career as a Trainer
- Course, 4 day practical instructor for classes
- Course, Perfect Puppy
- Course, Loose lead theory
- Course, Recall theory
- IMDT (Behavioural) – Consultation and Follow up
- IMDT (Behavioural) – Seperation anxiety
- IMDT (Behavioural) – Breed and Preditory Motor Patterns
- IMDT (Behavioural) – Canine Adolescence
- IMDT (Behavioural) – Resource Guarding
- Level 3 canine learning theory
- Exercise, foundation to advanced
My Reviews and why their so important.
I pride myself on only using honest, hard earnt reviews. I find the best way to keep myself current is to constantly take feedback from clients, professionals and research. If you ever have any training with me, I’d love to hear back from, to see what you liked, what you didnt and anything else. Im here to provide a service for you, and I want to do the best I can. Their also the only way you know who I am and what you get out of training. So please feel free to have a look around and see what others think to me, my training and its usefulness! And I guess the most important thing, its effectiveness.
FACEBOOK REVIEWS
Laura Dolphin
2022-09-16T15:30:30+0000
Really sympathetic to my situation, we had a really positive experience training with Chris.Our dog gets... nervous/reacts when meeting others. He really helped us and went above and beyond at a time of need 🙂read more
Jack Hunter
2022-09-04T20:53:44+0000
We’ve only had our first session with Chris, but it’s safe to say we’re in good hands. Great explanations, clear... instructions, and handy demonstrations. He showed us how to train our dog with positivity and patience. We’ve had other trainers and it’s safe to say Chris is already our favourite. 100% would recommend.read more
Davne Berthold
2022-09-02T20:33:17+0000
Had my first 121 with Chris and could not be more happy! Our initial objective was to get to know one another and... figure out the best way to help my 7month old pup. He was very considerate and clear in how he described different approaches and provides tips on how to improve. We then tried a few exercises together which were really fun and worked really well! I‘ve really found a lot of Joy using these training techniques and feel comfortable knowing i‘m on the right path now.Thank you sooo much for the eye opening session and all of your support!I can highly recommend a 121!read more
Jade Soares De Sousa
2022-08-28T11:38:01+0000
We attended our first pack walk today and we loved it. Chris was lovely and took the time to throughout to speak to... everyone.The smaller sized group meant it wasnt overwhelming for Preston who can be reactive to other dogs. I think he even made some mates ❤ Thoroughly enjoyed it and cant wait for the next one.read more
Lucy Routledge
2022-08-01T16:33:56+0000
Really enjoyed our training session with Chris. He was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of very helpful advice and... suggestions for our rescue dog Nellie. He was very friendly, approachable and had a lovely manner with her. It was clear that she loved the session too! 😊read more
Anne-Marie Greensmith
2022-07-31T10:32:15+0000
Fantastic pack walk and Chris is so friendly and knowledgeable. Looking forward to the next one with Nova.
Hannah Macintyre
2022-07-25T20:54:44+0000
We met Chris for the first time last weekend with a wide range of issues we really wanted some help with - I had spoken... to Chris on the phone to give him an idea and he came very prepared and ready for the challenge. We really enjoyed the session and felt very at ease and could tell Chris knew his stuff. Since the session we have reached out to Chris for assistance on a few matters and he has been really enthusiastic and happy to help. He has a real desire to help dog owners. looking forward to booking another session once we have done some practicing and hopefully moved forward with our puppy 🐶 Thanks Chris 😀read more
Hilary Beckett
2022-07-01T12:31:46+0000
Chris's calm and positive training methods really helped relax me as well as the dog.With Chris's training support my... own knowledge and confidence with training my dog has come on leaps and bounds. They say it's the owner not the dog that needs help think it was in my case, but now I have a happy contented household me and the dog.I would not hesitate to recommend Chris to anyone wishing to train their dog and of course themselves.read more
Kristina DG
2022-06-05T18:18:48+0000
It amazes me how someone could know so much about dogs. I have had/fostered dogs for the past 15 years and after... meeting Chris I have still managed to learn something new.Chris's professionalism and knowledge has definitely made me think that everything is achievable.Chris is definitely the right person to get in touch with.read more
Kelly Brown
2022-04-03T21:52:19+0000
Had a 121 session yesterday with Chris. He was very friendly, informative and helpful with our dog. Our dogs completely... fearful of other dogs due to a few going for him last year. Gave me some great tips which we’ve put into practise to help our little boy. Can’t recommend him enough, he was great! Even when it was hailing, snowing and raining 🤣🤣👌🏻read more
Helen West
2022-04-03T11:43:47+0000
We attended one of Chris’ free pack walks today I would highly recommend them. A great way to walk as a group and... socialise your dog with everyone respecting each other’s space. Everyone was super friendly and Chris took time to walk and chat with each of us individually. My dog thoroughly enjoyed it as did we! Will be booking to attend another one. 😊read more
Katie Goodwin
2022-03-06T13:50:35+0000
Really can’t thank Chris at Chasing Pawfection enough. Really practical advice that is making a real difference with... our puppy who was pushing all our buttons and boundaries. Would highly recommend his services, you’ll wish you’d found him sooner!read more
Heather O'Brien
2022-02-26T20:19:12+0000
We had a 121 session with Chris today with our 12 week old puppy! I was keen to ensure that we are bringing our puppy... up the best way possible and to help with minimising mouthing. A 1 hour session has made a world of difference to our puppy and my confidence on what to do, expect and how to best train. He was so brilliant, personable and everything he said made total sense! Thank you.read more
Jessica Ribbans
2022-02-15T18:39:13+0000
Chris is exceptional. He is the most calming, knowledgable and natural dog trainer. We have a very stubborn 1.5 year... old rescue, who was never walked or socialised before us, so needs some help with engagement and manners when out on a walk. Within minutes, Chris showed us some simple techniques to capture our pup’s attention and allow him to make ‘good’ decisions on his own. We have a long road ahead of us especially with other dogs, but we can’t get over the change already and taking away tools and techniques to do some homework is really helping us learn and giving our pup the best opportunities to develop. We are very thankful and couldn’t recommend enough! Thank you so much Chris!read more
Tracey Knott
2022-02-13T12:25:59+0000
Just want to say thank you to Chris this morning for his pack walk. Wet and windy morning but Chris was so informative.... Hoping to do some training classes with my enthusiastic 2 year old parsons Jack Russell.read more
Claire Walton Aatqb
2022-01-10T20:04:29+0000
Met with Chris this weekend, with my autistic teen and nervy but clever pup that we rehomed who struggles to allow me... to pop to the loo without screaming the house down! The aim being working on separation and to calm a dog that just couldn’t switch off and settle!Chris was amazing at asking Ayden’s learning style, and working with what Ayden brought to the table with patience, and allowing Ayden to listen and absorb the information Chris was giving us while modelling showing what to do, so that I could help Ayden work with Dobby at home.After an hour’s session Dobby slept in the car on the way home, absolutely unheard of! Not only that, with modifying some already learned commands, and some strategies around separation we are already seeing changes for the better! Not only that but Ayden is as excited to work with Dobby, as Dobby is to figure out what he has to do to get the ham! He’s much more settled and relaxed and has even had a few day time naps.I would absolutely recommend Chris to everyone, he works with what you’ve got, and what YOUR priorities are, with positive and relaxed methods that everyone can use, and that really do work! No expensive tools, or ‘must have’ equipment, and no hard sells for more sessions!I am fully confident that, after a few more sessions with Chris and a lot more work at home, we’ll reach our long term goals with Dobby and Ayden together. Watch this space!read more
Fiona Frost
2021-12-24T12:26:21+0000
I contacted Chris about our re-homed, nervous lurcher. He had started lunging and barking at any dog he saw and was... becoming quite difficult to walk. Had a call with Chris first and then met him in the park.He explained he’s not aggressive but nervous. We did an hours training which was all positive and calm. It seemed to work brilliantly on the day as we had a different dog, he was more confident and happy. We can now read his body language and understand him more. Chris said he has given us the tools to work with so we went away and carried on with the training. I can honestly say that he very rarely reacts to another dog now in fact I can’t remember the last time he reacted, he is now a happier more confident dog.I can’t thank Chris enough and have recommended him to friends with different problems and he’s come up with positive ways to train which WORK!read more
Katie Louise Parker
2021-11-26T09:17:18+0000
Over the past few months our Puppy had shown some odd behaviours, we went to see a trainer and it only enhanced them,... which is when we turned to Chris. I’ve never worked with an animal professional quite like him, I work in the pet trade so I see the good the bad and the ugly and on this occasion the bloody brilliant. Chris did a call and then met with me; the pup and the whole family which was great so we could all raise our worries or concerns. Previous trainers had informed us Fred’s behaviour was all our fault, Chris did the total opposite and told us ultimately this was ingrained long before we’d rehomed him. Chris actually did the best thing he could of ever done for us… he really educated us, was kind and calm and generally showed love and care for our precious little Fred… He directed us to our vets instead of him, some times when knowing not to help is the perfect thing to do. Now Fred is ok track to hopefully discovering what’s causing his stress and behaviour and Chris is still there interested and reassuring us! Any one who works with you can have full assurance that your kind, honest and your interest is solely in the dog! Thank you! We owe you a lifetime! 🐾read more
Caroline Wright
2021-09-28T18:12:50+0000
Absolutely 💯 recommend Chris for help with your dog. Chris uses positive reinforcement and is very knowledgeable,... patient and calm. My young lad had started to become a nightmare on his lead and acted aggressively when seeing other dogs, Chris explained that he was only acting in an excitable way and was in no means being aggressive, which was very reassuring. During the whole session we worked together with my dog to make me more important than anything else in the world!! My lad learnt quickly and did really well...the rest is down to me and my dog working together. Thanks so much Chris for your help todayread more
Claire Green Was Goodrich
2021-09-02T10:22:09+0000
I’ve just got home from my first session with my new rescue dog Teddy. Chris has given me the confidence to work with... my new pooch with techniques that work. I saw a change in Teddy in the 1hour session. Chris is extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Highly recommended.read more
Kara Sheen
2021-08-22T17:08:14+0000
Chris is fantastic. Really knows his stuff. Was really unsure whether to use a trainer but now after 1 session know it... was the right thing to do. Really positive, rewarding and learnt so much in 1 hour. Also really opened our eyes to how much my pup is capable of. Thanks Chris. Would absolutely recommend.read more
Caroline Peat
2021-07-29T13:49:31+0000
We had our first session with Chris with our dog reactive dog and Chris really knows his stuff. He is really... informative and knowledgeable about our dogs behaviour and has given us the information to work with him in a positive manner. We will definitely be repeat customers!read more
Mel Bentley
2021-07-02T08:27:11+0000
We've had a few 1:1 sessions with Chris and our cocker spaniel pup and he's been great. He gives really good examples... and analogies which helps you understand the behaviour of your pooch and why they might be doing certain things. He's really helpful too even outside of the training sessions whenever we have questions! Chris also does a write up of the session so you can remember all the training.Would recommend!read more
Christine Macmillan
2021-04-24T18:00:04+0000
We spent a short time with Chris today and saw a massive improvement in our pup! We’ve had a hard time getting him to... walk at heel. Chris showed us some excellent exercise to do and Finley ended up walking back and forth across a field without leaving our side. It was amazing and we never would’ve expected to see such a transformation in such a short time. We will keep up the exercises and definitely be meeting with Chris again soon to learn more! So buzzing with our pup!read more
Donna Halliday
2021-04-23T10:48:35+0000
Love the training ideas, where you want the dog to want to be around you rather than have to be around you.I saw a... change with in half hour, and there was no Barking in the car untill we pulled on the drive.100% recommend!read more
Eva Flame
2021-04-19T19:21:24+0000
We had our first session with Chris and it was great. He did give loads of tips and suggestions without setting us, as... owners, up to fail. In general, we found his approach simple and easy, which I think is great as there is no need to over complicate things. Big thank you from us and Frank in particular 🙂read more
Lou Hiden
2021-04-06T12:57:15+0000
Our session with Chris today wasn’t about ‘training’ it was about understanding our little dogs behaviour and what we... can do better. Chris is a really nice guy, and so friendly - and really knowledgeable on what we were wanting some pointers with. Chris helped us to see the moments when she was breaking concentration and how we can reward her for checking in with us at those moments.We learnt a few things from Chris, by just being out (socially distanced of course) in the park and seeing how our little dog reacts to stuff. It will take time, we know that, but thanks to Chris’ knowledge we’ll get there! Also really good value for money with the ‘lockdown offer’... 😊Definitely recommend Chasing Pawfection. - thanks Chris! 👍read more
Tom Hardlyonhere Dwyer
2021-03-15T21:42:42+0000
Chris' genuine care and consideration shone through during our first session and I learnt more than I bargained for.... Looking forward to more. Highly recommend to any and all dog lovers.read more
Joanna Knowles
2021-03-12T22:36:02+0000
Chris was very insightful to my mad springer spaniels ball obsession. Offered various activities to help my dog and... myself! Have seen improvements already in my dogs behaviour. Would highly recommend.read more
Gareth O'Sullivan
2021-03-07T20:39:46+0000
Brilliant trainer. Chris has been very helpful and already from his techniques we’ve seen how our puppy has started to... improve. Looking forward to the next session.read more
Mark Pagett
2021-01-09T15:15:29+0000
Wonderfully polite pleasant pup lovers, really hopeful of achieving some doggy goals thanks to Chris 💪
Gayle Osbourne
2021-01-04T21:11:09+0000
Chris has been working with me since I picked up my 12 week old puppy and I could not be happier! He has really helped... us build a good foundation with her obedience, but also given me the confidence and knowledge to work towards long term training. I have been lucky to have 1-2-1 sessions which I feel have given both me and the dog space and attention to learn. Chris also goes above and beyond with providing feedback, follow ups and assistance outside the sessions so I feel fully supported. I have already mentioned him to all my friends with dogs and can’t recommend him fast enough!read more
Stephanie Zara
2021-01-04T15:53:55+0000
What a super experience to support myself and my puppy with some of her bad manners! I felt comfortable throughout her... training and everything that was recommended is in practise! Would highly recommend and will definitely be using the service moving forward!read more
Melissa Wood
2021-01-03T17:21:57+0000
Chris is absolutely BRILLIANT! We’ve only had a few 1:1 lessons and he has already taught us so much about training our... puppy. He’s amazingly good at his job and tailored it exactly to our requirements. If you’ve got a puppy, or any dog needing some help, then I’d definitely recommend some sessions with Chris. Plus, he’s a lovely chap!read more
Tilly Victoria Lever
2020-09-24T18:20:49+0000
I first met Chris while out walking my dogs and was instantly impressed with the clearly strong relationship he has... with his dog clank. Clanks recall is spot on and he listens to Chris perfectly!I started meeting up with Chris while walking my dog walking clients and asking for tips and techniques to build relationships with them and get them listening to me a little better! He was always happy to help and his positive reinforcement techniques are brilliant.Sadly I don't do allot of professional dog walking now but me and my three still meet up with Chris, his family and Clank for walks and I'm really excited and supportive of his journey into professional dog training.I couldn't recommend Chris enough with his friendly manner, professional and effective techniques and affordable pricing!read more
Simon Baker
2020-09-24T11:19:30+0000
Chris is a fantastic trainer and clearly has a brilliant bond with Dogs. Right from the start he has been... knowledgeable, reliable and always has the answers to any question I have. You get the feeling that he does it for the love of dogs more than anything and that's probably the highest compliment I could pay. Highly Recommend!read more
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GOOGLE REVIEWS
We’ve only had our first session with Chris, but it’s safe to say we’re in good hands. Great explanations, clear instructions, and handy demonstrations. He showed us how to train our dog with positivity and patience. We’ve had other trainers and it’s safe to say Chris is already our favourite. 100% would recommend.
It amazes me how someone could know so much about dogs. I have had/fostered dogs for the past 15 years and after meeting Chris I have still managed to learn something new.Chris's professionalism and knowledge has definitely made me think that everything is achievable.Chris is definitely the right person to get in touch with.
Met Chris for the first time in the summer. I needed help training my husband... Really! I've been training my dogs but illness has made things difficult and they've slipped into bad habits. I needed someone to teach my husband how to train my dogs and Chris is excellent at explaining not just what to do but also why you do it which is essential.Highly recommended.
Having just extended our family to include two new puppies Chris has been amazing. Our training sessions are so useful and Chris spends time walking round each puppy giving hands on advise. Also very responsive to my emails and even had a free 15 min telephone call when I was concerned about the behaviour of one of my puppies. Chris is reliable, friendly and happy to give advise before, after and during training. Would def recommend and looking forward to trying his puppy socialisation classes. Anita 🐶
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Experience and Certification
IMDT Qualified Dog trainer
Qualified and assessed as a dog trainer with the IMDT, and therefore follow their strict rules on ethical dog care and training
Human & K9 First Aid Qualified
Qualified in emergency first aid for both human and dog. Regularly reviewed and with the most up to date knowledge.
Agility
Experienced in delivering agility classes, and currently working towards a city and guilds lvl 3 qualification, including UK Dogsports