Trainer: Jon Gardner

Jon is our head trainer with over 18,000 documented training hours. He has owned and trained dogs all his life and began his career as a dog handler and trainer in the armed forces, moving on to the prison service. Jon is Home Office approved and has trained dogs to the highest standard; he is one of the country’s most well-respected trainers.

Our clients travel across the UK & Europe to have Jon Gardner train their dog and often on recommendation from others within the industry which can only be the highest compliment.

“As a dog trainer I have extensive experience; over 18000 documented instructing and training hours. This time has been delivered across a wide variety of disciplines and breeds of dog. It includes, Service dog training, private residential training, group pet dog training and 1-1 behavioural/obedience training.“

“I am an expert in training dogs that are particularly problematic, including those that display aggression towards humans or other dogs. Changing a dog’s path from negativity and destruction to fulfilment and happiness must be the greatest feeling and reward.“

“I love training, working, or competing with dogs. I strongly believe that engaging a dog’s mind is the route to a happy and contented dog. I have competed and trained in IPO with my German Shepherd ‘Ayk’, gaining IPO3 amongst other titles with him. IPO is a physically and mentally demanding examination for dogs and handlers.“

“Previously I spent 15 years as HM Prison Service Dog handler, Section Manager and Lead Trainer. My career in HMPS presented me with many opportunities and qualifications. However, I am most proud of my involvement in the introduction of Belgian Malinois and Dutch Herders to a service that had previously only used German Shepherds. As part of a research and development programme I trained a six-month-old Malinois x Herder. This process culminated in his Home Office licensing as a Patrol dog at 12 months old. Further to this I qualified with him for the HMPS National Patrol Dog Trials in 2014 gaining a very respectable 4th place for a 16-month-old dog.“

Qualifications and Accreditations

• Master Trainer Guild of Dog Trainers
• Home Office Approved Patrol Dog Instructor
• Level 3 Teaching Qualification CIPD
• Home Office Approved Dog Section Manager
• Home Office Approved Patrol Dog Handler
• Home Office Approved Explosive Dog Handler
• Home Office Approved Narcotic Passive Body Scan Dog Handler
• First Aid at Work
• Presentation Skills
• Risk Assessment
• Health and Safety at Work

Notable Achievements

• Introduction of the first non-GSD into the prison service
• Licensing youngest ever patrol dog
• 4th in National Prison Dog Trials with ‘Mali’
• IPO1 with Ayk (96,90,98a)
• BH with Ruben