About The Campus Crew

Once upon a time…

… in a land far, far away (a.k.a. Kircubbin)

After years of training experiences working with Carol Clark, The Doggy Doctor, her retirement meant a change of legendary proportions for us. We’ve always seen that the dogs and their humans learn best when having FUN.

We here at The Dog Campus, decided that having more fun with your dogs was the way to go. Yes, we’ll still give you training in those things you’re not so sure about. No, we don’t expect you to be the best at everything you do. Yes, we’d love to help you more than just once a week at certain classes. And no, we don’t mind if you still go elsewhere to get other training.

We are more of a “destination for your doggy enrichment.”

Gareth has been involved with dogs his whole life. He attended a Down Dog puppy course in 2013 and soon after he joined Down Dog. Gareth has completed the Think Dog course with Sarah Whitehead and has undertaken several other courses with top international trainers including Ian Dunbar, John Rogerson and Chirag Patel. He has been with Down Dog since 2014 and progressed through assistantship to become a Trainer in 2017.
He competed very successfully in KC Rally, competing as a member of the Northern Ireland & Isle of Man team at Crufts 2019 & 2020. He ran Perfect Pet and other training courses, and would assist with the Doggy Doctor Behaviour 1:1 work. He has been instrumental in helping develop and running many of Down Dog’s courses. He’s also a ScentWork UK trainer, and he can help you start and progress your Scentwork training for trials without all the faff.

We want you to have fun!

Our various sessions are there for everyone and their dogs to have some fun, and if you stumble upon a great learning opportunity, all the better. We believe that if you’re both having fun, you will learn faster and sometimes even better than in a structured ‘class’ where if your dog something weird you get embarrassed. We’ve all been there, done that. Time to move on and have fun while learning new skills together.

LET’S TALK

“I can’t sit still… I’m having too much fun!”

Truly Fun

Your Membership gives you great access to all our enrichment sessions. That’s at least 10/week to choose from!

Madly Committed

We’ll get you and your dog having some great fun, for sure! Choose from Nosework/Play, Rally or Walkabouts.

Deeply Enriched

We want you to leave each and every session happy-tired. You can chop ‘n’ change every week if you want, too.

The Team

Two of the Crew that actually run things

Gareth & Tippi

Camera-shy!

Annette & Phoebe

One wants a better pic

Sandra & Laoise

Didn’t know there was a camera

Google Reviews

      
   The Dog Campus
   15 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Bruce Dorrian-Clark 
 12. August, 2023.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding dog training by instructors who are passionate about their work and the dogs they are training. Loads of other fun activities for pups and dogs.
  
 
       
   Gillian Duffin 
 8. July, 2023.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 10 month old staffy and I started our training today. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. Looking forward to the rest of course not sure who more exhausted today myself of Chloe!
  
 
       
   Virginia Keenan 
 17. April, 2023.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabulous trainers, small classes, so more 1 to 1 advice, great set up, both my pup and I really enjoyed our 6 week perfect pet course, so much so I’ve signed up another pup, highly recommended.
  
 
       
   Hannah Paul 
 29. December, 2022.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An absolute essential for any dog owner. My dog LOVES it here and definitely has a better life because of them!

Facilities are excellent for training with substantial spaces inside & out and the sensory garden is a lovely extra stimulation for dogs (anxious or otherwise).

All the team know so much and have helped me out with things ranging from new dog training through to dealing with more challenging and difficult dog behaviour. When I was increasingly struggling to fathom my dog, their advice was invaluable. They provided me tools and technics helping me to make massively positive change to my dogs behaviour.

I can honestly say my dog’s life is transformed for the better having the Dog Campus in it!
  
 
       
   Betty Conway 
 26. October, 2022.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Course for training with great backup help and materials
  
 
       
   Renee Barnes 
 16. September, 2022.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve adopted a rescue dog, a lovely wee Shih Tzu. He’s almost 4, had been kept outside on a chain for over 3 yrs. I was at my wits end but wasn’t prepared to fail him, he had lots of issues. Elmo was very reactive to every sound etc. The Dog Campus have been brilliant, Gareth & Sandra are  really dedicated and patient. I’ve had two visits to them and I’ve been following all their advice, they follow up with texts which is great. We’ve managed to overcome most of his problems. Elmo is so relaxed indoors now and  he’s almost house trained aswell. Next will be working on his reactions while out on the lead. I really couldn’t have got this far without The Dog Campus and look forward to continuing working with them. I thoroughly recommend them so please don’t give up on your dogs 🐕
  
 
       
   Amarie Dorman 
 9. August, 2022.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had two sessions with Gareth and Sandra now. They have been fantastic. My girl struggles with lots of things, they both listened to me and helped me with her. I know I have to work with her too - and they have given me the tools to do this. Highly recommend and I look forward to further sessions with them.
  
 
       
   Stephen Leonard 
 2. August, 2022.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have a membership with The Dog Campus and my "high energy" chocolate Labrador Winnie absolutely loves all the classes and sessions we attend.

Gareth and the team have helped to transform Winnie from an uncontrollable ball of brown fur and energy into a controllable and attentive ball of brown fur (and energy).  Starting with a Perfect Pet course and continuing with group walks and (our firm favourite) the nose work classes, every session is a fun learning experience for Winnie and I.

The recent addition of the facilities at the Carrowdore location are great too; the indoor space, large outdoor area and sensory garden space make for an incredible training facility.

I can't recommend Gareth and the team any more highly, this is the only place I would recommend for you and your pups.
  
 
       
   Bilal K 
 1. August, 2022.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We completed the perfect pet class with our puppy and loved it so much we decided to get the membership with The Dog Campus. There are plenty of classes to help you develop new skills with your dog. The team are very supportive and have lots of advice to offer. We come away from every session learning something new. Couldn't recommend them enough to any dog owner!

Give us a review of your own too, please. We’d love to hear from you. CLICK TO SEND A REVIEW

Best ‘Real’ Member review wins a bag or two of yummy (dog) treats at their next session, after the close date. Make it real, or funny (but true) and we’ll see how good we can be back to you. Try getting it in before the end of August, folks. Summer will be over by then :'(