Fun, force-free dog training in Croydon & surrounding areas

Here for you & your dog

Trained with care, guided by science, and delivered with kindness. At Toby Duncan Dogs, training is calm, supportive, and focused on real life — helping dogs feel safe and owners feel confident, without force or fear.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Rated

Based in South Croydon, available within 30 minutes driving distance

1:1 Training for puppies and adult dogs

Personalised one-on-one coaching for help with a range of common issues and training goals, suitable for dogs of any age and ability.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Toby is wonderful! Both with us and our puppy! Being first time dog owners he was the best thing that could have happened to us! He is very patient , very professional, very clear and so loving to our puppy! We feel more confident each day and are grateful to Toby for making that happen."

Puppy Classes

Supportive, structured group classes that build confidence, calmness, and good habits from the very start.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"This was an absolutely brilliant training course. Having been to one before this, Toby's was miles better. So much good advice, the setup was good, the pace of training and breaking down the elements of training was good. The videos and lessons summaries after classes were so helpful. And the welcome and leaving gifts were a lovely touch too."

What can training do for you?

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Get the help & answers you need

Total support from day 1 - get linked with your Trainer and begin getting answers to your questions!

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Build confidence in your skills & understanding

Develop skills in training and handling, grow your understanding of doggy knowledge!

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Learn techniques to manage and change unwanted behaviours

Learn how to work with what's happening now, and how to build resilience for the future.

1:1 Dog & Puppy Training

Personalised support for real-life challenges

Who it’s for

  • Ideal support for anyone seeking help with specific issues or areas of training

  • Suitable for dogs of any age, including puppies who aren't yet fully vaccinated

  • Great for the whole family

What it supports

  • Improved training and behaviour

  • Increased confidence (for you and your dog!)

  • Practical solutions and strategies tailored to your household and lifestyle

Good to know

  • Sessions are held at your home

  • What we cover together is up to you - I'll base this on anything we discuss over the phone, and information you provide in your initial assessment form

  • Sessions are available within a 30-minute driving distance of South Croydon (CR2)

What 1:1 Training Can Help to Solve

Not sure if your issue is included? Please feel free to book your free discovery call to chat with me further!

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Basic Obedience Training

Sit, Stay, Recall, Down, Lead Walking, Out, Emergency Stop, Middle, and tons more!

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Pulling on the lead

Tired of being dragged down the street? We can turn things around in just a few sessions!

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Puppy biting / mouthing

One of the areas I help with most often - you can see changes after just 1 session!

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Jumping up / barking

Learn how to resolve and replace these common attention-seeking behaviours

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Unreliable recall

Transform your dog's recall into a skill you can rely on!

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Building confidence

Timid, nervous, or clingy pup? Let's work to change that!

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About Your Trainer

Toby is a qualified, professional trainer offering calm, supportive dog training rooted in welfare, compassion, and science. Training is always force-free and fun, focusing on building communication, trust, and practical skills that fit real life.

Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, navigating behaviour concerns, or simply wanting a stronger connection with your dog, you’ll be supported without judgement or pressure — just understanding, structure, and kindness.

Puppy Classes

Comprehensive puppy classes in Croydon

Who they’re for

  • Puppies of any stage - NO maximum age cap!

  • Puppy parents who are looking to cover all the basics, get support with common puppy problems, and learn skills and gain confidence for life!

  • Perfect for the whole family - kids are welcome!

What we cover

  • All the core foundation skills you'd expect, including recall, lead walking, and tons more.

  • Exercises to help with handling, confidence building, focus and patience, and more!

  • Enrichment, training theory, troubleshooting for common puppy problems, all supplemented with weekly writeups including videos!

Good to know

  • Classes are purposely small to maintain a calm, focused atmosphere

  • Carefully structured course backed by years of experience, endorsed by one of the UK's top puppy experts!

  • All training is certified fear & force free, and fun for all!

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Purley, CR8

Free parking & easy public transport links

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Coulsdon, CR5

Free parking, easy public transport links, fully accessible

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Kenley, CR8

Free parking, easy public transport links, fully accessible

Feedback from clients

- Testimonials

Every dog and guardian is different. These reviews reflect real experiences of calm, science-based training that helps people feel supported, confident, and understood.

Recent Blog Posts

Tips, Tricks, and Advice Topics from a Professional Trainer

The Ultimate Kong Guide

The Ultimate Kong Guide

Your ultimate guide to one of the most well-known but often misunderstood bits of dog equipment, the humble Kong! ...more

Toby's Tips ,Enrichment and Equipment

November 26, 20257 min read

BSL - It's Time for a Change

BSL - It's Time for a Change

(Originally published 15/09/2023) The current system is failing us all - owners, dogs, and the general public. Breed Specific Legislation does nothing to address the root of the issue, which is poor o... ...more

Topics

October 02, 202551 min read

Bite-Sized: The Problem with Training Tips on Social Media

Bite-Sized: The Problem with Training Tips on Social Media

Some insight into why quick bite-sized training tips on social media might not always be what they seem! ...more

Toby's Tips

August 13, 20255 min read

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

A few tips and tricks for helping your dog to stay cool and safe in warmer weather! ...more

Health & Wellbeing

May 02, 20258 min read

How do I use a clicker?

How do I use a clicker?

Clickers often come as freebies with purchases of dog toys, treats, or equipment, and are a well-recognised bit of training kit. Even so, many people find the concept of a clicker mystifying - what d... ...more

Toby's Tips

January 30, 20255 min read

Are ball launchers okay for my dog?

Are ball launchers okay for my dog?

If you like to use a ball thrower for your dog during playtime, then it's important to know the potential side-effects of doing so on your dog's physical and mental wellbeing - read on to learn more. ...more

Health & Wellbeing

September 18, 202411 min read

Free Download: Kids K9 Body Language Worksheet

A simple, kid-friendly guide to learning the basics of reading and understanding your dog's body language. This guide is ideal for improving safety around any dogs, and can help children to build confidence in their interaction with dogs too. The guide also comes with a grown-ups guide that allows you to help your child through their worksheet!

Building calm and connection — one step at a time. A supportive space for kind, science-based dog training that fits real life.

  • Based in Croydon