Hi, I'm Ryan.
Dog Trainer and Behaviour Recovery Specialist. I spent 12 years as a police dog handler, and I set up Modern Dog Academy in 2024.
Why I started Modern Dog Academy
Despite being a police dog handler, I had a reactive Shar Pei. He challenged my knowledge and expertise and I decided I wanted to help people out of the situation I was in.
I know my experiences as a police dog handler gave me the edge most dog trainers didn't have, and I knew I could bring a unique perspective to my clients thanks to my background.
12 years as a police dog handler
My experience includes:
- General Purpose and Firearms Support
- Drugs, cash and firearms residue detection dog
- Dog legislation expert (Dangerous Dogs Act)
- Dangerous dog expert
- Police Dog regional trials contender and decoy
- Dart sedation gun qualified
- Dog first aid
Qualifications
- Advanced Dog Aggression accreditationCIDBT
- Master Professional Dog TrainerGuild of Dog Trainers
- CIDBTCambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training
- Fully insured
Awards and recognition
- 2 × commendations from Dyfed Powys Police with Police Dog Rula
- Dog legislation guest speaker with CIDBT
- Silver Award with NEPOPO system
My approach
MethodBalanced
I believe effective dog training is built on clear communication, structure, consistency and fairness. I use meaningful rewards to reinforce the behaviours I want to see, alongside fair and proportionate consequences when necessary. Every dog is an individual, so training should be tailored to the dog, the handler and their environment. My goal isn't simply obedience. It's to build understanding, confidence and trust, giving owners the knowledge and skills to enjoy a safer, calmer and more fulfilling life with their dog.
What makes me different
What sets Modern Dog Academy apart is the combination of professional working-dog experience, specialist behaviour knowledge and practical, real-world training. With extensive experience as a police dog handler, including specialist detection and challenging behaviour, I bring a level of experience that goes beyond traditional pet-dog training. My approach combines reward, structure, clear communication and fair boundaries, while teaching owners the skills and confidence to manage their dogs effectively themselves. The goal isn't simply a well-trained dog, but a stronger relationship, better understanding and lasting change in everyday life.
Breeds I specialise in
- German Shepherds
- Malinois
- Spaniels
- Dobermans
Meet Lana
Lana came to me at 4½ years old from my sister, whose circumstances changed and she couldn't give her the life she deserved. Unfortunately Lana had been attacked 3 times by dogs when she was a pup, so came to me incredibly fearfully reactive to ALL dogs. Even from a distance.
I spent months working with her to overcome this issue and she now helps me reform my clients' dogs. So I know exactly where most of you have been!
She's such a happy soul, she loves nothing more than a cuddle on the sofa and to let loose and sprint through the trees in our local hills.
