ActivDogs
Better together
Force free dog training and behaviour modification to build a better relationship with your dog.
Build a better Relationship with your dog
My name is Steven Symonds. I am a highly experienced and qualified dog trainer and clinical behaviourist, I specialise in all forms of training and behaviour modification from teaching the basic skills to working with the most complex behaviour challenges.
My mission is to build better bonds between dogs and their humans. Everything I do is kind, calm and force-free. Through personalised training, I will empower you to understand and communicate effectively with your dog, fostering a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.
Throught Activdogs I am dedicated to helping you and your dog live the very best lives together
Force free dog training with Activdogs
Good training is not about obedience and commands. It’s about helping your dog make good choices with the use of threats or punishment.
We focus on rewarding desired behaviours, making learning enjoyable and rewarding for you and your dog. My training methods are gentle, effective, and tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
As an experienced and qualified trainer and animal behaviourist, I’m dedicated to helping you achieve your training goals while strengthening the bond with your dog.
We are Activdogs

Steven Symonds
I am an experienced, qualified trainer and animal behaviourist . Since founding Activdogs in 2019, I have worked one to one with more than 3000 dogs and their families, making me the most sought-after trainer on the South Coast. I have a degree in Biology from Cardiff University and a Postgraduate Master’s degree in ethology (animal behaviour). In my constant quest to increase my knowledge and experience, I am working towards a level 6 diploma in canine behaviour. Soon, I hope to embark on a professional doctorate and complete the certification process for the title of certified clinical animal behaviourist (CCAB).

Martha
Martha is our 11-year-old English Springer Spaniel and, whilst now semi-retired, remains a key member of the Activdogs team. She will often be seen out practising recall with puppies on their first times off-lead. The puppies love to follow, copy and learn whatever Martha does and so it becomes a ‘supercharged’ way to teach recall. Martha helps in many other ways and fulfills numerous roles including teaching gundog skills.