Hi, I’m Sam—trainer and founder of Ricochet Dog Training, based in the GL12 area. My journey with dogs has been shaped by a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for the individual needs of every dog and human I work with.

From rehoming and boarding kennels to raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, I’ve built a solid foundation in canine behavior and positive, science-based training methods. But it was my first dog, Lucy—a lively Kelpie x Border Collie—who truly inspired me. She challenged everything I thought I knew and sparked a passion for modern, enrichment-focused training that strengthens the human-canine bond.

Along the way, I’ve trained with Puppy School and was profoundly influenced by Helen Phillips at Clicker Gundog, whose patient, reward-based approach shaped my philosophy: every dog and client is unique, and training should reflect that.

At Ricochet, I offer fun, practical training tailored to real life—whether it’s day training, scent work, or gundog foundations for pet homes. My goal is to help dogs and their people grow in confidence, communication, and connection.

I currently share life with Callisto, my energetic Working Cocker Spaniel, who keeps me learning every day. I’m also studying with The College of Scent Dogs to gain City & Guilds qualifications in Scent Detection Dog Handling and Instruction—an exciting way to expand how I support clients interested in this enriching activity.

I am working towards a Teacher Training certification from the Gundog Trainers Academy, an accredited body of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). This affiliation means my approach aligns with nationally recognised standards for ethical, evidence-based training and education.

Through continuous professional development—including the Gundog Trainers Academy’s Handler’s Course and other advanced studies—I stay current with the latest techniques, ensuring you and your dog get up-to-date, effective support.

I’m also a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild, whose guiding principles include a commitment to force-free methods: no shock, no pain, no fear, no physical force, and no compulsion. Just kind, ethical, effective training that works for you and your dog.

What My Clients Say

Here’s what my clients say about my tailored approach:

• “Sam was amazing with my reactive lab! By the end of our first lesson, my girl was relaxed and happy. We’re having so much fun learning and always look forward to lessons. Highly recommend!”* - Lisa

• “Classes are very well taught and always fun. My dog and I learn loads every time.”* - Beccy

• Sam’s knowledge and kindness are just what every dog parent needs. She’s thoughtful, reads dogs’ body language beautifully, and her approach is both kind and respectful. Can’t recommend her enough.”* - Helen

• “Sam has been incredible when it comes to training my dog Nellie, and indeed training me! Although Nellie had the basics sorted when we came to Sam, she had no interest in retrieving or walking to heel. Following on from our first course with Sam; Nellie was retrieving and walking to heel while on a lead. Following on from our second course Nellie can now be instructed to retrieve different dummies in order, retrieve dummies which are hidden in foliage, walk to heel on and off lead, understand multiple whistle commands including: recall at a long distance, sit/stop command, and a "keep looking, you are near the dummy" whistle. Nellie has also been introduced to following a scent.

  Not only have the outcomes of the training been fantastic, but Nellie (and myself) absolutely love training with Sam. Sam's positive and fun attitude to training means that Saturday morning training has swiftly become an hour of wonderful bonding time between Nellie and myself. As a result Nellie has become brilliant at understanding my body language and what I want outside of specific commands. This means that while we are out and about she is incredibly well behaved and I often get comments on how well she behaves and how well she responds to me.

  In short, it doesn't matter if you want to pursue gundog training to go on a shoot or just to improve the relationship between your dog and yourself, Sam/Ricochet should be your first and only stop for all training!”* - Sam

At Ricochet Dog Training, I strive for one outcome: happy clients, happy dogs.

Let’s embark on this training journey together!