Northern Enterprise Awards 2025/ 24 The Dog House Rules Ltd Rescuing a dog is one of the most rewarding things a person can do, but it can be fraught with difficulty when it comes to integrating their pet into family life. This may lead some dog owners to question who will ‘rescue’ them, as they might find themselves feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or distressed as the journey is much longer or more challenging than they might have expected. The Dog House Rules helps with this through the provision of behaviour and training services. Stephen Bell, the coach/trainer here, caught up with us for more on his work. Whether a dog is showing fear, demonstrating aggressive behaviour, having issues with their toileting or eating, pulling, lunging, barking when on the lead, or is simply not showing affection, The Dog House Rules can help. After all, rescuing the dog is just the first step, and so much more lies ahead. To help his clients get the best results from the behaviour and training services he provides, Stephen’s focus is on teaching the dog what to do (reinforcement), NOT trying to prevent a behaviour (punishment). Stephen’s approach is, always has been and forever will be – free of fear, force or aversive methods. As he explained: “Our mission is to help clients and their dogs achieve a true partnership through positive, effective, and science-led coaching, guidance, and support.” There is absolutely no need for punishment or intimidation, and Stephen will demonstrate that reinforcing good behaviour – as opposed to punishing bad behaviour – is the way to get the desired results. This is nothing new but typically requires a change in client mindset through education and clear communication. As for how Stephen gets results, the behaviour and training services he delivers span three key areas: consultations, coaching, and training. Following an initial call (free of charge) to understand the issues and explain the approach, an in-depth consultation in two parts (online detailed information-gathering, then an in-person evaluation of the dog and environment) is recommended for most clients. There are choices for the subsequent stages, but the much preferred and most effective one is where Stephen teaches the owner the appropriate techniques. As the Dog House Rules strapline indicates, it is very often a case of “Coaching Dogs, Training Owners”! There are alternatives, for example where Stephen will carry out either day training at the client’s home or during walks, with subsequent reviews. The right path is down to the specific situation of the client in terms of their limitations and free time. Regardless of the route they choose those who work with The Dog House Rules will benefit from programmes delivered through a variety of engagement options (in person, online, or hybrid) and supported by a resource network made up of more than 200 professional videos and accompanying PDFs, workbooks, quizzes, and games. Examples of standard programmes include ‘Perfect Puppy’, ‘Terrific Teen’ and ‘From Reactive to Proactive’, with mini ones available on topics like recall or loose-lead walking. Bespoke options are also offered. Beyond taking a comprehensive approach when it comes to resolving dog behaviour issues with flexible, tailored programmes, further setting this qualified, certified, and accredited trainer apart is that he does not just focus on the dogs, but the people as well. Having completed a number of courses in people coaching, Stephen prides himself on supporting ‘both ends of the lead’, resulting in demonstrable transformations. The professionalism this approach commands sets Stephen apart in this unregulated industry. “Anyone can simply say they are trainers without any qualifications or experience”, Stephen told us. “There are two distinct sides to the industry: at one end is the holistic, ethical, and welfare-based approach with its continual focus on enhancing choice and control for the animal, and at the other, the use of aversive methods and equipment with no regard for the evidenced immediate and long-term consequences.” We need to ensure that clients make the right choice by providing full and correct information, backed up by rigorous scientific research. “The North East has a very high proportion of dog ownership, and we need to continue to educate people and help them obtain appropriate advice and support.” Committed to doing its part to make sure that positive, science-led dog behaviour and training services with empathy and clarity prevail over unethical alternatives, The Dog House Rules has a book scheduled for publishing next year, ‘Coaching Dogs, Training People’, and will be adding new programmes and materials to its offerings, all to reach more dog owners. The company also has a range of high-quality training equipment and accessories, which it will be expanding, marking a strong end to an exciting, profitable year. Renowned by dog owners across the region for ‘rescuing’ them in the same way they rescued their dogs, The Dog House Rules is set apart by leveraging Stephen’s dual nature as a trained people coach and dog behaviour consultant, making it more than fitting of the title of the Best Dog Behaviour & Training Company 2025 – North East. Contact: Stephen Bell Company: The Dog House Rules Ltd Email: [email protected] Phone: 0191 4 120021 Web Address: https://www.thedoghouserules.co.uk Best Dog Behaviour & Training Company 2025 – North East Stephen of the Dog House Rules with his two dogs Shea and Jesse
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