I love learning and train with my own dogs regularly. I strive to keep my knowledge up to date and some of my more recent qualifications include:
- Qualified Canine Coach
- Mantrailing UK instructor
- Skills for Justice Award Mantrailing.
- British Mantrailing Academy Team ticket, with Evie cocker spaniel.
- UK College of Scent Dogs Handler
- UK College of Scent Dogs Instructor
- ScentWork UK Judge
- ScentWork UK Instructor
- 1 year Mentorship with Conservation K9 Consultancy
- 1 year Gundog Handler course
- Previous Team Member, Search and Rescue with dogs certifed in Mantrailing and Scent Detection.
- Completion of Water Search Course with Illka Hormila
Welcome to Pure Dog Adventure Training, your partner in the exciting journey of dog training. My name is Laura, and I’m the founder and lead trainer of this wonderful training club. My journey to this point has been shaped by experiences as diverse as the dogs we serve.
Growing up as an army child, I experienced the challenge of constantly moving and the struggle of fitting in, especially during my teenage years. But in every cloud, there is a silver lining, and mine came in the form of Dog’s Trust in Darlington, my dad’s hometown. Here, I found solace amongst the dogs and the kind staff, immersing myself in volunteer work that soon evolved into an apprenticeship and set the trajectory for my career in animal training.
After 12 years with the dogs I explored different paths including teaching and banking, before a significant horse riding accident brought me back to a career with animals. I retrained as a horsemanship trainer, travelling as far as Colorado, Florida, California, Switzerland, and throughout the UK to hone my craft.
I took my passion a step further by developing a unique program, Horseworks, designed to empower vulnerable individuals through interacting with horses. Working in prisons, we explored learning theory, practised teaching horses simple tasks, and then delved into more complex challenges. The goal was to help develop a wide range of skills, from confidence and self-esteem to communication and teamwork. Most importantly, we built a strong sense of community and inclusion.
Drawing from these experiences, I established Pure Dog Adventure Training with a focus on building a similar strong community. I understand the feeling of not fitting in, of being seen as ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’. I’ve lived through the experience of having dogs who were seen as ‘too loud’, ‘too independent’, ‘too crazy’ – dogs who didn’t quite ‘fit’.
That’s why our club welcomes everyone with open arms, celebrating the individuality of each dog and owner.
At Pure Dog Adventure Training, we don’t aim to ‘fix’ your dog, but rather celebrate them as they are. We adapt our exercises to fit all dogs, acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our supportive community is here to make you and your dog feel comfortable, seen, and valued.
Darlington Dog Trainers
Where all the Good Dogs Go
Founded by Laura Hebberd in 2018, we started with a simple vision: to create a space where dogs of all breeds, sizes, and backgrounds could thrive. Based in Darlington, we’ve grown from a passionate dream into a thriving community, dedicated to bringing out the best in your canine companion.
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Pure Dog Adventure Training is a place where all dogs are welcome, and every owner is supported and championed. We believe that every dog deserves a chance to learn and grow in a nurturing environment.
Why train with us?
At Pure Dog Adventure Training, we believe in a holistic approach to dog training. Our services include:
Scent Detection: Our sessions give your dog the opportunity to use their amazing, sniffing ability to search for a specific scent.
Mantrailing: Encourage your dog to use their fantastic noses to search for a ‘missing’ person in exciting, real-world scenarios.
Sports Fusion Class: A unique blend of hoopers, gun dog training, obedience and body awareness skills that keeps both mind and body active.
Foundation Class: Our fun, progressive class teaches all the basics. Suitable for all dogs and puppies, we teach loose lead walking, settling, sits, stays and recall and so many other useful skills that form the core skills we will develop in our Sports Fusion Classes.
But we’re more than our classes. We’re about creating experiences that strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Whether it’s through our engaging group sessions or personalised one-on-one training, we’re here to support your journey toward a happier, more fulfilled canine relationship.
Join our wonderful community,
At Pure Dog Adventure Training, we’re more than a training centre; we are a community united by the love of dogs. We have the loveliest people and the goodest of dogs who will be your greatest cheerleaders. Our supportive community is here to make you and your dog feel comfortable, seen and valued.
Some of Laura’s most recent qualifications include:
Qualified Canine Coach
Mantrailing UK Instructor
Skills for Justice Award: Mantrailing
British Mantrailing Academy Team Ticket, with my spaniel Evie
UK College of Scent Dogs Handler
UK College of Scent Dogs Instructor
Scent Work UK Instructor
Scent Work UK Judge
One year Mentorship with Conservation K9 Consultancy
1 year Gundog Handler course
Previous Team Member, Search and Rescue with dogs certifed in Mantrailing and Scent Detection.
Completion of Water Search Course with Illka Hormila
Erin’s most recent qualifications include:
Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management
Canine Behaviour & Welfare Level 3
1 year RSPCA Kennel Supervisor
Runner Up in Centre of Excellence Pet Care Awards, two years running
Veterinary Nursing Diploma
Human First Aid
Level 4 Equine Sports Massage and Rehabilitation Degree
Equine Psychology Diploma