Why Choose The BARKING MAD Dog Training & Behaviour Company?

When looking for a dog training school it’s often out of necessity; either because we have a puppy and it’s considered the right thing to do, or perhaps you have an adult dog which is a bit of a Loony Goon or a Grumpy Git.


Over the past 25 years our team of expert Instructors and Behaviourists have successfully trained thousands of pet and behaviour clients and we can help you too!


We’ll put you at ease right from the beginning. Providing all the support you need we’ll help you to achieve your goals and aspirations.


We see ourselves predominantly as teachers; teaching you to develop the relationship and tools you need to be the ultimate trainer of your dog.


Our classes, 1-2-1s and intensive courses are all done in a relaxed, friendly and most importantly, realistic outdoor environment. 


For us, the customer’s experience and journey is at the heart of what we do. We firmly believe that if you enjoy it so will your dog, and our great reputation will continue!


Richard Clarke GoDT(MT) set up Barking Mad 25 years ago. He has a wealth of experience in training dogs both as pets and in working roles. His working experience includes training dogs to detect drugs and explosives as well as bed bugs for the 2012 London Olympics. Richard has trained dogs to perform in film and television and has travelled the world detecting Sumatran Tigers in Indonesia and Box Keeled Turtles in Vietnam.


Whatever your problems, goals or aspirations, you can feel confident that the team at The Barking Mad Dog Training & Behaviour Company will be able to help!

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 How Can We Help You?

121's

Training and Behaviour

 

"The more we train, the luckier we get"

Richard Clarke GoDT(MT)

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Richard Clarke GoDT(MT)

Director of Training

Originally in the Royal Navy, Richard went on to become a Civilian Environmental Trainer for the Ministry of Defence, qualifying over 28 years ago in both Canine Psychology and nutrition.

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Today, he and his team work with International Organisations and vets all over the world helping hundreds of dogs each year.

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Richard is a qualified trainer and has worked on a variety of film and TV work including as a Judge on BBC's Dog Borstal and most recently featured on BBC Countryfile programmes

 

Natalie Clarke

Head Trainer

Natalie originally came to Barking Mad in 2003 with her naughty Westie Barney who had severe behavioural issues. She went on to successfully compete in Working Trials and in the process was bitten by the dog training bug.  Natalie specialises in 121 behavioural and sports training as well as puppy and adult classes.  Natalie has 2 labradors and a Westie, Betty, Nellie and Poppy.  Natalie loves gundog training and agility with all her dogs.

 

Julie Cant

Deputy Head Trainer

Since completing the Instructors courses at Barking Mad Julie has been a full time Accredited Instructor for the last 10 years.  Having worked as a specialist detection instructor in Vietnam with Richard in 2010 Julie's ability as an instructor quickly went from strength to strength.  Julie successfully rehabilitated her 'Ex Grumpy' Cruz who ended up being a real ambassador for her and Barking Mad.  She currently is working towards competing at Working Trials with her 2 labradors and Staff Cross...... Yoshi, Frank and Mitch.

 

Kate Smith

Senior Instructor & Behaviourist

Kate started at Barking Mad with her Rottweiler Cross Mason, she quickly decided she would like to do our Instructor Courses to pursue a career helping others train their dog.  Kate specialises in behaviour 121s and group classes.

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Kate has got 3 dogs, a Rottweiler Cross, a Labrador and a Border Terrier....Mason, Mavis and Annie-Mac.  When Kate isn't training her customers she is out with Mavis who is nearly qualified as part of the search and rescue team for East Anglia.

 

Lyndsay Spooner
MSc BSc

Instructor & Behaviourist

Lyndsay has a real passion for rescue dogs, and is a real asset to our team.  Having successfully gained her Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour she decided to spread her wings and managed a dog cafe in Australia.  After returning she completed our Instructors Courses, she specialises in behavioural 121s, puppy and adult classes and also helps run our Dog School. Lyndsay has a Whippet x Bedlington Terrier called Albie.

 

Karen Goddard

Instructor

Having run her own very successful dog walking and boarding service for years, the natural step in her passion for dogs was to become a dog training instructor.  Karen is involved with rehabilitating Romanian rescue dogs and has ended up keeping a few along the way.

 

Kathy Young

Instructor

Kathy has owned dogs for 50 years and competed at Championship Level in Obedience with her Old English Sheepdog. Alongside training dogs Kathy also has a history with training horses and she's incredibly passionate about helping people to build relationships with their animals. Now she has two black Labradors, Otter and Berry, who keep her busy when she's not at Barking Mad.

 

Kirsty Harvey

Instructor

Kirsty started training at Barking Mad with her Labrador, Frankie, and quickly caught the bug to train others to do the same. With a background in People Management she passed the Initial Instructors Course with flying colours and hasn't looked back since.

 

Lucy Thurston

Instructor

Lucy has had dogs in the family since being a child. Currently she trains with her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Millie, they particularly enjoy agility together. Before  starting her family and becoming an instructor, Lucy worked as a Spa Manager, so she's an expert at making her customers feel calm and relaxed during classes.

 

Holly Raven

Office Manager & Instructor

Holly originally came to Barking Mad as her Cocker Spaniel, Jasper, had become over protective of both her and her new baby, especially against men. Following successful behavioural 121s, happy go lucky Jasper is now working towards competing in both field trials and working trials and Holly, having caught the Barking Mad bug, successfully completed our Initial Instructors Course and is now training the rest of us to be more organised!

 

Leah Clarke

K9 Kidz Instructor

As Richard and Natalie's daughter, Leah might as well have been born at the school, having spent her entire life helping with and training both the family dogs as well as customers' when they have been unable. In 2018 Leah successfully completed the Barking Mad Initial Instructors Course, passing with flying colours. As well as organising the Barking Mad shop and refreshments she organises and runs regular K9 Kidz fundays and sessions.

 
Upcoming Events
Mock Working Trials Competition
Sat, May 23
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio
May 23, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio, School Farm, Halesworth Rd, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
This relaxed, informal competition is for those that fancy a challenge! £20 per dog.
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Initial Instructors Course, Part 1
Sun, Apr 26
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio
Apr 26, 11:00 AM
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio, School Farm, Halesworth Rd, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
Explore how dogs learn, the history behind it, why they do the things they do and then how to pass on this knowledge in a fun, structured and coherent way! Sat 26th April, Sat 2nd May, Sun 3rd May 11am-4pm. Part One of Four. £299 per part, includes all materials and lunches.
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Mock Gundog Trial Competition
Sat, Apr 25
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio
Apr 25, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio, School Farm, Halesworth Rd, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
This relaxed and informal competition is for those that fancy challenge. £20 per dog.
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Have a Go - Beginners Agility
Wed, Apr 08
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio
Apr 08, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio, School Farm, Halesworth Rd, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
Get to grips with this popular dog sport on this four week course. £10 per week.
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Can't Recall, Won't Recall
Wed, Apr 08
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio
Apr 08, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio, School Farm, Halesworth Rd, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
This intensive workshop focuses on that illusive but all-important reliable recall. £40 including light lunch.
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K9 Kidz Easter Fun Week
Tue, Apr 07
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio
Apr 07, 11:00 AM – Apr 08, 2:00 PM
Barking Mad the Dog Training and Behavio, School Farm, Halesworth Rd, Ilketshall St Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
Easter themed tricks, training, searching and agility as well as games and crafts all come together on these fun couple of days. Tues 7th and Wed 8th April, 11am-2pm, £20 per day (£35 for both days).
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How Dogs Learn
Thu, Mar 26
Barking Mad The Dog Training and Behavio
Mar 26, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Barking Mad The Dog Training and Behavio, Ilketshall Saint Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
Improve your understanding of why dog's do the things they do! £20 including refreshments.
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Free Taster Session 22nd March
Sun, Mar 22
Barking Mad The Dog Training and Behavio
Mar 22, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Barking Mad The Dog Training and Behavio, Ilketshall Saint Lawrence, Beccles NR34 8LB, UK
If you fancy coming and having a go for FREE come along to our taster session. You just need some yummy treats and a collar and lead (not extendable).
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Get in Touch Today

School Farm, Halesworth Road, Ilketshall St Lawrence Beccles United Kingdom NR34 8LB

07495337774

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07495337774

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