Gruffers instructor course
Reactive dog instructor course
Practical CPD for training and behaviour professionals who want to plan and run group sessions for reactive dogs.

- Published course
- 9–13 September 2026
- Duration
- Five days
- CPD
- Over 30 hours
The published September 2026 course dates have passed. Contact us for future dates, fees and availability.
Course details
Explore the instructor course
What the course covers
- Pre-session planning
- Class structure and troubleshooting
- Risk and welfare assessment
- Equipment and venues
- Caregiver goals
- Behaviour-change techniques
- Coaching skills
There is theory alongside observation and supported involvement in real Gruffers sessions. Participation can become more active as the course progresses.
Who should attend
Dog training and behaviour professionals with existing theoretical or practical knowledge. The course develops a framework for reactive-dog group work; it does not itself qualify you as a dog trainer. Experienced practitioners can use it to refresh or extend their existing provision.
Published 2026 arrangements
The published timetable was 10am on 9 September to no later than 4pm on 13 September 2026.
The venues were Phoenix Community Hall, Station Road, Collingham, NG23 7RA, and South Hykeham Village Hall, Boundary Lane, Lincoln, LN6 9NQ—around 15 minutes apart. Both have parking; at Collingham this is behind the hall, in front of the Co-op.
Fees and materials
The published standard fee was £1,495, with instalments available. The £1,295 early-booking offer ended on 5 October 2025.
Attendance included theory, practical work, case discussion, refreshments, notes through the online platform and an attendance certificate. Lunch was not included; local food options were available. Future arrangements need confirmation.
Participation and practical work
Expect teamwork, discussion, sharing work with peers and supported coaching or demonstrations with dogs and caregivers. You can opt in or out of activities.
Practical Gruffers sessions are mainly outside and can involve several hours outdoors; groups work with an instructor to support a safe and comfortable learning environment.
Teaching team
The published instructor list names Lynn Hewison, Hannah Wright, Paddy Driscoll, Chirag Patel, Miri Prior and Himara Van Haevermaet. Confirm the instructors for any future edition with the team.
Branding and follow-on support
Completing the CPD course does not give permission to use the Gruffers or Gruffers Club name or marketing materials. Any franchise arrangement, branding permission and further support would require a separate agreement, assessment and additional fee. Contact the team to discuss this.
Contact the team
