I've been a dog person my entire life. Growing up on a little farm with Boxers, French Bulldogs, and a menagerie of other animals ignited an empathy and passion that remains the heart of everything I do.
My own journey with a reactive family dog was a lightbulb moment. I didn’t just study dog training; I lived it. I’ve been exactly where you are—feeling the weight of a difficult walk, the embarrassment of a reactive outburst, and the exhaustion of trying every 'hack' on the internet with no results.
That frustration led me to a year-long intensive certification journey so that you don't have to struggle alone. As a fully accredited professional with the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and a Reactivity Coach with The Dog Trainer School, I combine high-level science with deep empathy since launching the Squad in 2024.
I don’t believe in 'one-size-fits-all' fixes. I believe in sophisticated, modern training that respects the dog and empowers the owner. When you work with The Cheshire Dog Squad, you aren't just getting a trainer; you’re getting a partner dedicated to restoring peace to your home.
Leo Somers
Owner, Dog Trainer & Certified Reactivity Coach
Why I'm different
I’ve seen owners spend thousands on four or five different trainers, only to be left with the same old problems. That’s because I don’t just sell ‘sessions’; I sell the end of the stress.
Many trainers focus solely on obedience commands like ‘place’ or ‘heel.’ But if your dog is in a state of panic or high arousal, those commands will always fail when you need them most. You can’t command a dog out of a fight-or-flight response.
As a Specialist Reactivity Coach, I address the root cause: your dog's emotional state. By teaching your dog how to regulate their big feelings and building your confidence as a handler, we create a dog that wants to listen to you. My approach gives you the reliability of elite obedience, built on a foundation of mutual trust and safety—not just a temporary ‘quick fix’ that breaks the moment a squirrel runs by.