Dogs have always been a big part of my life.
I’d walk my Grandpa’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, make obstacle courses for his Border Collie puppy and spent every opportunity trying to make friends with any dog I met.
Being around animals always felt natural and it sparked a curiosity that would shape my future.
By my twenties I was working in a restaurant, restless and aimless.
Then my mum brought home a Dobermann puppy, Quinn - beautiful and intelligent but hard work. This introduced me to the world of canine behaviour and made me realise how much there was to learn.
Then I saw an advert for a job at a local kennel. I didn’t get it, but they liked my enthusiasm so offered me occasional work instead.
I instantly fell in love with the job and knew I’d found what I’d been looking for.
In 2019 I was offered a full time position at Royvon Dog Training & Hotels as a kennel assistant and my career had begun.
It didn’t take long before I found myself drawn to watching the trainers — seeing the dogs progress and grow in confidence was inspiring and I volunteered to help the trainers whenever I could. Less than a year later, I became a trainee dog trainer.
Driven to deepen my understanding, I studied canine psychology, puppy development and attended online and in person courses on behaviour and training. I went on to earn a membership with the Institute of Modern Dog Training, passing with a distinction within a year.
Since then I’ve spent six years immersed in hands-on dog training, constantly refining my craft and expanding my knowledge.
Working at Royvon had given me priceless experience - working one on one with hundreds of challenging dogs in a busy environment helped me better understand the challenges owners face, how no two dogs learn in the exact same way and how the dog feels, is just as important as how they act.
The Start of Longevity
In 2025 I took the plunge to start my own business, Longevity Dog Training.
I wanted to the opportunity to help owners in a more personal way, by training in their home and on their walks, so the work could be implemented in the places it actually matters the most.
In 2026, I relocated to Haverfordwest in beautiful Pembrokeshire.
My business name is a play on my own surname - Long.
This word represents the way I believe dog training should be - something that lasts.
It’s also become a subtle tribute to my father, who passed away in 2025.
I grew up watching him play on all fours with the dogs in his life.
He understood something that I’ve carried into my own training -
how to have fun with dogs and that the relationship comes first.
I’m not interested in quick fixes, I want to help owners get results by building understanding, real skills and a relationship with their dog that will last a lifetime
Meet Amber
In 2019, not long before I became a trainer, my partner and I rehomed Amber —
a one-year-old Boxer x Alapaha Blue Blooded Bulldog.
She was starting to get into fairly serious fights with the other dog she lived with;
she hadn’t undergone much training and would could be intensely fixated on other dogs, struggling to stay focused or regulate her excitement.
Amber has played a huge part in shaping who I am as a trainer.
She fueled my determination to learn more about dog behaviour, breeds specific fulfilment, building motivation and achieving reliable results.
Fast forward to 2026 and she has become a fantastic dog I can take anywhere;
Whether it’s an off lead walk on the beach, chilling out at a coffee shop or being my assistant to help train other dogs.. her intelligence and adaptability never fails to amaze me.
Together we take part in the Dog Sport G.R.C (Gameness, Relationship, Control) which highlights the important of training a responsible dog whilst also acknowledging and fulfilling their needs.
In 2025, Amber successfully completed GRC’s Level One Social Responsibility Test
and is the 9th dog in England to pass this challenging assessment, which was judged by Jay Jack the founder of the sport.
Amber continues to be my greatest teacher and best friend.
Meet Rocky
In the Autumn of 2025, came Rocky.
Rocky had been abandoned and tied up outside a vets.
He was very underweight and his skin was red and covered in sores spots.
I knew the moment he crawled into my arms, that he was coming home with us.
His history is unknown and he showed little evidence of ever being trained.
But his personality, even during the early days, shone through.
A sweet, comedic and joyful dog - despite whatever had happened to him.
It quite quickly transpired that he was uncomfortable around other dogs, particularly within a close proximity. He’s also learns and trains quite differently to Amber -
he is more challenging to motivate and is easily distracted by his environment.
Rocky has given me opportunity to experience the challenges of training and rehabilitating a rescue dog from the beginning. And he is making great progress -
his relationship with Amber is blossoming, his skill set is growing and he’s taken the move to Haverfordwest in his stride
He is a wonderful example of the resilience of dogs, their willingness to trust and has helped complete our little family.
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First Time at the Beach
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Social Responsibility 1 Test
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Scolton Manor
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Amber & Meeko
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Broad Haven
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Llys Y Fran
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Hurst Park River
Looking Forward
Every dog I’ve worked with has taught
me valuable lessons.
From the hundreds of dogs I trained during my career, to Amber and now Rocky,
each has reinforced my belief that great dog training isn’t about control -
it’s about understanding.
My goal is simple: to help owners build the knowledge, confidence and skills to enjoy a lifetime of adventures with their dog.
