East London’s Most
Realistic Dog Trainer

I’m here to help you see the dream dog that’s already in front of you.

Hi, I’m Freya Coakley, a dog trainer and behaviour consultant based in East London, and my journey into this work started with Gracey – my nervous Romanian rescue.  

Now, I help other dog owners navigate the same challenges I faced – whether that’s reactivity, fear, lead pulling, or just figuring out how to get your dog to settle in the pub. I specialise in city dog training that’s practical, compassionate, and designed around real life.

Living in the city is really hard for dogs, especially for rescue dogs. Whether you knew that when you brought your dog into your life, or whether you weren’t set up for the challenge, it can feel alienating and makes you feel super lonely.

When Gracey came into my life, I realised how hard it was to find the kind of dog trainer I needed. 

  •  Somebody who knows what city life with a reactive dog was really like.
  • Somebody who knew how to rehabilitate a rescue in a 6th floor flat with no garden. 
  • Somebody that didn’t care that I am part of the queer community.

When I couldn’t find what I needed, I became it.  

After searching for the perfect dog trainer, I began looking for courses so that I could start the journey myself. I started out working as a dog walker and slowly transitioned to focus on training and behaviour work once I had completed my studies with the Victoria Stilwell Academy.

A dog trainer who gets it

Working with me is working with somebody who gets it. I know the struggle of having felt embarrassed by my dog, of having felt like the information on the internet didn’t apply, and I know how exhausting it can feel to constantly have to manage your dog in this wild urban environment.

It’s also getting a trainer who understands that YOU are different.

I know that not every home set-up is the same. I know that you might have a less than conventional job, or a different lifestyle to my own.

And that’s why every training plan I write is bespoke to you, your life and your dog.

Your dog is a dream dog already

It might be hard to see it. Especially if you’ve been on the receiving end of other people’s ideas of how your dog should feel and behave.

City life is tough. You’re navigating barking dogs, endless noise, crowded parks, and that one neighbour who has opinions on everything.

It’s overwhelming, and it can leave you feeling isolated or even like you’re failing your dog. But guess what? You’re not failing - and your dog isn’t, either.

I’m here to help you see the perfect dog that’s already in front of you.

Train with me in East London 

Train with me and we’ll forget about old school dog training methods that feel bad and don’t work. Instead we’ll find ways to make training fun, so you and your dog can coexist happily.

What You Won't Get

  • Pressure on you or your dog to conform or comply with something that doesn’t feel right 
  • Made to feel bad or like you’ve done something wrong  
  • Judgements, finger wags or I told you so’s   
  • Overwhelming training plans that require you to turn your life upside down

What You WILL Get

  • Somebody who’s on your side and cares about how you both feel 
  •  An improved bond and partnership with your dog that makes you feel proud  
  • Confidence in how to support and guide your dog in real life situations  
  • Manageable step by step training plans that fit into your life   
  • Belief in yourself and your dog - so you can fly solo together when our training is done

Each human and dog is unique, and your training programme will reflect that. Whether it’s making sure that accessibility needs are met, that learning styles are accounted for, or simply allowing you to be authentically yourself with no fear of shame or judgement.

Ready to get started?

Join the Grubby Gang

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Absolutely. Reactivity isn’t a “bad dog” problem - it’s just a dog with big feelings trying to navigate the world. I’ve worked with all kinds of reactive dogs, and together, we’ll help yours feel calmer, more confident, and more at ease.

You’re not the problem, and we’ll never frame it that way. Training is about teamwork, and your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect - they just need you to show up. I’m here to guide you, no judgement.

A lot of traditional training assumes all dogs and owners are the same - they’re not. I create customised plans that fit your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Plus, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Absolutely! Gracey and I started our training journey in a 6th-floor flat, so I know firsthand how to make city spaces work. We’ll train wherever it makes sense - your flat, the park, the street corner, we’ll decide together.

Nope! While I have a soft spot for rescues, I work with dogs of all ages and backgrounds. From puppies to older dogs with big feelings, I don’t discriminate!

Mistakes are part of the process (for both you and your dog). My job is to set you up for success and make the journey as smooth as possible. We’re in this together!

Ready to get started?

LET'S GET TRAINING.

AREAS COVERED

  • East London: Bethnal Green, Hackney, Shoreditch, Clapton, Tower Hamlets, Stratford, Newham, Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone, Ilford, Manor Park, Forest Gate, Bow, Mile End, Dalston, etc. 
  • North London: Highbury & Islington, Angel, Finsbury Park, Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, Archway, Camden, etc
  • Other Areas Of London: On request. 
  • Further Afield: Online training.

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