At the Burren School for Dogs,
we believe that training should be kind, ethical,
and enjoyable for both dogs and their people.
At the Burren School for Dogs, we believe that training should be kind, ethical, and enjoyable for both dogs and their people.
Our mission is simple:
To help every dog live a fulfilled life while giving owners the tools and confidence to enjoy their journey together.
Founded in the West of Ireland:
The Burren School for Dogs was created to provide force-free, ethical science-based training and sports with a warm, club-like feel.
We wanted to create a place where people could not only learn but also feel part of a supportive community of dog lovers.
We have a special passion for rescue dogs. With years of fostering and training experience, we understand the unique challenges that rescue dogs can bring — and the incredible joy they give back when supported in the right way. That’s why every training session is adapted to meet and fulfil the needs of the individual dog in front of us.
We believe strongly in continuous professional development so we can always bring you the most up-to-date scientific methods that offer practical solutions. We chose providers that are Internationally renowed, have an external educational body certify their students and also follow a force free code of ethics that promotes the welfare of dogs.
We also choose organisations such as “The College of Scent Dogs” as they are led by people with extensive operational dog-handling experience at the highest level as explosive and narcotic police dog handlers and trainers. We also chose K9Detect and Find due to the operational experience in search and rescue. This ensures that the training we provide is not only ethical and progressive, but also grounded in proven, real-world expertise.
- Ethical, force-free, reward-based methods grounded in science
- A welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment with a community feel
- Courses, classes, and sports tailored to each dog’s breed traits, their individual personality, needs, and pace
- Training and workshops available across County Clare and County Galway
✅ IMDT Certified Dog Trainer (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers)
✅ Certified Easy Peasy Puppy Instructors (IMDT) Continuous Professional required as a member – Signed up to a code of ethics.
✅ The College of Scent Dogs, City & Guilds Certified Scent Detection Handlers and instructors –
Scientific concepts based on research. Practical Handling skills taught by experts in the field. Code of ethics and Force free practice.
✅ The College of Scent Dogs, City & Guilds Certified Mantrailing Instructor – Scientific concepts based on research, not a one size fit all method. Practical Handling skills taught by experts in the field. Code of ethics and Force free practice.
✅ K9 Detect and Find Certified Trainers- Practical Handling skills taught by skilled lowland and river operational search and rescue trainer. Positive reinforcement methods only. Gradual stepped method that works at the pace of the dog and client and has progression.
Contact us
We’d love to welcome you and your dog to the Burren School for Dogs—get in touch to start your journey today.