Expert Dog Trainers in Cheshire
Paul Flanagan & Julie West
Liberty K9 Training is led by two of the most experienced dog trainers in Cheshire. From our facility at Gate Farm near Nantwich we deliver residential dog training, dog aggression rehabilitation, puppy foundations, one-to-one lessons and IGP sport coaching and we are known as the trainers who take on the dogs others refuse, including bite histories and dogs recommended for euthanasia.
Because your dog lives and trains with us during a residential programme, our intake is nationwide: dogs join us from Manchester, Liverpool, London and beyond as well as from across Cheshire and Nantwich.
Behind every programme sits more than 40 years of professional experience spanning family pets, police service dogs and World Championship competition, and training built on the NePoPo® system at top level. Wherever you are in the UK, it starts with an honest assessment of your dog.
transforming dogs
Our unique and effective training approach consistently delivers results that delight our clients. We do this by creating a happy and harmonious relationship between dog and owner. We have a selection of programs to suit all dogs and owners whether Private Lessons or Residential Training.
We feel passionately that we can help owners who are struggling with their dog. Especially whose daily lives have become stressful as a result. We know that using the right tools, techniques and guidance, we will help you transform your dog and your relationship for the better!
The key to creating a successful dog and owner relationship is that the training you learn continues to be applied long after your lesson has ended.
40+ Years Experience
A wealth of experience in behaviour modification, teaching pet dogs life skills, training Police and Service dogs, IGP Sport, Working Trials, Competition Obedience and much much more!
Custom Everything
Our programs are customised for each individual dog. Every client and dog team are personally assesed by our certified trainers and a suitable program developed uniquely for them.
We Deliver
You can rely on us to deliver the outcomes you need. We strive to delight every client and improve every dog’s life. We don’t make promises we can’t keep and we will be honest about what can be achieved.
Our mission is to assist dog owners who are facing challenges with their canine companions, transforming their daily lives from stressful to harmonious.
With the right tools, techniques, and guidance, we empower you to build a happy and harmonious relationship with your furry friend.
Your Trainers
Our mission is to assist dog owners who are facing challenges with their canine companions, transforming their daily lives from stressful to harmonious.
With the right tools, techniques, and guidance, we empower you to build a happy and harmonious relationship with your furry friend.
Paul Flanagan
Training Director
With four decades of experience shaping the lives of countless dogs, you’re in expert hands at Liberty K9 Dog Training.
As a former police service dog handler and a multi-national champion in IGP, I’ve honed my skills to perfection, competing at the WUSV World Championship ten times since 2000, including a 3rd place finish in 2013 and qualification for Team Ireland at the 2026 World Championship in Slovenia. Dogsport isn’t just a hobby – it’s my lifelong passion.
I am a NePoPo® Gold-Level Instructor — certified by Bart Bellon himself after twenty years training under him — and a founding member of the British Schutzhund Association, the organisation that first brought the sport to the United Kingdom.
At Liberty K9 Training, I bring all of this expertise and dedication to each and every family dog, specializing in aggression rehabilitation.
My goal is simple: to ensure that every client can enjoy the loving, well-behaved family pet they’ve always dreamed of.
Julie West
Managing Partner
Julie’s unique blend of expertise in computer science and management consulting, combined with her unwavering passion for dog rescue, canine fitness, and IGP dogsport, guarantees exceptional service at Liberty K9 Dog Training.
With over 15 years of experience training family and sport dogs, Julie is an IGP Judge, a UK Kennel Club judge and a BIPDT Accredited Trainer.
She has competed in IGP at international level with her Dobermanns — Vice Belgian Champion in 2017, and the only UK handler ever to win a DV Regional Championship or compete at the German National Dobermann Championship. She is also a qualified canine behaviourist and certified canine hydrotherapist.
At Liberty K9, Julie is dedicated to helping you achieve your training goals and forging a deep, fulfilling bond with your best friend.
our Work
At Liberty K9, results are measured in transformed dogs and relieved owners. A few recent outcomes: Chip the Dachshund arrived aggressive to people at home and in public — he went home calm, social and safe. Crystal the Collie was so reactive she could only be walked late at night; after four weeks of residential training she goes anywhere, anytime. Kaiser the German Shepherd now joins his family in coffee shops, settled in places that used to be impossible. Watch more transformations on our YouTube channel or read our expert training guides.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to stay updated on our latest training tips, success stories, and events near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept dogs with bite histories?
Yes. Aggression rehabilitation is our core specialism, and we routinely take on dogs that other trainers have refused — including dogs with multiple bites and dogs recommended for euthanasia. Every case starts with an honest assessment of the dog and its history.
How does residential training work?
Your dog lives with us at Gate Farm near Nantwich for two to six-plus weeks. Training is woven into the whole day — feeding, walking, settling and socialising — rather than delivered in isolated sessions. While your dog is with us you complete an online owner course, and every programme ends with a full handover session so you know exactly how to maintain the results.
Do you train dogs from outside Cheshire?
Yes — most of our residential dogs come from outside Cheshire. Because your dog boards with us, distance is only a factor on drop-off and collection day. We regularly take dogs from Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, London, Scotland and Wales.
How far in advance should I book?
Residential places are strictly limited because we deliberately keep numbers low — every dog gets individual attention. Programmes regularly book out ahead, so contact us as early as you can and we will advise on current availability.
Get on the inside
it all starts here!
We’re sharing pre-release news on upcoming developments, seminars, events, webinars and lots more.
Simply add your name and email below and you’re good to go!