Working Dog Sport Training

Ideal for Working Dog Enthusiasts

Training working dogs is our specialty at Vislor Dog Training Centre, and our Working Dog Training Packages are ideal for any of the following:

  • Beginners coming into dog sport (building confidence and foundation work)
  • Trainers who want help with a specific problem e.g. working on the ‘out’, tracking, heel work etc.
  • Competitors wanting extra training for an upcoming trial
  • Trainers who want to try a new training method
  • Working with young working dogs or puppies
  • Getting your dog more controlled and focussed
  • Security/Service dog handlers wanting to improve their protection work

We offer training with anything from young puppies to adult dogs in any aspect of Tracking, Obedience and Protection as well as helping handlers attain better general control of their dogs and developing drives to their maximum potential.

Read reviews below from other working dog enthusiasts that have already trained with us.

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£ 50

ONE-TO-ONE PRIVATE WORKING DOG TRAINING PER HOUR WEEKDAYS

A 50% surcharge will apply for evening or weekend bookings, to be quoted upon enquiry.

Get Started

We can help with almost any working dog in almost any dog sport or service.

Travis Foster - Vislor Head Trainer

Travis Foster has been an IPO/Schutzhund dog trainer and helper for over 20 years, training dogs every day, participating in Dog Sport both in the UK and abroad. He’s achieved 1st Place at the 2012 Team GB WUSV IPO World Championship Selection Trial, the highest ever recorded Obedience score (98/100) at the 2011 UK National Schutzhund Championships as well as ‘Best in Protection’ (94/100) with a dog he has owned and trained from 7 weeks of age, Vongalanberg Kai Kkl. 1 SchH 3 AD.

Travis trains all of his own Working GSD’s from puppies and has qualified IPO/Schutzhund 3 with 4 dogs. As well as training and competing in Dog Sport he has worked as a NTIPDU Qualified Security Dog Handler and Consultant to UK Police Dog Handlers in various forces. We have excellent private training facilities and permission from local farmers to use their fields for tracking providing an excellent opportunity to train with a tracking expert who has almost always achieved excellent scores (96 to 100) with every dog he has competed with in Schutzhund.

Travis in Competition

Vongalanberg Kai and Travis Foster of Great Britain Protection Round at the WUSV IPO World Championships in Steyr, Austria, 2012.

Notspol Gilly and Travis Foster IPO 3 Obedience.

ALL VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Vislor Training Options

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ONE-TO-ONE TRAINING

No need for months of attending group sessions. We teach you how to train your dog.

Improve your dog's obedience
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Residential Dog Training

Our 3 week intensive residential dog training programme - we train your dog for you.

Intensive residential dog training.
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Puppy training advice

Our initial 1 hour consultation offers a sold foundation for training your new puppy.

Need advice about your new puppy?

Working Dog Sport Training Reviews

Dan Parsons & Grace (GSD)

Dan Parsons & his Germa Shepherd Grace
I would highly recommend Travis and his training methodology. Professional, passionate and friendly - a true expert. I travel 2.5hrs each way to work with Travis, time and money well spent. IPG is a new sport form and am looking forward to progressing with the training. Each time I come, I leave enthused, and looking forward to the next session! Highly recommended!

Anthony White & Solar (GSD)

Andy White & Solar German Shepherd Dog

My wife and i first came across Vislor Dog Training during 2015 whilst on the search for a new GSD following the passing of our last. Following Trav's and Lorraine's advice we patiently waited for the correct mating to take place and in the Spring of 2016 our new GSD puppy was born.

In the interim of our puppy being born we embarked on a handful of lessons with Trav to help iron out some outstanding issues with one of our agility dogs and it was abundantly clear that Trav was definitely more than just your average dog trainer (of which there are many)!!!

Trav has since helped with the training and progression of our GSD who is currently at BH level and is awaiting for the next possible trial to undertake his IGP1 assessment. Trav has a very calm manner that is coupled with a wealth of knowledge and experience which he is more than willing to share and pass on. Trav trains YOU to get the very best out of your dog as opposed to simply training the dog for the individual(s).

Since our involvement with Vislor, while my wife handles our GSD for the IGP sport more recently I have taken the first steps to being trained as a helper in order to help out at our IGP club, again under the guidance of Trav and alongside Mo & Tom, who are also part of Vislor Dog Training and also have the great under pinning knowledge required for such a sport.

A special mention must also go to Lorraine who works tirelessly for Vislor, is always incredibly efficient to accommodate any lesson bookings and/or general queries you may have which in turn only adds to the first class service provided by Vislor Dog Training all round.

Would we recommend Vislor Dog Training? Absolutely, why settle for the rest when you can have the best!!

James Dobernut

Jame being trained with his Doberman at Vislor Dog Training Center
I went to see Travis for him to help me with my obedience and take it to the next level. He was very polite and very knowledgeable he is also adaptable with the dog and owner he has infront of him and I feel he can get the best out of any dog and there owner. I would highly recommend him 😃

Jay Peake recommends Vislor Dog Training

Grandson of Kai now in Australian Police Force
I first met the team from Vislor in 2011. I was blown away by the professionalism and care they showed towards me. Clearly they were dedicated to their dogs and the craft of Dog training. We arranged an export of Vongalanberg Kai semen to Australia. A time consuming and detailed process. To me everything was handled expertly. Since then I have regarded my friendship with team Vislor highly and there's not anything I wouldn't do to reciprocate their kindness towards me and my family. As an ex Royal Australian Air Force Military Working Dog Handler I feel I have been privileged to have worked with the team at Vislor and I have every faith in recommending them and their business operations. You don't just get knowledge but you get passion. You get family. Thank you to Lorraine and Travis. Epic level people. Love from my family to yours.

Mike Skelton & Suzie

mike with his dog suzie
Trav is an expert on dog training and I wholeheartedly recommend him. He’s also a great guy who will help YOU learn to improve your training. Trav has been training me for 18 months and we’ve seen fantastic improvements in our energetic working German Shepherd’s behaviour, temperament and willingness to train as well as my understanding of dog psychology. We’ve since joined Team Marches club which has been fantastic. Today we passed the foundation step in the sport of IGP (formerly IPO, Schutzhund), the BH. None of this would have been possible without Trav and his wife Lorraine’s support as well as our friends at Team Marches club and we are very grateful. If our dog Suzie could speak, she’d say woof in thanks; she’s a lot happier thanks to Trav’s training, as are we.

Mark – Private IPO Lessons

1 to 1 training with Trav has proved invaluable to clearly establishing the foundations of the sport in me as a handler as much as my dog. In essence learning and understanding more in 2 months than 2 years attending a club, and gaining greater confidence. Trav practices what he preaches and demonstrates each phase of training with his own puppy, or different adult dogs. Both handler and dog have to work hard during the training sessions resulting in training plateaus being broken with both dog and handler visibly progressing, the hard work really does pay off. Cannot recommend Trav’s training enough, its changed my outlook and enjoyment of the sport.

Jon Gardner, Insync K9, Leicestershire – Private IPO Lessons

I have been involved professionally in the training of service Patrol and Search dogs for 20 years and have over 11000 documented training delivery hours. I have found my 1 to 1 IPO training sessions with Trav to be highly informative and have produced big improvements in the performance and standard of my GSD across many areas. I have been impressed with his knowledge and passion for training dogs across differing areas and disciplines. I highly recommend him.

Ben Kendry – Professional Security Dog Training

I came to see Travis because I was looking for someone who would be able to get the most out of my dog. Not only did I find this but also someone who is able to communicate with the handler and explain exactly what he is doing and why. My questions are answered thoroughly and honestly, which I feel is important when coming to someone for training. I have felt very welcome from day one, and not like someone who is just passing through for training. I very much look forward to training with Vislor in the future!

Update July 2020 ...

Hello Travis, Lorraine & Ash,

Blimey its been ages, alot has happened since. Thank you for keeping my testimonial on the website, it means a lot. I've thought about you plenty, and wondered what your new setup looks like! I've helped a few people as a pet dog trainer, which so far is surprisingly easy given that these dogs are not bred for work. The last family were gobsmacked with how quick things progressed. I hope that you are all ok, the website and vids are fantastic. I know I'll see you again, until then I'm very grateful for spending the time I did with you, because I really did learn a lot

Best Wishes

Ben

Lewis Hartley – Pro-Active Dog Training, Leeds Private IPO Lessons

I have been actively involved in the sport of IPO for some time now and currently own one of Vislor's own bred dogs Vislor Bulmer. I have been down to see Travis on many occasions for his opinion on certain aspects of the training which I felt I was needing advice about. I have found you get to a certain level in this sport, and you need guidance to make that next step to achieving greater things. What convinced me that Travis was the man I wanted opinions from, was his superb track record. Many can talk the talk, but often seem to fall short at walking the walk. I have been seeking advice from Trav for our preparation for the upcoming trials, just some pointers to tweak the work and it's been very valuable for me to gain that extra knowledge in ensuring we can reach optimal performance when it really matters. I have seen many different trainers in the UK and abroad and for me I put Travis amongst the very best I've trained with. I would highly recommend spending any time with him as it would definitely be worth your while. I look forward to working more with Travis in the future.

Anonymous – Private IPO Lessons

Hi Lorraine, I would like to say that I had a great time training with Travis. I arrived at a securely fenced field, to be met by Travis with a smile. We sat and had a chat about what it was that I was trying to achieve with my training. He explained his training methods and watched as I put my dogs through their paces. After putting my dogs back in the car we talked though what he saw and how I could improve my training and handling. I then got my dogs out individually and we went though some new training techniques to help with a few problems we were having. I would like say a big thank you to Travis for your help, advice and perhaps the swift kick in the pants regarding my handling hahaha...... Cheers all I need to do now is put it into practice, and as you so rightly said you only get out what you put in. Some homework to do now. Looking forward to my next visit Cheers Suze and the gang.

Paul Mcknight – Private IPO Lessons

Hi Lorraine, Travis and Ashley, After beating the arrival of snow fall and arriving home safely but shattered both Zuke and I were still full of adrenaline from the past two days training at Vislor and it took a few hours to calm down. A big thank you to you all, especially Travis and Ashley for there dedication, vast Knowledge, professional approach and good understanding of dog psychology and knowing exactly what I wanted to acheive from my two day training session at Vislor (RECALL) which was acheived. You made both Zuke and I feel so welcome and went out of your way to ensure we understood each and every step of what you were suggesting, recommending, advising and teaching in order for the both of us to acheive our goal. The Training standard at Vislor is the best I have ever come across before, (world class standard) both Zuke and I learned and understood more about each other in the two days we attended than either of us have in the previous short 16 months we have been together. Both Zuke and I will be training each and every day the techniques you have shown us in order that we will acheive the standard required to start on the ladder of IPO and we cant wait to return to Vislor and show you our improvements very soon. We will be making the phone call and confirming a date to return in the near future, but until then once again a big thank you.

Mary Wellwood – Private IPO Lesson

I'd like to Thank all at Vislor training centre for their Hospitality!! Having arrived with my 10 month male & after refreshments it was straight down to discussing of what I hope to achieve with my young male & the theory of their training methods , Travis & Ashley were excellent at explaining in layman's terms to help me understand and going onto show me various training stages some of their pups/young dogs are at. I was really impressed with what was achieved with my young dog after only one short session. And very much looking forward to our next training session with Travis & Ashley and I'm very excited for the future training of my young dog. Very impressive training facilities, coupled with Travis's knowledge made the 8+hr journey there & back well worth it!! Thank you & see you all soon!

Emily Copp – Vet & Gaskellpark Gundogs Competitive Obedience

I came to Travis and Ashley after an extensive search for a responsible breeder of working GSDs with a good knowledge of IPO in order to get a the best start in training a pup with a healthy chance of doing well in the sport, which the Vislor Kennels are more than qualified for! I don’t think I could have found anyone better in fact. I really enjoyed having a look around the kennels and how the dogs are trained and looked after. Travis, Ashley and Lorraine were very welcoming and gave up alot of their time to make sure they were able to help me find what I was looking for. The dogs they own, train and breed are stunning examples of the breed. I feel so lucky to be on the waiting list for a pup and can’t wait to start training for competition with them! Counting down the days, until I can meet my very own Vislor pup!

Tony Cronin (MBIPDT) Woodland Boarding & Training Kennels Private IPO Lessons

I visited Travis Foster and the Vislor team to meet them all and to have my recent Dutch import german shepherd male “Mack Vom Haus Valkenplatz” assessed for training in Schutzhund sport. I was very impressed with the standard of the dogs and their facilities and everything was done on a very professional basis. I was instantly put at ease when arriving and was made to feel part of the group straight away. I am sure “Team Vislor” will grow from strength to strength, I wish them all the best in their future.

Jay and Rush – Working GSD Puppy Training

I would just like to thank Travis and Ashley for the lesson they gave me and my 1 year old german shepherd. After our session at the Vislor Dog Training Centre it really made a difference. The way Trav and Ash explain their methods of training is very simple and I can’t wait until my next lesson. I would recommend anyone who needs help to give them a ring – you will not be disappointed.

Hugh Simpson – Family Protection Dog Training

It is a pleasure Ash, I am genuinely pleased with the work you did so I decided to share!! I really just wanted for everyone to see your great work.

Mark Rowe

mark on beach with his dog vislor falko
We bought a pup from Travis and Lorraine to compete in the dog sport of IPO (now IGP) in early 2017. The pup is a year old now and we couldn't have asked for a better dog. He's confident outgoing and friendly, a good looker too, and for the sport he is all I could have asked for. In regard to Travis and Lorraine, they are fantastic to deal with, kept us informed on the litter in their first few weeks and readily answered any questions we had. If you are thinking of a pup from Vislor you can be rest assured that a lot of thinking has gone into the breeding of the pups and they only use top quality world class dogs as the Sire and Dam.