Dog trainer in Amsterdam, Utrecht & North Holland

A calm dog in a new city.

Training at your home, in English, Dutch or Portuguese.

It all starts when they look up at you.

Science-based training for puppies, reactivity and anxiety. One trainer, at your home, until it works.

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Dog trainer in Amsterdam, Utrecht & North Holland

It all starts when they look up at you.

Science-based dog training at your home. Amsterdam, Utrecht and North Holland.

Message on WhatsAppSee services
What you're living with

New country. New rules. Same dog, suddenly struggling.

Moving is hard on dogs too. These are the four things families tell me most in their first months here.

01

Lunging on the leash

Every bike and every dog on the canal path sets them off. Walks have become something you dread.

02

Alone in a small apartment

Barking or howling when you leave, and a note from the neighbours under the door.

03

A puppy in a city of bikes

Toilet training on the fourth floor, trams, crowds, and nobody to ask in your language.

04

Rules you don't know yet

Where can they run off leash? What do Dutch neighbours expect? You want to get it right from day one.

How it works

Four steps. No shortcuts, no force.

Every plan is built on behavioural science: positive reinforcement, clear communication and respect for how your dog feels.

  1. Black and white Chihuahua mix in a harness lying calmly at its owner’s feet during a home training session
    01

    Listen

    A first call to understand your dog, your home and what you want to change.

  2. Bernese Mountain Dog sitting on a loose leash and looking up at the trainer
    02

    Observe

    I visit and watch your dog where the problem happens: at home or on your street.

  3. Dog trainer João holding a ball while a group of dogs waits calmly for his cue in a fenced dog park
    03

    Train

    Short, clear sessions with you and your dog together. You learn the why, not just the how.

  4. Happy Golden Retriever sitting on a herringbone floor at home, looking up at the trainer
    04

    Keep

    A written plan, check-ins on WhatsApp and adjustments until it sticks.

Real clients, photographed during sessions.

Try it

Good training earns attention. It never forces it.

Press and hold the circle. Watch what a little patience does.

  • 01

    Calm

    Stress drops when your dog knows what you expect.

  • 02

    Focus

    They check in with you, even with bikes and dogs around.

  • 03

    Trust

    They follow you because they want to.

Reviews

Families who started exactly where you are.

★★★★★
“Working with João has been amazing! I feel much more confident on how to handle my pup. I see her progress with reactivity on the leash and at home and I can honestly say it's been such a relief! João is super patient, knowledgeable, kind and loving. I def feel my pup and I are in good hands.”
Nevean Khalil · Google review
Small grey Shih Tzu mix sitting on the pavement on a loose leash, looking up at the trainer
★★★★★

Foi maravilhosa a experiência que minha cadela teve com o adestramento do João! Ela teve uma evolução incrível e hoje sem dúvidas é uma cachorra muito mais tranquila e menos ansiosa! Obrigada João.

Translated: My dog had a wonderful experience training with João! She improved incredibly and today she is without a doubt a much calmer, less anxious dog! Thank you, João.
Bruna Almeida · Google review
★★★★★

Wonderful and dedicated service. Very well attended, fast, and the people were super friendly. Trustworthy.

Sam Halatik · Google review
★★★★★

Um ótimo serviço! Cuidado maravilhoso dos cães, com responsabilidade, respeito e atenção.

Translated: A great service! Wonderful care for the dogs, with responsibility, respect and attention.
Laura Martins · Google review
★★★★★

Me ajudou muito com meu cão.

Translated: He helped me a lot with my dog.
Carlos Gutierrez · Google review
★★★★★

Ótimo profissional! O tempo em que trabalhei junto com ele, vi o zelo e carinho que ele tem pelos…

Translated: A great professional! In the time I worked alongside him, I saw the care and affection he has for…
Bruna Machado · Google review
★★★★★

Ele é o melhor, tratamento diferenciado!

Translated: He is the best, a truly personal service!
Rafael Reis · Google review
★★★★★

Bom atendimento. Resolveram meu problema bem rápido.

Translated: Good service. They solved my problem very quickly.
Janio Souza · Google review
★★★★★

Sempre prestando um serviço rápido e de qualidade.

Translated: Always fast, quality service.
Jessica Bruneli · Google review
★★★★★

Excelente.

Translated: Excellent.
Julio Rodrigues · Google review

Real clients, photographed during sessions.

  • Five dogs, two Australian Cattle Dogs, a Beagle, a mixed breed and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, waiting calmly together
  • Black Labrador sitting and giving the trainer full attention
  • Two long-haired Dachshunds in hot dog costumes, calm on a leash
  • A Cocker Spaniel and two Beagles sitting side by side on a couch, holding a stay
  • Fluffy white puppy and a young mixed-breed dog looking up at the trainer
  • Wire-haired Dachshund mix lying calmly on a wooden floor, looking up
  • Three Dobermans walking together on leash, seen from the trainer’s point of view
  • Small grey Shih Tzu mix at home, looking up at the trainer
  • Two rescue dogs, Mali and Bu, sitting side by side in their dining room and waiting for the next cue
  • James, a black Labrador puppy, sitting nicely during puppy training at home
Services

One trainer, from first call to calm dog.

Every programme starts with a free conversation and is adapted to your dog. The price depends on the plan and the distance, so you get a clear quote before we start.

01

Behaviour consultation

The best place to start. A full assessment at home and a clear plan.

Price on requestquote after a free call
 02

Puppy start

Toilet training, biting, alone time and first walks in a busy city.

Price on requestquote after a free call
 03

City manners

Loose-leash walking, recall and calm in cafés, trains and on the street.

Price on requestquote after a free call
 04

Behaviour change

Jumping, barking, guarding, destroying things. We find the cause, then change it.

Price on requestquote after a free call
 05

Reactivity

Lunging and barking at dogs, bikes or people. Walks you can enjoy again.

Price on requestquote after a free call
 06

Anxiety

Separation anxiety, fear of noises and New Year fireworks, fear of people.

Price on requestquote after a free call
Questions

Before you message.

Do you come to my home?
Yes, I always come to you. Sessions happen where the problem happens: your home, your street, your park. I cover everywhere within 40 km of Bussum, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Hilversum, Almere, Amstelveen, Haarlem, Amersfoort and the towns of Het Gooi.
Which languages do you work in?
English, Dutch and Portuguese. The whole family can follow along, kids included.
Do you use punishment, prong collars or e-collars?
No. Research shows aversive tools raise stress and do not train better than rewards. I use positive reinforcement and clear structure.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on the goal. Puppy foundations often take 3 to 4 sessions. Reactivity and anxiety usually need a longer plan. You get an honest estimate after the first assessment.
My dog is older. Is it too late?
No. Dogs keep learning their whole life. We adapt the pace to their age and health.
What happens after I send a WhatsApp?
I reply personally, ask a few questions about your dog, and we book the first visit at a time that suits you.

Let's start with one look.

Tell me about your dog on WhatsApp. No forms, no call centre. You talk to me.

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