Welcome to the website of Acorn Dog Training

- A Training School that is dedicated to building in-depth knowledge of the canine human relationship -

To navigate around this site, please click on the paw marks on the left hand side of the screen.



Important - Before embarking on any training course, or hiring a trainer, please read this article

Acorn Dog Training was set up as a small training club in 1991 by Fran Griffin and has developed from there. We are located in Milton Keynes, which is a new town in the South Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Fran has been training dogs for many years, was one of the founder members of the UK Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and also, until long term illness struck, a member of the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists. Although Fran no longer carries out behaviour work, she has an ongoing interest in animal learning, and obtained a BSc (Hons) in Pschychology to enable her to have more of an understanding of the learning processes involved in training. Fran currently runs puppy training classes, and some Good Citizen Dog Scheme courses.

All classes at Acorn Dog Training are kept small, with a maximum of 6 dogs in each class, which enables us to give advice that directly applies to you and your dog, as there is no such thing as a "one size glove fits all" approach to successful training which you often find in the much larger classes. We pride ourselves on using kind and highly effective training methods, which are scientifically proven and fun for the dog, who is an active part of the learning process, rather than using brute force or bullying to make the dog comply through fear.

Glynis Gammie has owned and lived with dogs for over 35 years. Eight years ago she joined the Anglian Wolf Society as a volunteer trainee handler.

During her training Glynis found herself fascinated with canine behaviour and body language and began to study this in more depth. Subsequently, she has completed several courses in Canine Psychology, gaining a certificate in Advanced Canine Psychology.

In order to gain insight and practical experience with dogs Glynis began working with Fran in November 2004 as a trainee instructor and eventually took her own classes. Glynis is currently taking some time out from running courses due to long term health issues, she is however still available for one to one training sessions, and behaviour consultations. To contact Glynis, please call 01908 562001.

Tracy Smith is also taking over some of Fran's puppy classes. Tracy joined Acorn Dog Training nearly 5 years ago for training and competing her dogs in agility. She had been involved in dog training prior to joining Acorn, and due to her knowledge and understanding very quickly became an assistant trainer to Fran. Tracy has been been very active with one to one training sessions and dealing with some behaviour problems. She has attended workshops, studied training and behaviour, and is also committed to furthering her understanding of the same to a higher level. To contact Tracy please call 01908 561654, or email

(picture of Tracy to follow soon)


Acorn Dog Training is proud to announce that we are being re-joined by Craig Baker.