About Towers Dog Training
Tom Taylor – Owner and head instructor
Although I was born into a house with a Dalmatian, my own first dog came a few years later: an Alsatian/Jack Russell cross(!) called Towser. These were the unenlightened days of dog training, with Barbara Woodhouse beaming into our homes with her choke chains and dominance theory. Towser was dearly loved, but I still shudder when I think about the methods used to train him.
I first began working professionally with dogs as a walker for those not suited to group walks, when a random encounter with a stray lurcher in the middle of a forest (the whole story is way too long to recount here) made me realise that to serve these dogs better, I had to increase my understanding of them.
After lots of research I found the Professional Association of Canine Trainers and became a qualified instructor. At this point, I’d still only planned to do 1 to 1 training (as “Towser’s Training”, a tribute to my first dog), but at the start of 2023 the owner of Towers Dog Training contacted me and asked if I’d like to teach classes. The Towser/Towers coincidence was just too strange to ignore and it was clearly meant to be!
Still wanting to learn as much as possible, I completed a course to become a Canine Behaviour Technician, accredited by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, as well as courses with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, amongst others.
So when, in 2025, the owner of Towers announced his retirement and asked if I wanted to take over the training school, I knew I had the experience and knowledge to give it my best shot.
My overarching vision for Towers is one of empathy, patience, and understanding, using only the kindest, most up-to-date, and science-backed methods for helping dogs and their humans learn and flourish.
Dogs are way too important to deserve anything less.
Towers history:
The training school was founded in 2014 by Dave Tapper who spent 10 successful years as the owner and head trainer. He grew the business into a well-respected and popular resource for people seeking help with their dogs throughout Kent, and is now enjoying a well-earned retirement in the South-West.
Scent Training
Handlers are taught to use clickers to mark the behaviours that they want to reward. We teach how dogs use their nose and what factors can affect the scent. Search techniques will be used in various scenarios as both the dog’s and handlers skills develop.
Whilst your dog is working you see them become totally engrossed in their search. We have found that fearful dogs actually can gain confidence by working and succeeding.
All of our lessons are one-hour duration and the courses comprise six lessons. Owners will be expected to carry on the training in their own time to develop the skills to progress in the course.
Sniffer Academy Courses
Towers Dog Training offer a set of scentwork courses designed to engage dogs and owners regardless of their level. Click a course and get in touch to discuss how we can help.
Sniffer Novice
Sniffer Improver
