The presenter of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly has faced criticism from fellow dog trainers over his methods and the use of outside specialists on the programme. Its production company has defended his work and disputed the claims.
Television dog trainer Graeme Hall has faced renewed scrutiny of his training methods while appearing as a contestant on the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Hall, widely known as The Dogfather, presents Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, which follows him as he works with owners experiencing problems with their dogs’ behaviour.
A report published by the Daily Mail on 9 October 2026 includes criticism from several dog-training professionals who question aspects of his approach. It also describes approaches made to outside specialists by people working on the programme.
The production company behind the series, Avalon, has defended Hall’s experience and rejected suggestions that other trainers develop the techniques used on the show.
What concerns have been raised about Graeme Hall’s dog training?
According to the Daily Mail, some trainers believe methods used on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly are inconsistent with modern reward-based approaches to dog training.
The report revisits criticism of a 2022 episode featuring an eight-year-old Labrador named Ruby. Some viewers questioned whether the dog’s reluctance to move from a sofa or continue walking might have indicated pain or another medical concern.
The report does not establish that Ruby had an underlying medical condition, and the concerns remain interpretations of behaviour shown on television.
Hall describes himself as a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. Some professionals quoted in the report questioned his training approach and the significance of that designation.
The criticisms are the views of the individuals quoted. They are not findings by a veterinary regulator or professional disciplinary body.
Dog trainers describe approaches from the programme
The Daily Mail also reported accounts from three dog-training professionals who said they had been approached by people working on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
Essex-based trainer Gary Pomroy said he was contacted about assessing a Dogue de Bordeaux displaying barking-related behaviour. He told the newspaper he declined to participate after speaking with the production crew.
Cornwall-based trainer Cheryl Marney described receiving an invitation in August 2024 to appear during filming as a heelwork specialist.
Lancashire trainer Marcia Ashworth said she had also been approached about helping with a dog that reacted to a telephone ringtone.
Their accounts raised questions about how outside expertise is sought and used during production.
What has the production company said?
Avalon, the company behind Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, disputed suggestions that other trainers are responsible for developing Hall’s training techniques.
In a statement provided to the Daily Mail, Avalon said Hall had more than 15 years’ experience and had successfully trained thousands of dogs.
The company maintained that methods used on the programme are developed or selected by Hall for the individual dogs involved.
It said specialists invited to appear on screen help viewers understand particular aspects of dog training, rather than provide the techniques attributed to Hall.
Avalon’s response disputes the claims about the programme’s use of outside training expertise.
What does current UK guidance say about dog-training methods?
UK government guidance and animal welfare organisations increasingly emphasise reward-based training and the importance of protecting dogs from fear, pain and unnecessary distress.
In its Animal Welfare Strategy for England, published in December 2025, Defra states that positive reward-based training is widely regarded as the preferred method of dog training. The strategy also raises concerns about the potential welfare effects of electronic shock collars.
The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter sets voluntary professional standards for training and behaviour organisations. Its code requires member organisations to support force-free, positive reinforcement-based methods and prohibits aversive equipment, including prong collars, choke chains and electronic shock collars.
Dogs Trust also recommends positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding behaviour a dog is encouraged to repeat, using food, toys, praise or other rewards the individual dog enjoys.
The charity explains that reward-based training can help build dogs’ confidence, encourage learning and strengthen the relationship between dogs and their owners.
These recommendations set out wider principles for dog training and welfare. They are not findings about Graeme Hall or the methods used on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly.
Why choosing a dog trainer matters
Dog owners looking for professional help may encounter a wide range of training approaches, qualifications and professional titles.
In the UK, dog training is not subject to a single statutory licensing system covering everyone who offers training services.
Owners can ask prospective trainers about their education, experience, methods and approach to canine welfare before booking.
It is also reasonable to ask how a trainer responds when a dog appears frightened, overwhelmed or uncomfortable, and whether they recommend veterinary involvement when a medical issue may be contributing to behaviour.
The criticism surrounding Hall’s programme has brought these wider questions about training methods and professional standards back into public discussion.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Graeme Hall facing criticism?
Several dog-training professionals quoted by the Daily Mail have criticised aspects of Hall’s methods. The newspaper also reported accounts from trainers who said they had been approached by people working on his television programme. Avalon has defended Hall and disputed suggestions that outside trainers develop his techniques.
Has Graeme Hall been found to have harmed dogs?
The reporting discussed here does not establish that Hall harmed a dog or identify a formal regulatory finding against him. The concerns described are criticisms and allegations that must be distinguished from proven findings.
What is reward-based dog training?
Reward-based training encourages desired behaviour by using things the dog finds rewarding, such as food, play or access to an activity. The approach also considers the dog’s emotional state and the reasons behind its behaviour.
What are aversive dog-training methods?
Aversive methods use something a dog finds unpleasant to discourage behaviour. Depending on the technique, this can involve physical discomfort, intimidation or fear. AVSAB advises against aversive methods and recommends reward-based approaches.
Can a dog’s behaviour be caused by pain?
Yes. Pain, illness and other medical problems can contribute to changes in behaviour. A dog that suddenly becomes reluctant to move, reacts defensively to handling or behaves differently from usual may need veterinary assessment.
Are dog trainers required to hold qualifications in the UK?
There is no single statutory licence required for everyone offering dog-training services in the UK. Owners can check a trainer’s education, professional development, practical experience and methods before deciding who to work with.
How can I find a reward-based dog trainer?
Ask prospective trainers to explain their methods, how they manage fearful or distressed dogs, and whether they use physical corrections or aversive equipment. You can also explore dog-training professionals through Yappily, the ethical dog care directory.
Choosing a dog trainer? Know the red flags.
From aversive equipment and dominance-based language to promises of quick fixes, there are warning signs dog owners should know before booking a trainer.
Yappily’s own guide explains what to watch out for, which questions to ask and why reward-based methods matter.
Read Yappily’s guide: How to Choose a Dog Trainer or Behaviourist – Red Flags to Avoid
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Looking for a trainer who uses reward-based methods rather than fear, intimidation or aversive techniques? Yappily is the ethical dog care directory, helping dog owners find professionals committed to kind, welfare-focused training.
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