ABC for dogs logo
ABC For dogs Logo

Kent Dog Trainer & Dog Behaviourist

Adrian Kollnberger B.A.Hons

Training a Spaniel and German Shepherd

Adrian Kollnberger B.A Hons

 Professional dog trainer and Dog Behaviourist

I am Adrian Kollnberger B.A.Hons, MCFBA and one of the top 3 best rated Kent Dog Trainers and Dog Behaviourists. I have also recently been voted BEST MEDWAY DOG TRAINER 2024

My experience in professional dog training started in 1998 when I became a Police Dog Handler and dog trainer. During my career I have trained and worked general patrol dogs and drugs detection dogs. This gave me the chance to work with a number of different breeds including German Shepherds, Labradors, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers and Spaniels.

With my Patrol dogs I competed in Working Dog Trials to a National level winning trophies in a variety of disciplines.

From this experience I developed my own philosophy towards dog training combining an understanding of dog behaviour and psychology with an open minded attitude to the variety of dog training methods that exist.

In order to further develop the knowledge that I had gained I started a degree course with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training and Middlesex University. In 2012 I completed this degree achieving an award of B.A.Hons in Canine Behaviour and Training.

I have achieved accreditation in:


Training Cocker Spaniel
Police Dog Trainer

With my own dogs I have been successful in training one of the first protected species detection dogs for use in land surveys.


I am a Full member of the Canine and Feline Behavioural Association. I am also a member of The Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Scheme and a member of the Association of Animal Behaviour.

Since starting ABC For Dogs I have helped numerous dogs and their owners with issues ranging from toilet training to severe aggression on a one-to-one basis or in a class.

My
dog obedience training classes are based in the Medway Area of Kent and are 

Kennel club listed. We pride ourselves on running the classes in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. This ethos also carries over into all other aspects of my dog behaviour and training solutions.


Owing to the quality and standard of my training I am recognised by leading Pet insurance companies and Vets to deal with referrals for dog behaviour issues.

A Commitment to You & Your Dog - my dog training and dog behaviour aims

Accessible & Accountable | Transparency
Consent is of utmost importance when it comes to counselling and coaching; I will always endeavour to ensure you're comfortable with my approach, your dog's training plan and every step in the training and behaviour change process and I will always invite your feedback and engagement. I'm committed to using accessible language and methods of teaching and coaching that enable you to understand you dog's behaviour and empower you to change it. I'm always happy to break things down, provide resources that explain or support the methods I'm using and tailor my approach to whatever makes you and your dog most comfortable.

Dog-Friendly, Family-Friendly Training
When it comes to behaviour change we can either use the carrot or the stick— it's really that simple, which makes the choice easy. I'm committed to using modern force free methods, which means my training approach will never involve doing anything that will hurt or scare your dog or cause discomfort to train or change behaviour.I endeavour to use the least invasive and most comfortable method, first and foremost, for achieving or modifying behaviour. I do not use choke,prong, shock or choke collars, flooding, or other aversive training tools/methods.

Scientific Methods | An Evidence-Based Approach
The training methods I utilize are based in applied behaviour analysis, learning theory and scientific knowledge on dog behaviour and how dogs learn. Evidence-based practice means the conscientious use of the best practices available. These treatments are scientifically proven to produce positive results. An evidence-based approach constantly looks at new research and studies and re-evaluates practice based on findings. Depending on your training goals and your dog's presenting challenges I may use any combination of the following methods: positive reinforcement (rewards), negative punishment (time-outs), classical/counterconditioning, desensitization or habituation. Utilizing scientific methods that are backed by research ensures we'll make fabulous progress together— training as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a professional I'm committed to providing you with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills, which is why I'm committed to ongoing education.

Reward-Based | Fun For You & Your Dog
First and foremost I use lots of rewards in training. Dogs are motivated by the things that they enjoy and are interested in, which is primarily food and play as well as socializing, sniffing, walking and investigating. Food happens to be my primary reward because it's the fastest, easiest and most convenient way to reinforce behaviours. Dogs just do what works, particularly whatever is reinforcing for them, and it's our job to make the behaviours we desire from our dogs worth their while by using rewards. When we use rewards to motivate dogs to learn we get enthusiastic and reliable results and a dog who's happy to work with us on tasks that feel relevant to them. Reward-based training is family friendly and it's fun for you and your dog.

Compassionate Care | Coaching You & Your Dog to Success
Communication is key; a large part of dog training is all about making sure that you and your dog feel confident and capable. I take a collaborative, client-centred approach and I'm deeply invested in honing my counselling and teaching skills through countinual CPD. I'm a highly compassionate person and I know how upsetting, frustrating and stressful training challenges can be and I'm here to support you and cheer you on.I understand and value working with you and your dog as a team, which is the most effective way for us all to be successful.


Share by: