My Journey

Head trainer at JPM Dog Training Glasgow sharing a focused moment of connection with his own dog Scoop on the beach.

Hi, I'm John Paul and this is Scoop

17 Years Experience. Fully Accredited (MAPDT 01366).
Real -World Solutions.

I know choosing a trainer is stressful. At the back of your mind, you are probably already blaming yourself—just waiting for someone to judge you and tell you it's all your fault.

Well, let me address that one immediately: No, I won't.

It’s not because you haven't made mistakes—we all do. It’s not that you aren't trying your best—we all try our best. It’s simply because judgement doesn't do anything to help.

Your other questions might be more straightforward:

"Will I see results?" Yes, if you put in the work.
"Is this trainer actually any good?" 17 years of professional experience would suggest I know my stuff.

My Professional Background

I have been working with dogs full-time for 17 years.

My career has taken me from the kennels to the classroom. Most recently, I spent the last 6 years leading the team at Dogs Trust Glasgow Dog School, delivering training to thousands of owners across the city.

That experience taught me one crucial thing: generic advice doesn't work. You need solutions that fit your life, not just a textbook.

How I Got Started (The Real Story)

As with many other trainers, my introduction to dog training wasn’t straightforward. Coming from a big family in the 1980s, I didn't grow up around dogs—we simply didn't have the space or the time.

That changed in 2001 when I met my partner, Sarah. As a Vet Nurse, her incredible love for animals meant our home soon became a sanctuary.

Over the last 25 years, our home hasn't just been for dogs. We have shared our home with 2 young sons, seven cats (currently Maverick and Goose) and two Terrapins who are now around 30 years old!

Learning to manage a multi-species household was fulfilling. However, I quickly realised that just loving them wasn't enough.

I have lived the full dog-owning journey many times over, often taking on dogs that others couldn't manage. I have also fostered several dogs on a short-term basis, ranging from litters of pups to older dogs who struggled within the kennel environment.

My own dogs taught me the most:

Amy (Lurcher): Our first rescue, who arrived with a broken leg and needed careful recovery.

Branston (Crossbreed): A 6-month-old pup who had already been passed from "pillar to post" through several families before landing with us.

Tyson (Dogue de Bordeaux): A sensitive case who arrived fresh out of a half-body cast, requiring a lifetime of physical rehab.

Cuddles (Toy Poodle): We took him in at 13 years old. We helped him navigate the world comfortably even after he lost his sight and teeth to ill health.

Today, I share my life with Scoop (Lab Cross), who is now seven.

I tell you this because I know what you are going through. I know the chaos of a busy family home, the balancing act of raising kids alongside pets, and trying to meet all of their needs.

The Turning Point came with Branston and Amy. We tried the advice from the popular "made-for-TV" dog shows of the time, but the methods just didn't work for our dogs. More importantly, what they said to do didn't feel right to me.

We tried local classes, but found them busy, noisy, and often using a "one size fits all" approach that led to stressed-out owners. My dogs had their own specific challenges, and I knew I had to develop my own understanding of behaviour to give them the life they deserved.

Turning Professional

I applied for a role at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in 2009, originally starting in the kennels as a canine carer.

I worked my way through various roles until becoming Head Coach, all with one aim: to master the knowledge of different breeds and temperaments so I could improve the lives of the dogs I owned, and those I would go on to help. I left that role in September 2025 to run JPM Dog training full time.

I don't just rely on experience; I believe in backing it up with science. I undertook a qualification in Companion Animal Welfare and Behavioural Rehabilitation at Bristol University and continue with further studies to keep my methods up to date.

My Accreditations:

Full Member: Association of Pet Dog Trainers (MAPDT UK 01366)
Registered Instructor: Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

As I've gained experience since owning my first dog 25 years ago, my aim has evolved. Today, it is about making the lives of dogs better by making their owners' lives better—helping you build your confidence and skills so you can train your dog in a way that is kind, fun, and effective.