Hi, I’m Mark Skelly
I’m the trainer behind SkellyWAGS Dog Training and the SkellyWAGS School of Scent here in Kent. I started SkellyWAGS in 2019 with a simple aim: to help dogs and their guardians understand one another a little better.
How I approach training
I describe myself as an ethical, reward based dog trainer. For me, that means looking beyond the behaviour we can see and asking what the dog might be communicating. Training should consider the whole dog: their emotions, physical wellbeing, environment, previous experiences and individual personality.
My approach is built around trust, communication and choice. I don’t believe every dog should be trained in exactly the same way or expected to progress at the same speed. Whether I’m helping with a puppy, recall, loose lead walking, reactivity, everyday Life Skills or scentwork, the starting point is always the dog in front of me.
Ethical training isn’t simply about whether something works. It’s about how it works, why it works and what that experience is like for the dog. Results matter, of course, but the dog’s wellbeing must always be part of the result.
Learning together, without judgement
You might be bringing home your first puppy, finding walks difficult or wondering why something that worked last week seems to have disappeared this week. You might simply want to try a new activity together. There is room for all of that at SkellyWAGS.
We begin by looking at your dog, your everyday life and what you would like help with. That helps us choose activities and steps that make sense for you both. Training needs to be practical enough to use beyond a session at the field.
Qualifications and training principles
I’m an assessed and qualified member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, and I’m proud to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter symbol. My work uses positive reinforcement and considers the dog’s wellbeing alongside the skills we are teaching.
Food, toys, play and opportunities to do things a dog enjoys can all have a place in learning. The choices we make depend on the individual dog, how they feel and what we are working towards.
A particular love of scentwork
Through the SkellyWAGS School of Scent, I help dogs and their humans enjoy searching together. Our field, meadow, Scent Shed and straw bale area give us different places to explore and adapt searches.
Scentwork gives us a chance to watch dogs use their noses and make decisions. For the humans, there is plenty to learn about observing, giving space and recognising what our dogs are communicating. Explore scentwork at SkellyWAGS.
And then there’s Bert
Alongside me is Bert, my Border Collie, best friend and occasional quality control manager. He has taught me an enormous amount about patience, communication and the importance of listening to dogs, even when what they’re communicating is that my lunch appears to be unnecessarily far away from them.
Sharing life with a dog brings its own learning, well beyond anything that happens in a planned training session. There is value in the everyday moments too: a sniff, a shared activity or simply spending time together.
A place to find your own starting point
At SkellyWAGS, you won’t be judged, and your dog won’t be expected to be perfect. You’ll find friendly, practical support shaped around real dogs, real people and real life.
Most sessions take place at Waggy Tails Field in Old Romney, Romney Marsh, Kent. You can look around our venue here and read about the different spaces we use.
Whether you’re interested in puppy classes, Life Skills or 1-1 support, we can discuss what might suit your dog.
I also wrote a book which will give you an insight into not only me, but the world of dog training too!
Tell me a little about you and your dog, and we’ll work out where to begin.