Don’t Stop Retrievin’

About CHRIS

Veterinary knowledge, practical training and a focus on welfare

I’m Chris Hewison BVetMed MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and dog trainer. I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1995 and have spent my working life helping animals and the people who care for them. Alongside clinical veterinary work, I have a particular interest in canine behaviour, welfare and helping owners build good habits from the start.

Don’t Stop Retrievin’ grew from a simple idea: puppy training should be kind, practical and relevant to the life you want to share with your dog. Classes are reward-based and force-free. We focus on teaching puppies what we would like them to do, making learning worthwhile and helping owners understand the reasons behind the exercises.

I know that puppies are individuals. Some are bold, some are cautious, and all are learning how to live in a human world. The aim is not to compare puppies or expect them to master everything immediately. It is to give each puppy and owner useful foundations, confidence and a plan for continuing at home.

I share life with flatcoated retrievers, so I also appreciate the enthusiasm, sensitivity and exuberance that dogs can bring to everyday life. Whatever your puppy’s breed or mix, the principles remain the same: meet their needs, communicate clearly, reinforce helpful behaviour and make learning a positive experience.

Give your puppy the best possible start

Kind, practical puppy training to help you and your puppy build the skills and confidence you need for everyday life.

Don’t Stop Retrievin’ offers small, supportive classes in Worcestershire, led by a veterinary surgeon and dog trainer.

A good start is about more than ‘sit’

Puppyhood is a chance to build habits that make life together easier.

We work on useful everyday skills, positive experiences and clear communication, while helping you understand how puppies learn and how to support them as they grow.

Training that puts your puppy first

Reward-based and force-free: we teach skills by making the right choices worthwhile.
Small classes: space for questions, individual guidance and learning at a sensible pace.
Practical and realistic: skills for home, walks, visitors and the wider world.
Informed by veterinary experience: welfare and the needs of the individual puppy matter.

Puppy classes at a glance

A six-week course for puppies approximately 12–16 weeks old at the start of the course. Classes currently run on Monday evenings at 7pm at Clows Top Victory Hall, subject to confirmation of the next course dates and available places. The course fee is £125.

There is an opportunity to work towards the Royal Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Assessment. We can also offer an optional online housekeeping/meet-and-greet before the course, so you can ask questions and know what to expect.

Puppy Course

Meet your trainer

I’m Chris Hewison, a veterinary surgeon and dog trainer with a long-standing interest in canine behaviour, welfare and helping people understand their dogs. My aim is to give owners practical, kind guidance they can use in everyday life—not simply a list of exercises to practise in class.

About Us

Ready to get started?

Tell me a little about your puppy and I’ll let you know whether the next course is a good fit.