We train people who would like to learn how to work with the natural skills that their dogs have.

Dogtaggs

Dogtaggs is based on green and leafy Verity Farm in South Dorset near to Dorchester. The farm is an orchard of over five hundred walnut trees growing on fifty acres of gently rolling countryside. We can welcome dogs and their people who prefer plenty of space in order to flourish and feel comfortable. The orchards are home to our beautiful poll Dorset sheep who live here to help us with our traditional sheep herding programme. Our team also includes two working shepherd dogs who not only help with managing the flock but are important members of our teaching team. They can expertly help people learn about handling skills for tracking. They also have great fun participating in lighthearted tracking activities with our corporate clients.

At Dogtaggs we train people

We train people who would like to learn how to work with the natural skills that their dogs have. We offer activities involving tracking, searching, and traditional herding (with or without sheep). Whether you are new to these activities or more advanced and seeking progression, whether your interest is recreational or professional, we can accommodate your training and development.

Come and join us if you would like to learn how to work with your dogs exceptional natural olfactory and environmental skills . Discover tracking as a means to fulfilment of mental and physical exercise for your dog. Discover herding games workshops (no sheep involved) to deepen and develop the relationship you have with your dog.

Proud Member of

Corporate Clients

We welcome Corporate clients enjoying memorable and unique employee activities. Small groups are welcomed to try the unique experience of tracking with professional tracking dogs. Experience the thrill of being taken to recover one of your ‘lost’ colleagues by one of our friendly and highly skilled tracking dogs. And experience being found by a professional tracking dog as they bring your colleagues to find you. From simple break-out activities to skilfully facilitated team building exercises, you choose.

Come along and enjoy your visit in beautiful rural environment with clean modern facilities.

Our Reviews

     Excellent  
     Based on 32 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   meg o'kelly 
 16 April 2024
 
 
  What a day! This was a game changer, I have done a lot of tracking with different dogs over many years but recently was having some issues with my present tracking dog, the day with Dogtaggs changed this, great instructor, patient, understood my dog so well, helped me with handling, lovely, helpful people on the course, I look forward to attending again asap.
  
 
       
   Ann Soullier 
 12 April 2024
 
 
  Tracking in a VTP group allows me to learn how my dog is operating in the environment. If I pay attention we can communicate in the tracking endeavour and the result is chemically rewarding, especially for the dog!  Guided by Pat we support one another as we accept new challenges and develop our skills.  Plenty of fun and laughter along the way.  Highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Pippa Bentham 
 11 April 2024
 
 
  I first met Pat probably 20 years ago through working trials at which we both competed, tracklaying and generally helping out. Since then I’ve been on several tracking courses with Dogtaggs which have been all excellent as well as great fun, the locations we’ve been to have been varied and challenging, Pat’s approach to tracking is refreshing as it promotes a real understanding from the handler of what’s going on and more importantly for me, how to not interfere with the dog and let it get on with what it knows far better than me, that is following the track.
I’ve also attended shepard school for a couple of years, what a revelation this has been, wow is all I can say, what I have learnt in shep school has stood me in good stead in everyday life with my 3 collies, mum and 2 of her lockdown pups who had the most amazing fortune to attend phenomenal puppy classes with Pat and Jo. The experience set them up perfectly to cope with pretty much anything that comes their way in a calm thoughtful manner.
Dogtaggs training can be challenging but you’ll always receive full support from Pat and fellow participants, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the farm, learnt loads, met some wonderful people and had lots of laughs. Thank you Dogtaggs.
  
 
       
   Claire White-French 
 12 April 2022
 
 
  If you have been searching for a different way to interact with your dog that is meaningful, and  deeply rewarding then shepherd school is the answer. It will challenge how you behave with your dog and best of all they will love it.  I have been attending shepherd school since the beginning and thoroughly recommend it.
  
 
       
   J 
 12 April 2022
 
 
  Absolutely amazing place. So much to think about and consider. Pat has such a wealth of knowledge and her courses offer a very different learning environment to any I've come across before. So supportive and encouraging and that is right through the group. If you're open to trying something new (or old depending on your perspective), this is absolutely the place to go. Genuinely potentially life changing for me and my dog.
  
 
       
   Hazel Picken 
 27 October 2020
 
 
  Have just completed a 2day foundation tracking course with my excitable 6yr old Jack Russell.
Never known him so calm and he absolutely loved working the courses.Can,t thank you enough Pat for all the info and enjoyable 2days.Will definitely be booking future training with you.
  
 
       
   Karen Elliott 
 5 September 2020
 
 
  I have a found Pat Tagg and I am delighted. I took my taster tracking course with Dog Tagg’s a few days ago and It was so interesting. I have not tracked with my GSD Finley. We do play hunting/sniffing games. Tracking is more fun. I really appreciated how I had to get out of the way to allow my dog to be the expert he is. Let your dog use his superpowers get them on this course.

I am a better more informed more interesting dog owner now.

A few of the best hours training I have experienced and I will be back very soon.
  
 
       
   Belinda Fellows 
 15 January 2020
 
 
  Phew, home again. After another great day doing VTP.
I love Pat's, just moving the handling challenge "that much"  With fab, supportive coaching, the dogs tracked brilliantly. All track layers were found, to dog & handlers glee. Thanks again to my team mates for such positive support (and laughs & sarcasm)
Am well tiered and grubby but would go back tmrw if I could.
  
 
       
   Samantha Spearing 
 15 January 2020
 
 
  So we have a gorgeous 2 year old giant schnauzer. They are notoriously difficult to train because they take a longer than usual time to mature and I was determined to find that one thing that our boy really enjoyed.

In two years I think we've tried it all but to name just a few - agility (he dismantled the jumps and ran off with the poles), obedience (he went and sat on the sofa with the trainer to watch the class), recall lessons (he took off round the field chasing a lurcher like a lunatic and then submerged himself in a water trough to cool off). I always got the feeling he was a little bit bored so was creating his own entertainment!

And then we were introduced to Pat at Dogtaggs and have since attended tracking workshops, herding workshops and Shepherd School. For the first time Benson can just be himself, no 'controlling' him and no making him conform to the rules of that particular class or event. In fact all the learning is done by me and it's an absolute revelation. Every thing you learn at Dogtaggs can be used in your every day life with your dog and you develop the most amazing relationship with your dog which is actually quite emotional at times! And best of all Benson is happy and relaxed as if he's really content with his life so what more could I ask.

Pat gives you so much of her time and willingly shares her knowledge. So incredibly grateful for all the help you have given us so far and looking forward to the next Dogtaggs visit very soon!