ABOUT ME

Angela Watson – championship level competitive obedience handler, certified trainer & coach.

With 15 years in the Competitive Obedience world with 4 golden retrievers, I bring both lived experience and clear coaching to everything I do. I am a professional coach who specialises in helping handlers understand where to start and exactly what to do next. My background means I listen, then break things down simply and give you practical steps you can use straight away.

I have supported many obedience handlers through my training, coaching and workshops. My own golden retrievers consistently outperform other popular sport breeds and do well in their classes. What matters though is not just the results. It’s the confidence, clarity, and excitement handlers gain when they work with me.

Most people find me when they feel stuck or unsure where to start. My work is about helping you and your dog feel clear, confident, and capable of success, so you can be proud of the progress you’ve made, without giving in to force.

I started with pet dog training, then rapidly ramped it up to Competitive Obedience training, and trained 3 of my golden retrievers to competition level. My youngest dog, Berty, is qualified to compete at Championship level (Ticket) – living proof that goldens trained with kindness and clarity can succeed at the top level. I understand both the day to day raising and training golden retrievers and gundogs, and the wider strategy needed for optimising performance and competing. Whatever stage you are at I can meet you there. My background in coaching means I focus on the handler’s confidence and mindset, as well as the dog’s skills, because you both learn best when you feel comfortable and supported, and that is how I coach.

I work with new and experienced handlers on all elements of competitive obedience from the foundations of clicker training and positive reinforcement, to ring preparation and strengthening your relationship, right up to regaining your mojo and confidence for competing.

If you are looking for domestic ‘pet’ obedience training or a professional behaviourist, I am not the right fit. If you are looking for an active obedience competitor with real experience who will be in your corner and guide you through the journey, I am.

What’s my mission? To train goldens with kindness and clarity, and help others do the same.

Where to go next:

If you haven’t yet dipped your toe into the world of competitive obedience, you should try it. Jump in the water’s lovely.

Confidence Workshop: a confidence building workshop for dog sport competitors, designed for handlers who want greater clarity, connection, and composure in the ring. Available for clubs and organised training groups.

Handler Coaching: for confidence, mindset, and life skills outside the ring. You can work with me for highly personalised support and transformational coaching. A Discovery Call is often the place to start. Book a call through the Contact tab.

Enjoy the ride.

If you’re new to my page it’s more than just dog training and competing. I’m on a mission to show that anything is possible when you fully commit. Read about the life-changing turning point, which started all this.