About Bark & Stride
Experienced Dog Walker and Trainer in Hailsham
Bark & Stride was established in 2014 and is run by Sammi, a professional dog walker and trainer with over 35 years’ experience of owning and walking dogs.
Based in and around Hailsham, Bark & Stride provides calm, carefully planned dog walking, training and puppy support with a strong focus on ethical, reward-based methods.
Meet Sammi
I’ve shared my life with dogs for as long as I can remember. Before becoming a professional dog walker, I worked for many years with children, young people and their families in a range of settings. In 2004, I gained a BA Degree in Youth and Community Work, and over the following two decades, I continued my professional development through extensive training.
While that background might not sound dog-related at first, it has shaped how I work every day. Understanding behaviour, emotional regulation, communication and learning is just as relevant to dogs as it is to people.
This experience underpins my approach to ethical, reward-based dog training and is especially important when supporting young dogs through early puppy socialisation, helping them grow into confident, well-adjusted companions.
Understanding Behaviour – Not Just Obedience
Through my work with families, I became deeply interested in how behaviour develops and how emotions influence actions. Humans and dogs share many of the same hormones that affect emotional state, and these can have a significant impact on behaviour.
This understanding sits at the heart of Bark & Stride. Rather than focusing on control or correction, I focus on why dogs behave the way they do, how they learn, and how to support them in a way that builds confidence and trust.
This approach doesn’t just shape training — it also informs how I plan calm, carefully structured dog walking, where group dynamics, environment and individual needs are always taken into account.
Professional Training & Qualifications
Since starting Bark & Stride’s group walks, my interest in canine behaviour has continued to grow. I have completed the Dog Trainer Certification Program with The Dog Training College (DTC), which opened my eyes to a much wider understanding of how dogs learn and interact with the world around them.
I am also trained as:
- A Canine Body Language Specialist
- A Puppy Training Certified Specialist
- A Reactive Rascals Specialist
- A Puppy Lab Programme provider with The School of Canine Science
- A Canine First Responder, trained to give first aid if needed
Ongoing learning is a core part of how I work, ensuring the dogs in my care benefit from up-to-date, ethical practices.
Supporting Nervous & Reactive Dogs
I have a particular passion for helping reactive and nervous dogs, shaped by my own experience of living with a reactive dog, Oscar. I understand how challenging and stressful it can be for both dogs and their owners.
My aim is always to help dogs gain confidence and feel more comfortable in themselves. I use positive rewards and focus on reinforcing the behaviours I’d like to see, rather than relying on physical or emotional punishment. Building a calm, trusting relationship is key.
An Ethical, Reward-Based Approach
At Bark & Stride, I believe dogs learn best in a supportive environment. I focus on:
- Rewarding positive behaviour
- Consistency and clarity
- Calm, respectful handling
- Building strong, positive relationships
This ethical approach helps dogs feel secure, engaged and happy, whether they’re out on a walk, learning new skills, or settling into puppy life.
Let’s Talk About Your Dog
If you’re looking for a trusted, experienced dog walker or trainer in Hailsham or the surrounding areas, Bark & Stride would love to help.
Get in touch to chat about your dog’s needs and see if we’re the right fit for you both. 🐾