Television dog trainer Graeme Hall has found himself at the centre of controversy over his approach to canine behaviour, even as he wins over viewers on the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Hall, widely known as “The Dogfather” and host of Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, was reportedly recruited for the BBC dance competition to appeal to its traditional audience. However, while his performances on the ballroom floor have attracted praise, his professional methods have drawn criticism from fellow dog trainers who question whether his techniques reflect modern animal-behaviour practices.
The dispute has prompted calls for his Channel 5 programme to be axed, with a petition reportedly attracting almost 8,000 signatures.
Graeme Hall Wins Over Strictly Viewers Despite Presenters’ Criticism
Hall has emerged as one of the talking points of the current Strictly Come Dancing series, with his down-to-earth personality and dancing ability earning him support from some viewers.
The 6ft 2in television personality, who turns 60 next month, scored 31 points with professional dance partner Lauren Oakley to top the leaderboard last week.
A source associated with the programme described Hall as a positive addition to the competition, suggesting that his warm personality had helped him connect with audiences.
“There’s a lot of love for Graeme,” the source said, describing him as having a kind and trusting demeanour.
His reported popularity comes amid criticism of the show‘s new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. Hall’s supporters believe he has become one of the reasons some viewers continue to watch the programme.
Dog Training Methods Spark Questions Over Animal Welfare
Away from the dance floor, Hall’s work with dogs has attracted scrutiny from trainers who argue that some of the techniques featured on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly are outdated.
The Channel 5 programme became particularly popular during the pandemic, when dog ownership increased and more people worked from home. Hall has presented the show since 2019, offering advice to owners dealing with behavioural problems.
However, critics have questioned whether his methods sufficiently reflect contemporary, science-based approaches that emphasise positive reinforcement.
Some have accused him of relying on dominance-based ideas, which suggest that dogs seek higher status and must be made to recognise boundaries. Critics argue that such approaches can be inappropriate in certain circumstances, particularly when fear or anxiety may be contributing to a dog’s behaviour.
Hall’s supporters, meanwhile, maintain that he has extensive practical experience and that his approach should not be dismissed simply because it differs from that of other trainers.
Labrador Ruby Episode Triggers Viewer Complaints
One incident frequently cited by critics dates back to a 2022 episode involving Ruby, an eight-year-old Labrador.
During the programme, Hall reportedly described the dog as a “diva” after she refused to get off a sofa or continued to stop during walks.
Some viewers questioned whether Ruby’s behaviour could have been linked to pain or an underlying medical condition, arguing that a veterinary assessment should have been considered.
The episode became a focal point in the wider debate about how behavioural problems are interpreted on television and whether physical discomfort is adequately distinguished from disobedience.
The criticism contributed to growing opposition to the programme, with an online petition calling for its cancellation reportedly approaching 8,000 signatures.
Fellow Trainers Question Hall’s Qualifications and Advice
Several dog-training professionals have publicly challenged Hall’s methods and the credentials associated with his work.
Hall describes himself on his website as a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. However, some critics argue that membership of the organisation does not amount to the type of recognised professional qualification they expect from a television expert.
Linda Millwall, a member of a Facebook group for dog trainers, was among those who criticised Hall’s knowledge and advice.
The criticism reflects a wider disagreement within the dog-training community over professional standards, the role of formal qualifications and the methods used to address challenging animal behaviour.
Hall’s supporters reject the suggestion that his work can be judged solely through the lens of disagreements over training philosophy.
Trainers Describe Approaches to Television Programme
Gary Pomroy, 64, a former police gundog trainer who runs KarmaK9 Dog Training in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, said he was approached about contributing to an episode approximately two years ago.
Pomroy said he was asked to assess an eight-month-old Dogue de Bordeaux that barked persistently at other dogs and people approaching the door.
According to his account, a production team associated with Hall’s programme visited him and sought his ideas for addressing the dog’s behaviour. He said he was told his assessment fee would be paid and that he would be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Pomroy declined the offer, explaining that he disagreed with Hall’s approach to training.
His account has added to questions raised by critics about how specialist expertise is sourced for television productions and how the contributions of external professionals are handled.
Cornwall Trainer Rejects Invitation to Appear on Show
Cheryl Marney, 40, who runs Chel’s Tails Canine Coaching in Cornwall, also described being contacted by a producer in August 2024.
In a message she shared, the producer said the team was arranging filming at Caerhays Castle and wanted a local heel-work specialist to demonstrate the technique alongside Hall.
Marney, who is certified by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, said she declined because she disagreed with the methods she had seen on the programme.
She described Hall’s approach as outdated and fear-based, and questioned whether his stated credentials met the professional standards she considered necessary.
Her criticism illustrates the divide between Hall and some trainers who favour reward-based methods and more formalised professional training standards.
Former Military Police Dog Trainer Raises Further Concerns
Marcia Ashworth, 45, who runs Lancashire Canine Academy in Accrington, said she had also received an email in September 2024 asking for help with a dog that barked at a telephone ringtone.
Ashworth said she disagreed with the methods she had seen Hall use, arguing that the programme appeared to alternate between positive reward-based techniques and approaches she considered aversive.
She believes the disagreement is not simply about presentation style but about the principles used to change a dog’s behaviour.
However, these criticisms represent the views of individual trainers and do not, by themselves, establish that every method shown on the programme is harmful or ineffective.
Production Company Rejects Claims About Outside Advice
Avalon, the production company behind Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, has rejected suggestions that external trainers provide the methods Hall uses on the programme.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the company said Hall’s training techniques were developed or selected by him for each individual dog.
A spokesman said Hall was a master dog trainer with more than 15 years of experience who had successfully trained thousands of dogs.
The company added that dog specialists invited to participate in filming appeared on screen to help audiences understand particular aspects of training, rather than secretly supplying the techniques attributed to Hall.
“Only techniques developed or chosen by Graeme bespoke to each specific dog are used on the show,” the spokesman said, adding that the behavioural changes shown were the result of Hall’s expertise.
The statement directly disputes claims that the programme relies on other trainers to devise its approach.
Friends Defend Hall as Criticism Grows
People close to Hall have expressed disappointment over the criticism, arguing that it overlooks his long-standing involvement in dog training and his commitment to animal welfare.
A friend said Hall had dedicated much of his life to helping dogs and that it was unfair to dismiss his experience simply because some professionals disagreed with his methods.
The friend also said Hall respected other trainers and recognised that different professionals could approach behavioural problems in different ways.
Hall began his dog-training business in 2008 and appeared in a one-off Channel 4 special, Dogs Behaving Badly, nine years later. Alongside his television work, he writes a newspaper column and hosts the Talking Dogs podcast.
Away from his public career, Hall has a girlfriend, Nikki, following his separation from Elinor Perry-Hall in 2023 after six years of marriage.
Strictly Success Continues as Dog-Training Debate Intensifies
Despite the controversy surrounding his professional work, Hall continues to attract support on Strictly Come Dancing, where his performances have strengthened his standing with some viewers.
A source associated with the dance competition suggested that Hall could remain a serious contender for the title, adding that his popularity among dog owners could translate into audience support.
The contrast between his television success and the criticism from some animal-training professionals has placed him in an unusual position: praised for his ballroom performances while facing difficult questions about the methods that made him famous.
For now, Avalon has defended the programme and Hall’s expertise, while his critics continue to call for greater scrutiny of the advice presented to viewers. The debate centres on competing views of effective dog training, professional standards and how animal behaviour should be interpreted on television.
