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The Express Gazette
Friday, October 9, 2026

Strictly Come Dancing Star Criticized for 'Outdated' Dog Training Methods

TV dog trainer Graeme Hall faces backlash from fellow professionals over his approach on 'Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly'.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Strictly Come Dancing Star Criticized for 'Outdated' Dog Training Methods

Strictly Come Dancing bosses hoped that TV dog trainer Graeme Hall would be a popular addition to the 2026 cast, aiming to appeal to a broad audience. However, Hall, affectionately known as 'The Dogfather,' has found himself on the receiving end of criticism from fellow dog trainers regarding his methods.

Sources indicate that Hall's approach on his show, "Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly," is considered "outdated" by some in the professional dog training community. This criticism has placed him in a difficult position, potentially overshadowing his participation in the popular BBC competition.

Despite the controversy surrounding his training techniques, Hall has achieved success on the dance floor. Last week, he and his professional partner Lauren Oakley topped the leaderboard with a score of 31.

Known affectionately as The Dogfather, Graeme has found himself on the receiving end of criticism from other dog trainers

The criticism centers on Hall's perceived reliance on outdated methods, which some trainers argue are no longer considered best practice. This has led to him being


Sources