‘Most Patient Dog Behaviourist’ in the South East 2022 ‘Dog Trainer of the Year’ Hampshire 2021/22
I love helping dogs so much that I left a 20-year career in fashion PR to retrain as a dog behaviourist and trainer. I am fully qualified and accredited as a Dog Behaviourist by the IMDT – the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, and I’m proud to be vet-recommended.
No two dogs are the same and I approach each one uniquely and with empathy. My mindset extends to the dog’s owner, too; building a bond between ownerand dog makes training a pleasure for you both.
At Maher & Hound Dog Training, Karen blends expertise with passion to offer tailored training solutions that foster a harmonious bond between you and your dog. Karen’s commitment to positive reinforcement and individualised care sets her apart, ensuring that every session is as rewarding for your dog as it is for you.
Vet Recommended
Trusted by local veterinarians for our compassionate, science-based training methods that prioritise your pet's well-being
5* Reviews
Consistently rated 5 stars by dog owners for our personalised training programs and transformative behavioral techniques.
Award Winning
Recipient of the 2021/22 Dog Trainer Of The Year Hampshire, recognizing our commitment to excellence and outstanding results.
Dog Lover & Owner
Founded and operated by a passionate dog enthusiast who understand and cater to the unique needs of each canine companion.
Our Popular Training programmes
Run by a qualified dog behaviourist. All of my puppy & dog training programmes are individually tailored to your lifestyle. I use the most up-to-date, science-based training methods that are proven to be effective and that have your dog’s welfare at heart
Conventional dog training classes just weren't working for me and my frustration-prone adolescent spaniel/collie cross. I came across Karen's business on Instagram and it was everything I was looking for - she focuses on fulfilling your dog's breed-specific needs using only positive training methods, which is rare to find in the gundog field. Through our online pet gundog and some behavioural work, my boy is now so much more confident and calm, his 'problem' behaviours (excessive barking, hyperarousal, pulling, chasing) are reduced now he has appropriate outlets, and I feel able to appreciate him and communicate with him so much more. He's a different dog, and it's the best feeling in the world when he chooses to engage with me and I can see how much he loves everything we're learning. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Karen - her ethos, professionalism, and experience are second to none.
Maddy Paxton
2024-09-21
We really enjoyed our 1:1 training sessions with Karen, I think I can speak on behalf of our two enthusiastic Labradors too! Karen is calm and clear with instructions, explaining everything step by step. She stays in contact throughout, sending helpful advice and videos and really looks at each dog individually to find out what drives them. We've also attended a couple of the pet gundog workshops and look forward to attending more!
Melissa Quince
2024-09-19
I have nothing but positive things to say about Karen - she is patient, innovative and listens to our needs for our four year old cocker spaniel. Couldn’t recommend more if you need support from a gundog specialist.
Laura Haigh
2024-09-19
We first contacted Karen after watching her video with her own dog learning to recall to a whistle... it was impressive! We have a miniature schnauzer who loves to learn, but we were a bit lost with how to get her to have a good recall, since she LOVES other dogs!
We have had 4 1:1 sessions with Karen, who Hattie loves. Karen is calm, understanding and definitely knows her stuff. Hattie has a little way to go with her 'stop' but with practice from all of the advice we have been given I don't have any doubts. Karen has taught us the skills we need going forward and Hattie has enjoyed herself in the process, rain or shine! They say a tired dog is a happy one and the photo attached is after training.... one happy dog! Thanks Karen, you've been great. X
EDIT- Google wouldn't let me leave another review so wanted to update... the techniques we learnt to help Hattie's recall have worked a treat, and have been long lasting, playing a variety of games with her particularly 1,2,3 along with the whistle have worked to get her focusing on us, often through her own choice without us calling her. We have since contacted Karen regarding Hattie barking in the car, and she offered us some great advice that we can get practising with straight away. Thank you
Jey Williams
2024-06-28
I contacted Karen in relation to recall issues that we were having with our 4 year old working cocker spaniel Nessa. I had disappeared down a rabbit hole and met myself coming back the other way in terms of previous training we had done and looking at/reading the plethora of sometimes contradictory advice on recall that is available on line. I think I had confused myself about how best to tackle the issue and in the process had confused Nessa and made her quite anxious on walks and a bit of a flight risk. From the outset Karen was helpful and flexible with booking weekly face to face sessions. From the first session with Karen I felt she got to heart of the issue and kept things really simple in terms of the new commands. We introduced a new whistle (turns out I had been using the wrong one) and Karen taught us the Stop command to one whistle, turn to two whistles and recall to three. She also introduced an 'out' command. The most useful thing is that Karen videos training elements during the session and sends them to you after the session as reminders. I have found this so helpful as a quick reminder for when we have been doing our 'homework'. And I look back on them from time to time just to keep all the techniques clear in my mind. What I really like is that Karen has given me a handful of clear and simple whistle commands for Ness which are easy for her to follow. Ness has responded so well to the training, particularly the stop whistle and recall in general and she stays much closer on walks, checking in regularly. It used to feel like Ness was 'in control' of the walk but I feel that we are now, which in turn has made her less anxious and able to be the fun-loving little spaniel that she should be. Thank you Karen.
molly shanley
2024-05-26
I stumbled upon Karen’s instagram page after bringing home a 14 week old working cocker spaniel. We thought we knew what we were getting into but spoiler alert, we didn't, and there aren’t many WCS in the US so we were nervous to work with a trainer in person here who didn’t know the breed well. I just really appreciated her attitude towards dog training, positive reinforcement and also letting dogs be dogs.
I reached out to Karen and was so happy to learn she does online training. We have worked with Karen since January and she’s been so helpful as we navigate our puppy’s sensitive stomach, isolation anxiety, and just general working breed needs that we don’t have experience with. She is very patient, empathetic, and even gave us advice for talking to our vet. Working with a trainer through Zoom has been great and Karen is extremely responsive to questions and videos between sessions. Not to mention her Instagram is awesome…
Nicholas Ward
2024-05-25
We have worked with Karen through Zoom with our young Brittany, focusing on pet gundog training. The results have been amazing and we have all thoroughly enjoyed it, Baxter included. We thoroughly recommend Karen to everyone, especially those with gundog breeds as it can be hard to find a trainer who truly understands them like she does! Thank you!
Harry Smyth
2024-05-23
Karen was brilliant for me and my little Jack Russel Fudge, i can’t thank her enough. Highly recommended! Thank you Karen!!
Eleanor
2024-05-23
Absolutely the best value for money ever! Working with Karen really helped us become less anxious on walks with our Cocker Spaniel, and as a result our pup seems much happier, calmer and mentally stimulated on every walk. Really grateful for her help!