Qualifications

Karens Qualifications

I am vet recommended and I am accredited as a Behaviourist with the IMDTB, having qualified by successfully completing the externally verified (OCN) 12 month Level 5 course ‘Working With Canine Behaviour – Analysis and Application’, demonstrating a knowledge base to be able to assist with aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding and other canine behavioural issues.

I am passionate about staying up-to-date with science-based research and in 2021 I completed a year’s mentorship with Steve Mann, the founder of the IMDT and author of ‘Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy’ and Dave Brice, head of Dog Behaviour at the IMDT.

The IMDT represents the cutting edge in reward based training. All IMDT trainers and behaviourists use the most up to date science based dog training techniques that are proven to be effective and have the dog’s welfare at heart.

I have also studied Gundog Training extensively with the Gundog Trainers Academy, which was established to meet the increasing demand for ethical gundog training in the UK – the only gundog training organisation in the country to be accredited by the ABTC.

I have also studied with Pet Behaviour Counsellor, Sarah Whitehead (BA, MSc) and author of the bestselling ‘Clever Dog’ book.

My Think Dog with Sarah Whitehead Qualifications & Certificates:

Think Dog Certificate

Dog-to-Dog Aggression (An advanced award in Canine Behaviour and Training) OCN Level 4

In addition I have studied with Ross McCarthy MA FCFBA MBIPDT MGoDT AMBPSCA at The Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training (CIDBT) – these courses are approved through Kennel Club external inspection for the Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Scheme (KCAI).

My CIDBT Qualifications & Certificates:

Understanding Canine Care and Behaviour

Practical and Effective Dog Training

Common Canine Behaviour Problems

The Canine Behaviourist (Advanced Course)

I attend seminars, courses and conferences regularly, to ensure my methods and CPD knowledge are up to date

molly shanley
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
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
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
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!
Amy Hall
Amy Hall
2024-05-23
Couldn’t recommend Karen more for help with the training and working with your dog. She has provided us with great solutions to areas in which we wanted help with and our dog Arlo is thriving. She has so much knowledge, and provides suggestions on things outside of ‘training’ too, such as diet, which has been a huge factor in helping our dog. He is so much more focused and it’s so enjoyable to see him so happy and excited to get out and do the things he loves! She is always there to provide tips and help, even after our online sessions ended. Thank you Karen!
Janine Wiltshire
Janine Wiltshire
2024-04-04
Karen has been absolutely amazing with training my Working Cocker Spaniel Coco. She is very patient, very clear without being patronising in any shape or form and an absolute pleasure to work with - we love our sessions and we look forward to booking more going forward.
Laura de Molière
Laura de Molière
2024-04-02
If you are looking for a behaviourist or dog trainer and are comparing different people, stop right here. Karen is bilingual in dog (with a strong Spaniel accent) and human behaviour, and one of the rarest finds in terms of being able to resolve trade-offs between human and dog needs with a win-win. What she does exceptionally well is to remove pressure, for owner and most importantly the dog - she redefines what "good" looks like and she will make yours and your dog‘s life easier and more fun. Karen is like the teacher you wish you had at school - someone who you will like immediately and with many "oh of course, that makes sense" moments when you lacked clarity before or felt overwhelmed. Thank you Karen, I am so glad I found you!
James Parrett
James Parrett
2024-03-17
Karen is amazing! When I started working with Karen my little dog Mabel had no impulse control. We’ve done pet Gundog 1:1 sessions and I’ve religiously done the homework Karen has set us. This week we joined one of the Gundog workshops, Mabel was amazing! Not only did she thoroughly enjoy it but we managed the whole session with no barking and next to no squeaking. Karen is really knowledgeable, clear in her advice and instructions and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else! Thank you Karen!
Holly Andrews
Holly Andrews
2024-03-17
We have learnt so much from Karen about our King Charles spaniel over the last couple of months. His behaviour is improving because we have a better understanding of what he is trying to communicate, and how to handle it. He barks less, he is checking in on walks, and he is learning recall, all things we never thought were possible!
S F
S F
2024-03-17
Karen is absolutely brilliant. She really listens and will do extra work to figure out where particular behaviours stem from. Have recommended to multiple people. Mighty also loves the pet gundog classes - with this I think we've found his real drive to help him settle at home. Thank you Karen!

Find Me On Social Media

‘Most Patient Dog Behaviourist’ in the South East 2022  ‘Dog Trainer of the Year’ Hampshire 2021/22

Latest Posts

Photography by Holly and the Dogs 

Designed By Big Bark Media

Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.