Meet Karen
My Philosophy
Every dog is unique — with their own personality, history, and way of learning. Whether I’m helping a nervous puppy find confidence, a scent dog master its search, or a disabled dog rediscover joy through enrichment, my goal is always the same:
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"To support both dog and owner in building a calm, happy, and trusting relationship."
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After a lifetime surrounded by dogs, I truly believe they have as much to teach us as we have to teach them.
A Lifelong Love for Dogs
Dogs have been part of my life for as long as I can remember — since I was just two years old. My childhood was filled with the companionship of German Shepherds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and from that moment, I knew dogs would always play a central role in my life.
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When I had a home of my own, I began showing Cavaliers and quickly became immersed in the world of dog showing and handling. I even ran a local Ringcraft class and often handled Dachshunds for a friend, discovering the joy of helping dogs and owners build confidence together.
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Over time, I’ve had the privilege of working with and owning a wide variety of breeds — from Labradors to Tibetan Spaniels — but it was the Standard Smooth Dachshund that truly captured my heart. I’ve continued to show them, even breeding a small litter, and their spirited personalities never fail to make me smile.
Experience and Qualifications
After 45 years in nursing, I decided to retire and dedicate myself full-time to my lifelong passion: working with dogs.
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For the past three years, I’ve been part of The Company of Animals, supporting puppy, improver, and scent detection classes. Alongside this, I’ve completed a range of professional courses through:
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The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
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Kent Companion Dog Training
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Companion Dog Trainers Academy
These experiences have deepened my understanding of canine behaviour, learning theory, and the special bond between dogs and their humans.
From Passion to Purpose
My deeper journey into dog training began when one of my dogs became a Pets as Therapy volunteer. He completed all levels of the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, and through that process, I discovered how fulfilling it was to help dogs learn and thrive.
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I began assisting in Bronze and Silver classes, and later developed a keen interest in Scentwork and Mantrailing. Watching dogs use their natural instincts in such intelligent ways continues to amaze me.
Then came one of my biggest challenges — and lessons.
My beloved Dachshund suffered a severe Grade 5 IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). Despite surgery, he was left partially disabled and doubly incontinent. Yet his determination to keep enjoying life, walks, and enrichment has been endlessly inspiring.
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This wasn’t my first experience with IVDD — another of my Dachshunds, a female with Grade 4, made a full recovery after surgery and months of dedicated physiotherapy. These experiences taught me how to care for dogs with complex physical and emotional needs — knowledge that now underpins much of what I do.