Who We Are...
I have been training and learning about animals of many species for over 20 years, volunteering at various Animal Rescue Centres and keeping a variety of pets. I studied Biology, Zoology and Psychology at Exeter University, then worked as a Veterinary Nurse and other animal related jobs. I then embarked on a varied career in the Metropolitan Police Service. After 12 years I took a break returning to my original love of working with animals. As a volunteer at the National Animal Welfare Trust, Battersea Dogs Home, and several Breed specific rescues, I have developed skills working with all kinds of dogs.
Katrina Williams, Owner, Trainer and Behaviourist
I feel it is important to have hands on skills as well as academic knowledge, I hold an FDSc in Canine and Feline Industries from Moulton College/Northampton University, and a First Class BSc in Applied Animal Behaviour from Sparsholt College/Portsmouth University.
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My dissertation research has recently been nominated for Dissertation of the Year with the British Biological Society, which examined the concept of visual training increasing the attentional focus of dogs on their owners. I also have a paper currently in review to be published in Animal magazine.
Dog Training as an industry is undergoing some major changes, including the movement towards "Positive" training methods. I am a firm proponent of the ethos behind this, because what I teach will always be rooted in researched scientific methods, not anecdotal evidence. In a nutshell:
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I will always avoid the use of intimidation, punishment or fear in training.
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I will promote understanding of modern dog theories, such as the often misunderstood concept of dominance.
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I will always aim to find the dog's particular motivation, creating mutual benefit for both the dog and owner.
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Training should be fun for everyone involved!
How Do We Train?
Although the dog training industry is unregulated, I have worked hard to consolidate my skills and experience with academic and recognised accreditation.
I am a member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and am registered with the Animal Behaviour Training Council. ​
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Dogworthy holds full, current public liability and indemnity insurance.
Assured, Insured and Accredited
​Continued Personal Development
Fully CRB/DBS checked | Fully insured for public liability | First Aid Trained, Canine | First Aid Trained, Human! | IMDT 2 day Career Course | IMDT 4 Day Group Class Course | IMDT Perfect Puppy Course | IMDT Dog Aggression Course | Compass Advanced Diploma in CBM | 1 day UK College of Scentwork | 2 days Sniffer Dogs UK | 2 x Chirag Patel Seminars | Canine Aggression 5 day - Ian Dunbar
2021 - UK College of Scent Work 5 Day Course
Staff and Assistants....
Preerthi has been working with and training dogs professionally since 2018. Her interest in canine behaviour started when she brought her own German Shepherd puppy home nearly 4 years ago.
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She particularly enjoys working on Scent Work courses and helping new puppy owners in our Puppy Courses.
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Her speciality is, of course, Shepherds of all kinds!
Preerthi Surendra, Trainer
Alanna has been around dogs since the age of 11 and has been training professionally for four years. She is a member of the IMDT and an Approved Instructor for the Dog Training College. As well as volunteering at the Dogs Trust Dog School teaching owners and their puppies essential life skills, she has enjoyed assisted and teaching at Dogworthy in group classes covering many different subjects such as rally obedience, heelwork to music and trick training.
She especially enjoys working with border collies and cockapoos and shares her life with Inca, a border collie x german shepherd.
Alanna Scanlan, Trainer & Behaviourist
Rachel has been volunteering for Dogworthy for around two years. Her main role involves supporting owners and their dogs during puppy and adolescent classes, and teaching in classes under supervision. She became interested in training and behaviour after adopting her first dog from a rescue in 2019.
Rachel is working towards both IMDT and APDT accreditation in dog training. She has a keen interest in animal behaviour and would like to become a qualified behaviourist in the future.
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She holds a certificate in Canine First Aid from Writtle University College and a Level 2 City & Guilds certificate of Technical Competence in Dog Walking.