Helen Withey MBIPDT Adv, KCAI

Career in Dog Training and Animal Behaviour – a brief profile

Dog training:

· 1982: Started attending the North Weald Dog Training Club (now disbanded) with two German Shepherd crossbred dogs.
· 1989: Took over the ownership and running of the High Ongar Dog Training Club, which ran until May 2008.
· 1994: Established the Wood Farm Dog Training Centre and provided training in Obedience, Agility and Gun Dog Work, including a dog display team until May 2008.
· June 2008: Established Writtle Dog Training Centre.
· July 2008: Established Harrow Dog Training Centre.

Associated activities:

· All aspects of dog training, including one-to-one private tuition for problem dogs/owners, and individual health and welfare consultation and advice.
· Delivering lectures on animal health, nutrition and welfare.
· Participating in the search, location and rescue of lost dogs.
· Writing an owner’s manual, which is nearing completion, on the healthy feeding of dogs, their general wellbeing, etc.
· Frequently consulted by veterinary practices for advice on the use of natural remedies and behaviour problems.
· Working closely with animal rescue centres, including serving on the committee and assistance with fund-raising activities.
· Assessing dogs for possible future work in drugs detection for H.M. Customs and Excise.
· Identifying Pit Bull Terriers for the Police Force.
· Giving evidence in court in defence of dogs involved in cases that fall under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
· Training dogs for Search and Rescue work.
· Working as the Health Co-ordinator for the The Toller Club of Great Britian. 

Qualifications, achievements and personal life:

· Qualified as a Member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (Adv.), and appointed as a B.I.P.D.T Course Instructor and Member of the Board of Governors.
· Awarded Kennel Club Accredited Instructor KCAI cd Adv in 2005.
· Writtle College Lecturer on Canine Care Training and Management.
· Breeding Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (Tollers), which have qualified for Crufts and been placed every year since 2004, including Reserve Best Bitch in 2005 and Best Bitch in 2008, and the same dog qualified in the Gamekeeper’s Class that year.
· Two Rottweilers work in Open Show Obedience classes.
· These Rottweilers and two Tollers work on the local shoot and have now been invited back for a fifth season of shooting.
· Judged the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Bronze and Silver Awards.
· Judged at Obedience and Conformation (breed) shows.

Occupation:

Full-time Dog Trainer and Behaviourist

Contact Helen for more information.