My name is Jennifer McCarthy and I own and run K9 Coaching
a bit about me
I got in to dog training as a hobby around 2001 and have worked with dogs professionally since 2005. Since 2015 have worked almost exclusively with dogs with behaviour issues.
I have a particular interest in cases where underlying pain or discomfort is impacting the dogs behaviour (this is more often than you might imagine) and one of the services I offer is an in-depth posture and gait analysis to look for signs of pain and discomfort (see Dynamic Dog Assessments).
I have run group classes and workshops on clicker training, recall, trick training, tracking, scent work and fun agility. I am a self confessed Border Collie lover and have extensive experience with both working and pet collies.
I have been employed by a leading dog welfare charity since 2015 where I currently work as a clinical animal behaviourist, carrying out behaviour consultations with rescue dogs and their owners on a daily basis. During my career I have been responsible for overseeing the training and behaviour modification programmes for hundreds of dogs in rescue as well as coaching staff and dog owners of all levels.
I have been lucky enough to travel to Poland, Lithuania and Japan to deliver workshops to rescue organisations there and I regularly deliver presentations to groups such as vet students, dog owners and higher education students.
What do you need in a dog trainer or behaviourist?
Finding a dog trainer can be a tricky business! The industry is largely unregulated and sadly anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and charge money for their advice regardless of their skills, qualifications or experience. Add to that the volume of outdated, disproved and even dangerous information that is out there and you've got yourself a veritable minefield to navigate! I believe that in order to get a high quality service and good results, you need a trainer with both in depth knowledge of learning theory and behaviour science and wide experience of putting that knowledge into practice. You also need someone who can coach you in training your dog so that you have the skills you need to continue training on your own (I'm dedicated to my work but I can't come live with you!).
What about credentials and training methods?
I achieved my Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Canine Behaviour and Training in 2016 and I am pre-certified as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. I am currently working towards my full CCAB accreditation (for more information on what CCAB Accreditation means, check out the FAQ page).
I regularly attend seminars and training events to maintain my own skills and ensure my knowledge stays current.
I train using positive reinforcement methods which are consistently proven to achieve long lasting, sustainable results.
Whether you need help with a serious behaviour issue, want to brush up on your basic training skills or just have a question, please get in touch.