Marie Louise Holt RVN Ncert (AnBeh) KCAI (CD)

 

I have worked as head veterinary nurse in a small animal practice since 1992. I have worked at an obedience training club since 2002 progressing from helper to trainer, when I left to open my own training club with Bev in 2010. I run my own gundog training group where we train HPR gundogs to all levels.

I have grown up around many animals and owned six dogs over the years. My first was a Rottweiler bitch, she taught me a lot about dogs, she was lovely, calm and very gentle natured but we lost her at the young age of 8 years. I then owned Kira, a Hungarian Vizsla who was born in 2001. She had a few problems throughout her life but we did compete in obedience and agility with her. She sadly died in September 2014 aged 13 years. Bronte was born in 2002. I used to work her in competitive obedience until she introduced me to the world of gundog work. She was regularly seen on a shoot picking up through the season or around the training as a demo dog. Sadly, we lost her in July 2016. I now own three Weimaraners. Moss was born in 2007. She was my working and gundog working test competitive bitch, achieving some good awards. She is now retired. Moss is the foundation bitch for my own breed line Meinweg, having her only litter in Jan 2011. We kept a bitch out of the litter and named her Fen. Fen has been shown and worked achieving good award’s, she retired from all areas of work and bowed out of the show scene at Crufts 2015 where she walked away with 2nd place. Fen had her one and only litter in Dec 2014 and again we have kept a bitch and named her Tarn. Tarn has gone on to hold her own in the breed ring achieving high awards and going from strength to strength as she matures. She has also held her own in the working field being placed at gundog working tests. She is also showing great potential in our new-found sport of KC Rally and we hope both of us will be seen around the rings more and more. Tarn had her only litter in Oct 2019 and Bay entered our world. She is still young and in training but we will be hoping to achieve high in all we do. Watch this space!

In Feb 2017, I was invited to China to give a lecture to veterinary surgeons and nurses to help improve the handling, care and standards of veterinary practice. We managed to make some great changes and from the feedback I have had since returning to the UK there are groups of people setting up governing bodies equivalent to our British veterinary nursing association to help recognise the role and improve the standards of care including the behaviour and handling of animals in China.

I own my own affix and have held the name Meinweg since 2008 and I’m registered with the kennel club as an assureded breeder and have had my home inspection on multiple times by them to which I passed with very high standards.

I do many canine behaviour and training courses through my veterinary nursing continued professional development and I’m an animal bereavement counsellor. I am involved in all areas of canine training and have been for many years. I have passed an advanced veterinary nursing certificate in animal behaviour (not just dogs!). I hold behaviour consultations, for non-aggressive cases, at the veterinary practice where I work.

My greatest achievement in the dog training industry is being awarded the title KCAI (cd), which means I’m a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor in companion dog training. The KCAI Scheme is a UK-wide membership-based scheme for dog training instructors and canine behaviourists which offers its members the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised vocational accreditation based on a robust standard set by the Kennel Club. It is the first and only scheme for dog training instructors and canine behaviourists that has achieved programme accreditation from City & Guilds, a globally-recognised benchmark of quality. Dog training instructors and canine behaviourists will enhance their reputation by becoming members of the scheme and will have the opportunity to gain recognition for their knowledge, skills and experience by achieving Kennel Club Accredited Instructor status. All KCAI Scheme members are required to abide by the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors, which sets out the principles governing their professional conduct and training practices. I am also a Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Bronze, Silver and Gold A list examiner and have passed my judging certificates in KC Rally.

Bev Smith RGN KCAI (CD)

 

My family have owned dogs all my life so I spent my childhood playing with my best friend ‘Shandy’, who was a rescue dog. On numerous occasions he managed to slip out of the house and find me at school! At this time I also used to walk an Afghan Hound belonging to a couple up the road. After Shandy we had two more wonderful rescue dogs ‘Barney’ and ‘Ben’. It was Ben that introduced me to dog training classes way back in 1988. We worked our way through the various classes available and I attended several obedience competitions and obedience demonstrations with both Ben and Barney. My next dog was an adorable Weimaraner called ‘Lani’ who was born in Feb 2001. Lani was a great dog even though she was very head strong and wilful and certainly provided me with a challenge. I trained her to Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold Award standard. After a short illness we sadly lost her in January 2014.

My current dogs are Weimaraners called ‘Lexi’ born in Jan 2011 and Skye born in Dec 2014. They are both proving to have a lot of character too and certainly keep us entertained. I am training them for gundog work and have so far competed in many HPR Working Tests and in 2013 Lexi achieved first place in a novice test which means a move up into open competitions, we have also entered one Field Trial and achieved an award in that too. Skye has achieved a 2nd place in the puppy group at the North Yorkshire GSP retrieving challenge, her first competition and also many placings in the show ring. I also train them for scent work and have a go at other disciplines such as KC Rally and treibball.

I have over 20 years experience in teaching dog training. In 1989 I was asked to start helping in the beginners obedience class at the club I attended, from this I progressed to Assistant Trainer and then to Trainer in 1998. Over the years I have attended many dog training instructor courses and seminars held by people such as John Rogerson, Rob Alleyne, Roy Hunter, John Uncle, Sheila Bailey, Liz Kershaw, Gail Fisher, David Ryan and Ian Dunbar. This has given me a broad experience of the various training methods and views available.

In May 2018 I was very proud to be awarded the title KCAI (CD) which is a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor in companion dog training. The KCAI Scheme is a UK-wide membership-based scheme for dog training instructors and canine behaviourists which offers its members the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised vocational accreditation based on a robust standard set by the Kennel Club. It is the first and only scheme for dog training instructors and canine behaviourists that has achieved programme accreditation from City & Guilds, a globally-recognised benchmark of quality. Dog training instructors and canine behaviourists enhance their reputation by becoming members of the scheme and have the opportunity to gain recognition for their knowledge, skills and experience by achieving Kennel Club Accredited Instructor status. All KCAI Scheme members are required to abide by the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors, which sets out the principles governing their professional conduct and training practices.

I am also a Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Bronze and Silver A list examiner and a Talking Dogs Scentwork accredited handler.

Helper Profiles

Wayne Holt – Helper

I’ve grown up with dogs around me, but they were all my parents’ dogs. When I first met Marie she owned a Rottweiler called Shantie, it wasn’t till she passed away that we owned our first dog together called Kira. I thought this would be it, but how far from the truth that was. I now share my life with four dogs and one rabbit and I’m sure there is more in store if I let Marie get her own way.

Marie has always worked with animals and I too have the same enjoyment for them but I always seem to get the rough end, general dogs body at the training club, or dummy thrower at the gundog training group, as well as make the tea, take photo’s fetch and carry whatever they want, whenever they want it! But I do enjoy watching the dogs improve.

I am a keen photographer; I enjoy taking animal shots especially action shots so going with Marie whilst she is instructing or working our dogs gives me the opportunity to catch that perfect shot!

Katie Aquilina – Helper

I live and work in Bedfordshire and I work as an office administrator for a lighting company doing whatever needs to be done.

When I was young, I grew up always wanting a dog, but it was not till I was about 15 my parents actually got our lovely family pet, Jack a Chinese Crested Powder Puff. He was a great little dog, such a happy boy who just wanted to be a part of whatever we were doing.

When I left home in 2005 I became a personal assistant to my wonderful Hungarian Vizsla, Chester. When I got him as a puppy I knew very little about dogs, but started my journey to learn and am still learning today. Over the years I have attended a range of dog related courses and seminars, to try and broaden my learning and understanding so I can always try to be a better owner for Chester. I have participated in a number of dog sports and activates over the years such as agility, tracking, gundog work, scent work, rally etc. all of which have been for fun, as I don’t have the skill or discipline to reach competitive standards and for me it’s about us having a fun time together. When Chester was younger we loved to walk and get ourselves lost in the countryside for the day, maybe stopping for a pub lunch on our route, now he has aged we don’t do such of the long walks, but still like to get out in the countryside even if it’s just sit and soak in the world together. We love our holidays together and try and see the sea and beach a couple of times a year.

I am very proud to be a helper to what I have to say is the best dog training club I have come across. If you see me around the club and require anything that is not dog training related, I will be happy to assist, I enjoy being a friendly helper and I’m also able to get to watch dogs and owner grow together which I could never get bored of seeing.

Dan Wilmot – Head of Instagram and Assistant Trainer

I’ve grown up around dogs and have lots of fun memories of my family dog Tessa, a Border Collie. When we purchased her, we knew nothing about dogs and training, so she ended up with numerous behavioural issues (surprise surprise). Despite that, she was super clever and a great pet, who I miss deeply, but I always regret not having the knowledge or understanding on how to train her and I just wonder what she could have achieved.

I made a promise to myself; firstly, I’d have a dog of my own and secondly, it would be well trained. After convincing my better half it was a good idea, we purchased Pepper, a Cockapoo, from a good friend in October 2017. I can say without hesitation it is the best decision I’ve made ever made! She is always by my side and I spend every day teaching her something new or perfecting things she already knows.

We attended the Basic Training course with Marie and Bev in early 2018 and since then can’t get enough. By the end of 2019 I’ll have done 9 courses with In Line Dog Training and counting. Marie and Bev always go above and beyond the call of duty and I have been blown away by the help and support they offer.

Not sure how it has happened but I’ve found myself as Head of Instagram because apparently where they excel in dog training, in Instagram they don’t! (Can’t be good at everything!) I’m super pleased to be a part of this amazing team of people and dream of one day being promoted to tea person or even pot wash!

Amy Clarke – Assistant Trainer

I currently work in Nottingham City Centre as a Chartered Accountant, so being able to enjoy my spare time is very important to me. What could be more enjoyable than spending that time with dogs?!

I’m a true animal lover, however my sister and I couldn’t convince our mum to let us have a dog until 2011 when we got Darcy, a gorgeous Labrador/Collie cross! She has always been a perfect pet, despite having very little training in her earlier years (if only we knew about In Line back then!) She has taught us all so much, especially how strong that bond is between dog and owner.

When I met Dan, we knew having our own dog was something we both wanted eventually, but little did I know where it would take us, only 3 years down the line! It all started at the “Basic Training Course” where Dan and I took Pepper, our Cockapoo, for her initial training and we have never once looked back. We have attended so many courses together with In Line and to see the bond getting stronger with us and our dog, well it is just so fulfilling.

I get asked “how did you get into dog training?” quite frequently, with the honest answer being: I don’t know! I found spending time with great people, such as Marie and Bev (and ok, Wayne too…) that I just absorbed what they were saying and took it all in. What with a little coaxing and gentle encouragement, I now enjoy helping out wherever possible!

I would love to help people build that special bond with their dogs, the way In Line has helped me and Pepper over these last few years.

Trudi Cameron – Head of Twitter & Helper

I grew up around cocker spaniels. The first one was a rescue called Tiny and she savaged my foot one day when I was 4 years old because I crawled under the kitchen table into her safe space. I didn’t know any better but it taught me a vital lesson about respecting an animal’s space!

My aunt and uncle bred, judged and ran the North East KC Bulldog club. I used to love visiting and going to shows with them and having a go as a junior handler. I never won anything but always lived in hope.

I was 10 when we got our next spaniel Sassi, named after the dinosaur in Flintstones. She was the sweetest, most loyal and easiest dog to train and she was my best friend. I was heartbroken when she died at 12 with cancer and I swore I would never have another dog. I also realised that my asthma and eczema had cleared up and allergy testing showed I was allergic to dogs.

In 2013 I took early retirement from the NHS and decided with a flexible new career that the time was right to get another dog, but this time one that I wasn’t allergic to. After careful research and spending time with various breeds I chose an Airedale Terrier bitch who was born at Saredon kennels in May 2015. I soon discovered that a terrier is a very different breed to a spaniel! It’s fair to say she has been a real challenge and there was a time when I thought I had made a terrible mistake and would have to give her up for her own happiness and wellbeing as well as ours. One day on the park when I was struggling with her behaviour, someone mentioned In-Line Dog training. I have never looked back. Marie and Bev have been our saviours and with lots of hard work and dedication we now get lots of compliments when we are out and about on how well trained and calm she is (if only they knew!). She has a twitter account and now has over 1000 followers. Some have become friends in real life.

Marie approached me a couple of years ago and asked if I would take over their Twitter account. I was delighted to do so to give something back and because I believe they make a real difference to people’s lives. I help at events when I can but that is limited due to caring commitments. I love attending the various training courses they put on and just being around such lovely and fun people.

Helen Chetwynd – Helper

Dogs have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, the ones I grew up with were mostly terriers, a scruffy little Cairn called Ruffles, a West Highland White called Becky and two lovely little laid back Jack Russells, Corrie and Jackie.

My current dogs are two Border Collies, Blue who is 9 and Berry who is 2. The first dog I really called my own was also my first Border Collie, Dill. She was my soul mate and with her was born my love for the Border Collie breed. But my knowledge and understanding of that breed, and of dogs in general, really started to expand and grow when my second Collie, Blue, came along and proved a real challenge. This helped me to learn so much, not just about Blue, but about our relationship with dogs. I threw myself into learning more about dogs and understanding them to help my relationship with Blue. We joined a local dog training club and worked our way through the various classes and I took myself on as many courses, workshops and seminars as possible covering various aspects of dog training and behaviour. It was around this time that I first came across In Line Dog Training. I spectated on John Rogerson’s Ultimate Recall Course and then asked Bev and Marie if I could come along and observe one of their training courses. Since then, I have helped out on more In Line courses than I care to remember. Bev, Marie and Wayne have always (er…mostly 😊) made me feel very welcome and been a big source of help and support in my own ongoing learning. I have returned their kindness by always arriving just late enough to ensure that all the hard, physical work has been done and smiling sweetly behind the tea urn.

I am a qualified KC Rally Judge and a Kennel Club Good Citizen Assessor at Bronze and Silver Level. I am also a qualified Canine Hydrotherapist, Clinical Canine Massage Therapist and Canine Conditioning Coach. When I’m not training or competing with my own dogs, we can usually be found wandering the hills, peaks, fells and dales of the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Shropshire Hills.