About Klever K9s

 Christine Smith MBIPDT    

I have worked with dogs for many years at numerous rescue centres, boarding kennels and grooming parlours. Now I am a professional full time dog trainer, running my own training, behaviour and boarding establishment in Somerset where dog owners come to me to improve their own training skills and their relationship with their dog(s).

Previously I worked as the Canine Behaviourist for the National Animal Welfare Trust where my responsibilities included assessing the training and homing needs of dogs in their care.

More recently I have advised the RSPCA and Greyhound Rescue, as well as appearing on radio and television, including Channel 4’s “Pet Rescue”.

Today many of my students are referrals from veterinary surgeries and former students.

  

Professionally Trained

Initially trained by the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, I have since been advanced to full Membership. Full Membership is only awarded to those who have demonstrated ‘relevant knowledge and experience to qualify’ for the award. In most instances this means many years training experience before the Institute will consider someone for full membership.

Many people train dogs on a part-time basis, but the benefits of a qualified, experienced and professional trainer are numerous and include:

 q       The ability to spot and rectify potential problems before they develop into something more serious;

 q       The ability to understand a dog’s thought processes and instinct and, as best as possible, transfer this information to the owner; and

 q       The support of a professional body behind them. No trainer knows everything about dogs and training. Belonging to a professional organisation (in this instance, the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers) gives the trainer the added advantage of knowing help is just a telephone call or e-mail away on those rare occasions that support or advice is necessary.

If you are in any doubt about whether you need a professional dog trainer, ask yourself the question “Would you send your child to school if the teacher was not qualified?” No, nor would I, and the same can be said about the need for professional dog training.

 

My Family

I live with my husband Andrew, a retired police officer, together with our five dogs, in Fivehead, near Taunton, Somerset. Three of our dogs are rescued, one was a gift, and the other I paid good money for!