Helen first began working for Pets in Practise in 2004 whilst studying and completing a project in dog behaviour.  She began as an assistant and is now our senior instructor.  She lives in Lower Earley with her two Hungarian Viszla’s (Hugo and Mable) and also runs her own dog walking business called ‘Skippies Canine Walkabout’ in the Wokingham area.  This has given her huge amounts of practical experience teaching dogs to walk without pulling and to come when they are called.

Helen has completed two courses in canine behaviour with COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology); An introduction to canine behaviour and living with your dog and A preliminary certificate in canine behaviour and canine/human relationships.  She has also passed with Distinction a Higher Certificate in Cynology with Compass Education and Training.  Helen is also a canine first aider.

Helen has completed accredited training courses in Rally-O and Agility which means she is now an official APDT UK Rally-O judge as well as a qualified Agility Club Approved Basic Instructor (ACABI).

Helen runs the Woodley and Earley branch of puppy, Improver, Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme classes (Bronze, Silver and Gold awards) and Rally-O classes (the new dog sport from America) and also runs the Agility classes in Reading. 

Nicole began working as an assistant for Pets in Practise in 2007 when she finished studying for her degree in Animal Behaviour Management.  She lives in Camberley, Surrey with her 4 Leopard Geckos (Kia, Aura, Origin and Wotsit) and runs a branch of Puppy School classes in Surrey as well as offering 1-2-1 training for dogs in her local area.  She previously worked for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home; first as an Animal welfare assistant and then later on as a Rehomer.  As well as caring for and rehoming the dogs and cats that came into her care she was also a member of the temperament assessment team, assessing the behaviour of the animals and finding appropriate homes for them.  

In addition to her practical experience she holds a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Animal Management and a First Class Honours degree in Animal Behaviour Management.  Having trained with Gwen Bailey she is a qualified Puppy School Tutor and also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (Membership No. 01043).  She is also a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), which means having gained the relevant academic qualifications she is gaining the practical experience necessary for full membership.  She continues to update her knowledge through courses and seminars.  She has been trained in canine first aid and has also been trained as a microchip implanter.  Nicole starts the Postgraduate / MSc programme in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at Southampton University in September 2010.

Sarah has been working as a training assistant for Pets in Practise since 2007.  She lives at home in Burghfield Common with her two Springer Spaniels (Kas and Bea) who are used as gun dogs so she can provide some useful tips for those looking to start gun dog work.  Sarah has a National Diploma in Animal Behaviour, passed with distinction, and is studying at university for a degree in Animal Behaviour.  Sarah is also a canine first aider.

Sarah co-instructs at the Improver's and the Rally-O classes in the Burghfield Common location.

Catherine has been working for Pets in Practise at the Palmer Park location since 2008.  She lives in Lower Earley with her Boxer (Roxy) who she has spent a lot of time and effort training.  Catherine therefore appreciates how training works from the dog as well as the owner’s perspective.  Catherine has attended a number of dog training classes with Roxy and she continues to attend agility classes to keep Roxy well stimulated and exercised. As well as her extensive practical experience training dogs, Catherine is also a canine first aider.

Catherine works as an assistant instructor at the Woodley branch of Puppy, Beginner - Improver and Kennel Club Good Citizen Reward Scheme classes.

Kerry lives in Calcot with her husband and their three dogs 15yr Old Sidney and 14yr old Gypsy the Yorkies and 7yr old Alice the Cavalier. 

Kerry first became involved with Pets in Practise when she attended the improvers class with Alice who had recently retired from agility.  They now enjoy the Rally Obedience classes. 

Kerry has always been interested in dogs and embarked upon the John Fisher Canine/Human Interface course to learn more about dogs in 1998, gaining a Merit and becoming a member of  the Institute of  Animal Care Education MIACE. During Alice’s agility days, Kerry also became a qualified agility instructor gaining an advanced level pass and still instructs a class once a week. 

Kerry has a special interest in diet and also in the anatomy and physiology of the dog.  This interest came unfortunately as a result of Sidney’s numerous skeletal and anatomical problems. 

Kerry now has a Diploma in Canine Anatomy and Physiology in which she gained a distinction in 2009.  She also reads the monthly dog magazines in order to gain knowledge regarding breeding and how it can be improved so that no other dogs suffer like Sidney who despite his problems does very well with the aid of acupuncture.  Kerry is currently studying for Alpha Educations ‘Think Dog Intermediate’ certificate alongside running a small Pet Care Business ‘A Best Friend Pet Care’  

Kerry is an assistant instructor in both our Binfield puppy classes and Earley puppy classes.

Liz has completed a number of Pets in Practise courses with her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dee Dee.  She has achieved her Kennel Club Good Citizens Gold award, has completed a 6 week Rally-O Level 1 course and  Rally-O Level 2 course.  She also previously attended clicker training, heelwork to music and agility lessons with other clubs, so as you can see she likes to keep Dee active and busy.

The photo is of her and Dee winning ‘Best Rescue Bitch’ at Discover Dogs at Earl’s Court November 2008 - such a massive achievement for a Staffie who was abandoned in earlier life!!!!

Liz recently began studying part time for a BSc in Canine Behaviour and Training at Bishop Burton College. She has also completed a training course making her the second official APDT UK Rally-O judge on the Pets in Practise team!!!!

Liz is the Pets in Practise assistant agility trainer.