Meet the WKD training team

Matt

Director & Principal Dog Trainer

Matt’s interest in dog training began many years ago with his own particularly awkward pet German Shepherd. He learnt his craft initially as a hobby which developed quickly into a dedicated career in dog training and behaviour. He developed his skills, knowledge and techniques with a passion for achieving what some would deem impossible with various breeds and associated behaviours.

With many positive testimonials and feedback from his peers in the Police force and other recognised authorities in the dog training sector, he created WKD Trained Dogs. Working hands on with the whole team on a daily basis, Matt continues to develop and oversee training while liaising with clients to provide them with the perfect trained companion.

Kathy

Site Manager

Kathy comes to WKD from a diverse background ranging from Facilities Management, Banking and Finance to Catering and Personal Care, she has been with us since 2015. Here at WKD Kathy looks after our busy office managing customer accounts, enquiries and queries. In addition to her clerical role Kathy has a menagerie of animals outside of work too, so has a wealth of experience in all aspects of their care.

Cassey

Senior Dog Trainer & Team Manager

Cassey joined the team in March 2013 after leaving school, initially as a kennel hand. She has progressed through the company into her current role as Senior Dog Trainer and is a very valued member of the team. Cassey embraces the challenge of every new dog with enthusiasm and dedicates herself to giving every pupil the best possible training to get them ready for their new life with their new owner. She particularly enjoys working with our Residential pupils including younger dogs (some just 4 month old puppies) building trust and establishing a bond that enables her to tackle even deep seated behavioural issues to transform a dog’s performance.

Sian

Dog Trainer

Sian joined the team in March 2015 as WKD’s first apprentice, co-inciding her work here with a diploma in Animal Care. Sian had previous experience working in a kennel environment, and being a dog trainer is her dream career. Sian has now successfully completed her diploma being awarded Apprentice of the Year at her college. Sian gets a thrill out of working with some of the larger dogs we have, the bigger the better; she soon has them under control and they know who’s in charge! Sian always considers each dogs future and enjoys making sure that they are fully prepared for all that is required of them in their new home.

Adam

Dog Trainer

Adam joined us in 2016 following working and training with a leading doggy daycare provider in London. A talented and assured handler he has settled in well with us and having built upon his former skills is now an assured handler. Previous experience has given him skills in both dog agility and the compassion to develop confidence in the dogs in his care. Since joining WKD Adam is enthusiastic to continue honing and improving his skills and expand his canine knowledge. He regularly tests himself in the world of protection training under Rod’s guidance. A very brave young man!

Zoe

Dog Trainer

Although new to our team Zoe is not new to the world of caring for and training animals. With a BSc in Animal Management Zoe is knowledgeable in ‘all things animal’ and having previously worked extensively with primates she has certainly had experience of the antics that animals get up to! She has quickly settled in here at WKD and already is excelling in her dog training role. Zoe is enthusiastic and bubbly and always makes sure her canine students have a thorough training workout.

Jay

Welfare Manager

Jay manages our welfare team to provide the best care and attention to all of our ‘pupils’ during their stay with us, she is a much valued team member who is caring and kind to all of the animals in our care. Jay has an enthusiasm that is infectious and always goes the extra mile to make sure that all of our dogs are happy and healthy. Jay grew up on a farm and has previously been awarded a second at Crufts with her own Border Collie

Michaella

Welfare - Kennel Hand

Michaella has recently joined our team here at WKD and she has already proven to be conscientious and caring with all of our dogs, taking time to make sure their needs are met and standards are upheld. Michaella has a National Certificate in Animal Management and a level 2 certificate in Grooming. She has a lifelong love of animals.

Gail

Volunteer

Gail is our helping hand here at WKD, tending to the many animals we have onsite including our horse, cats, rabbits, sheep and chickens. Gail also helps to keep the site maintained and enjoys taking the dogs for walks in between their training sessions.

Rod

Head Instructor

Rod comes over to guide and instruct all of the dog trainers here at WKD as he is an absolute expert in the field and a real asset to the company.