Leanne Sperry – Instructing since 2011
I have always been surrounded by dogs. I started training my families yellow Labrador, Bella at a local dog training club in 2007. We competed in obedience competitions and the Kennel Club scheme as well as partaking in the Special Pre-Beginners tests.
I fell in love with the sport and teaching dogs, therefore I decided to become a dog training instructor. I attended my first course with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT) in 2011. I started instructing classes from puppy to advanced. I went back in 2015 to gain the next level of qualification. I continue to love training dogs and working with people to achieve well rounded, obedient dogs who are a pleasure to live with.
In 2016 I rescued an Alaskan Malamute who was 8 years old. She hadn’t had a great start in life and when she came to me she had fear aggression towards other dogs. I helped her get over these issues, she made friends with lots of different dogs. She became a fantastic family pet and passed happy.
In 2017 I started my own dog training classes. I was again instructing classes from puppy to advanced, but I really enjoyed teaching the teenage dogs who had behavioural issues such as lunging, snapping, barking and fear aggression. These classes gave me opportunities to work with owners and their dogs to re-establish their bond and retrain the dog to provide the owner with the wanted behaviour and stop the bad habits.
In 2018 I attended two training courses with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training CIDBT.
In 2019 I started PAWsitive Dog Training with my colleague.
Since then I have, attended a Canine Body Language course with the Dog Training College (https://www.dogtrainingcollege.co.uk/), became an approved dog training instructor, a Puppy Training specialist and a Canine Body Language specialist through the Dog Training College.
In 2022, I become an Associate Member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association (Canine and Feline Behaviour Association – Find a Dog or Cat Behaviourist (cfba.uk)) In 2022, I became a Master Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. (Leanne Sperry – Guild of Dog Trainers (godt.uk))
Annette Catling – Instructing since 2016
I have been training since 2014, most of that time with my boxer Hugo. Together we have passed all the Kennel Club Good Citizen tests from Puppy to Gold level.
In 2017 I started training as an instructor at classes in Stotfold. I had been working alongside fantastic dog instructors and taught puppy classes.
I dog walk during the day which I find great for the soul. Animals are my passion, I ride horses for fun and I love taking Hugo with me to run alongside us, after all, he is my partner in crime.
In 2018 I attended two training courses with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training CIDBT. I am over the moon I get to do what I love and look forward to working with you and your fur babies.
July 2019 – attended a Canine Body Language course with the Dog Training College (https://www.dogtrainingcollege.co.uk/)
Anna Chudzinska – Trainee Instructor since 2025
Dogs have been a central part of my life. Hearing stories of the dogs our family cared for over the years and witnessing their unwavering compassion and commitment regardless of their pasts or quirks had a lasting impact on me. That passion for dogs grew stronger when we welcomed our own rescue into our household; a Border Collie cross we named Sonia.
In 2018, I began studying Animal Care at Capel Manor College, starting with the Level 2 course before progressing to Level 3 Animal Management, where I achieved a Distinction*. Through various animal-oriented placements, I quickly realised that working with dogs was where I felt most at home, and it’s around this time that I decided I wanted to strive to become a dog trainer—specifically for behaviour support and foundational obedience.
In 2020, we welcomed our first puppy; a Border Collie we named Gaia. Sonia had always struggled to connect with other dogs due to her difficult start in life and we’ve been able to desensitise her to her triggers with Gaia’s help, ensuring she lived a fulfilling life until her passing.
Raising and training a puppy was both a challenge and a hugely rewarding experience. It taught me how much effective training depends on persistence, mutual understanding, and adapting methods to your dog’s needs. It’s not just about teaching them to be perfect without any faults; it’s about learning together, building a positive relationship, and working with their strengths.
In 2022, I completed Level 2 Dog Grooming course. This not only developed my practical grooming skills, but also broadened my knowledge of breed-specific needs and canine health.
I’m excited to be working with PAWsitive Dog Training to continue building my hands-on experience, and I look forward to taking on further courses as I work towards becoming a qualified dog trainer in the future.
