Meet Kate
Hi, I’m Kate, the owner and head trainer at The Canine Hub in Oakley, near Bedford.
Before becoming a professional dog trainer, I spent 29 years teaching PE and Maths. I’ve always loved helping people learn and develop new skills, and these days I get to combine that experience with my passion for dogs.
My approach to training is fun, friendly and professional, using positive, reward-based methods to help dogs and their owners build confidence, develop skills and enjoy learning together.
How It All Began
My journey into dog training really took off with Alfie, my Collie, German Shepherd and Husky cross.
Alfie was full of energy, enthusiasm and plenty of challenges! Training him taught me so much about patience, understanding and finding the right approach for the individual dog.
Together, we went on to compete in agility, reaching Grade 4. More importantly, he inspired me to turn my love of dog training into a career.
In 2018, I left teaching to follow that dream.
The Canine Hub Today
The Canine Hub has grown into a training centre offering puppy classes, everyday dog training, dog sports and individual training sessions.
Alongside Laura and James, we aim to provide a supportive environment where dogs and their owners can learn, progress and enjoy their training.
We’re passionate about reward-based methods and helping each dog and handler develop at their own pace.
Qualifications & Training
- IABTC Instructing Pet Dog Owners Course: Passed with distinction in practical and merit in theory.
- Agility 1st Trainer Qualification: Accredited by Agility 1st, a preferred Kennel Club educational provider.
- Pro Dog Trainer Course: Completed in March 2018.
- Pro Dog Geek Course: Completed in March 2020.
- Continued Professional Development (CPD): Through the Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer programme, passed both written and video assessments in 2022 and 2023.
- Approved Dog Trainer: By The Dog Training College, ensuring rigorous vetting, reviews and monitoring.
- Scentwork training: UK Scentwork Qualified Trainer, UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor (Gold Level), and completion of The School of Canine Science Scent 4 Six course.
- First Aid: Certified in canine first aid and human first aid.
My Dogs
My dogs have played a huge part in my training journey. Each has their own personality, talents and lessons to teach me.
Roxy – The Retired Boss
Roxy is my Collie x Golden Retriever, who reached Grade 6 in agility before retiring from competition.
These days, she takes life at her own pace, but she’s certainly not lost her voice! She’s always been a character and still likes to make her opinions known.
Gem – My Grade 7 Superstar
Gem is my Collie cross and a Grade 7 agility competitor.
She was Reserve Champion at Dogs in Need in 2023 and earned the opportunity to try out for Team GB.
She’s affectionate, enthusiastic and a wonderful reminder of what patience, consistency and good foundations can achieve.
Skip – The Working Cocker Whirlwind
Skip is my Working Cocker Spaniel, competing at Grade 7 in agility.
He’s fast, enthusiastic, full of beans and occasionally has his own ideas about how things should be done!
He keeps me laughing, learning and sometimes wondering how we’ve managed to get this far together. I wouldn’t change him for the world.
Drift – My Youngest Adventure
Drift is my slate merle Border Collie, full of enthusiasm, energy and always keen to learn. She’s deaf in her right ear, which has made clear communication and thoughtful training particularly important. She’s now completed her first season competing in agility, finishing at Grade 4! We’re continuing to build her confidence, independence and skills, and I’m thoroughly enjoying watching her develop as an agility dog. She’s certainly keeping me on my toes!
We sadly lost our old boy Alfie in January 2020. Alfie, a Collie x GSD x Husky, was an incredible companion and made it to Grade 4 in agility. His legacy lives on through the skills and joy he brought into our lives.
Client Testimonials:
“Kate is an absolutely fantastic dog trainer – her passion for dogs and their wellbeing is clearly evident when she works with them. Our dog Rosa is a rescue, and usually very nervous of new people. She loved Kate on our first one-to-one session, and she reacted so well to the reward-based training methods! We’ve been practising, and her confidence (along with ours!) has increased so much even in a short amount of time. I can’t recommend Kate enough!” – Emily S.
“We just completed pup stars with Scooby. Highly recommend this team, small classes and we went at a really nice pace. Scooby has learned lots and so have we. 5* rating for this team.” – Kayley T.
“Great fun and interactive puppy classes. Very beneficial for us as owners and Cooper.” – Claire C.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Whether you’re looking for puppy classes, help with everyday training or something fun to do with your dog, we’re here to help.
Not sure which class or training option would suit you and your dog? Just get in touch, and we’ll happily point you in the right direction.
Email: kate@thecaninehub.co.uk
Alternatively, complete the contact form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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