Our Training Journey

Julie founded the club to offer a friendly, knowledgeable place where owners and their dogs can learn and grow together. With many years of hands-on experience, Julie has guided the club from its early roots into a welcoming community for all breeds.

Julie shares her home with five Rottweilers who train and compete in a range of dog sports. Working with them daily has given her a deep understanding of canine behaviour and a real appreciation for how different dogs learn. This experience continues to shape her training style, which is positive, practical and focused on helping each dog succeed at their own pace.

Julie is known for her calm manner, clear teaching and genuine commitment to supporting every handler, whether they are complete beginners or working toward advanced skills.

Katy shares her life with two Golden Retrievers, Louie and Gracie, who first led her into the world of training and dog sports. She has been involved in a range of disciplines over the years, including Agility, Hoopers, Competitive Obedience, Scent Detection and Mantrailing, giving her a broad understanding of how different dogs learn and develop.

Katy has enjoyed success competing with Louie, qualifying for Crufts in both 2024 and 2025 and winning their class each year. These experiences have strengthened her appreciation for positive, consistent training and the value of helping dogs grow in confidence.

With a Bachelor of Science in Canine Therapy and a qualification in Canine Hydrotherapy, Katy brings a strong understanding of physical health and emotional wellbeing to her training. She is known for her patient manner, clear communication and commitment to supporting every dog and handler.

Katie first came to BlackDogTan with her Cocker Spaniel, Olive, and quickly developed a real interest in training and canine behaviour. Living with an energetic working-bred Cocker has given her a strong understanding of what helps active dogs stay focused, fulfilled and able to learn.

She is particularly passionate about mental enrichment and enjoys finding ways to channel a dog’s natural instincts in positive, engaging activities. Her experience with Olive has shaped her belief in the importance of combining both physical exercise and mental stimulation in everyday life.

Katie brings a warm, approachable style to her training and is dedicated to supporting owners as they build confidence and connection with their dogs, especially those with busy working breeds.

Sharron first joined BlackDogTan with her Yorkshire Terrier, Buddy, and quickly came to appreciate the supportive, welcoming atmosphere of the club. After completing Buddy’s training classes, she wanted to stay involved and contribute to the positive experience that had meant so much to both of them.

Working with Buddy has given Sharron a good understanding of the challenges and rewards of training, especially with small but determined breeds. She enjoys helping owners build confidence and seeing dogs develop in their own time.

Sharron brings a warm, friendly presence to her role as an Assistant Trainer and is dedicated to helping create a calm, encouraging environment for every dog and handler who attends the club.

Yester has a calm, reassuring approach to training that helps dogs feel comfortable and ready to learn. She has a natural way of connecting with dogs, and they respond to her gentle manner with trust and enthusiasm. Her steady presence in classes supports both dogs and owners as they build new skills together.

At home, Yester spends much of her time with her two rescue dogs, Rodney, a German Shepherd x Rottweiler, and Annie, a Rottweiler cross. Training and bonding with them has given her a strong appreciation for the needs of rescue and mixed-breed dogs, and she enjoys exploring their different personalities and working with them in her free time.

Yester brings patience and a genuine love for dogs to her role as an Assistant Trainer. She values creating a positive, supportive environment for every dog and handler, and she takes pride in being part of their training journey.