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Chris (left) and Helen (right) sitting next to Luna

About Us

Animal Kind has supported thousands of puppies, adolescent, rescue, and adult dogs since 2010. Co-owned and run by Chris and Helen—alongside their beloved rehomed Labrador, Luna—Animal Kind offers a complete dog training and behaviour service tailored to every stage of your dog’s life.

 

We proudly serve families across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, helping dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments overcome everything from minor training hiccups to more complex behavioural challenges. These sessions are designed to tackle everything from everyday training needs to more advanced behavioural concerns—ensuring lasting success and harmony in your home.

Our fun, family-friendly, and small group classes offer an add-on to the 121 training, and combine to make a structured and supportive journey. 

Chris's Story

Chris is a highly experienced behaviourist and trainer, working with clients daily on a wide range of behavioural challenges—including complex cases such as inter-dog aggression.

He is an accredited Dog Training Instructor with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behaviour from Newcastle University. Chris is also a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC).

Currently, he is being sponsored by the Dogs Trust Clinical Behaviour Team as part of a prestigious scholarship programme aimed at supporting independent practitioners in becoming Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCAB)—the highest professional qualification in the field. This elite certification, held by fewer than 100 individuals worldwide, is considered equivalent to a doctorate-level standard.

Chris the trainer crouching next to his dog, Luna
Helen the trainer crouching next to his dog, Luna

Helen's Story

Helen leads our popular 1-to-1 Puppy Power sessions and is the primary instructor for all of our group training classes. She is a certified instructor and qualified member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), having completed their Level 3 OCN course in Understanding and Working with Canine Behaviour: Methodology in 2019. In addition to her professional qualifications, Helen holds a BA (Hons) in Humanities, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her work with both people and dogs.

 

With over 16 years of experience working with dogs, Helen's background includes hands-on voluntary work with Animals Asia in China, International Animal Rescue, and Welfare for Animals in Goa (WAG), India. She has also volunteered at Crufts for the No to Dog Meat charity, and travelled to Cape Verde to deliver essential dog training resources and support the founders of Associazione Nerina. She continues to actively support WAG through fundraising and long-distance collaboration.

Helen combines her extensive fieldwork, professional training, and passion for animal welfare to provide practical, compassionate, and effective guidance for dogs and their families.

Animal Kind teaching team at Dorridge Day 2024

Since 2023 we have a great new addition to the training team….

Peta began her journey into dog training five years ago, following a successful career in the NHS, and became part of the Animal Kind team in 2023. She brings a wealth of hands-on experience, having led multiple puppy classes each week over the past five years, and is known for her calm, knowledgeable, and approachable style.

Now advancing her expertise in canine behaviour, Peta recently completed the Compass Education Level 5 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour, equipping her with a strong foundation in both theory and practice as she develops her role as a behaviourist.

Peta works closely with her super-friendly Cavapoo, Wilf, who regularly supports our 1-to-1 socialisation sessions and rehabilitation work. Together, they play an active role in delivering our full range of group classes, helping dogs and their families build skills, confidence, and trust.

Animal Kind are members of:

FABC Logo

Chris is a FABC candidate member, and on the membership sub-committee. FABC independently

accredit clinical animal behaviourists.

IMDT and Charter Logo

We are both qualified IMDT members. IMDT is the leading education provider for Dog Trainers/ Behaviourists who work with the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter.

APBC Logo

Chris is an APBC candidate member. APBC is a network of friendly and professional practitioners who work alongside the vet-led team.

Check Out
Our YouTube Channel!

Get tips and tricks on how to train your dog essential skills and fun tricks by watching our YouTube videos. From teaching your dog peek-a-boo to training your dog emergency stop, there will be something for you!

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