Howdy Doody Peeps :)

In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with Juanita Rogers, founder of K9 Klass Dog Training. Juanita shares her story of stepping into the dog training world with her American Bulldog puppy Lenny, navigating 18 years in local government whilst building her business, and finding the courage to break away from a restrictive, toxic training club to champion modern, reward-based methods.

Steve and Juanita discuss the power of progression-based classes, the clever promotional trick of giving away branded treat pouches, her work as one of the UK's few licensed 'UnChased' instructors tackling prey drive with positive reinforcement, and why collaborating with local trainers beats competition every single time.

Juanita Facts:

Juanita is the award-winning founder of K9 Klass Dog Training based on the South Coast. With over a decade of experience, she specialises in adolescent dogs, pet gundog training, and scent detection, alongside behaviour work for reactivity, resource guarding, and chase-related behaviours. She lives with her rescue Staffy cross, Skye, and is dedicated to continuous professional development.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

K9 Klass Dog Training: k9klass.co.uk

PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Bookings open for the April CTIC intake, and the CBTC starting in January!)

DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)

UnChased Programme: unchased.com (Created by Alexis Davison)

Recommended Books: Retrieving for All Occasions by Elsa Blomster and Lena Gunnarsson, and What the Dog Knows by Cat Warren

Hey Folks!

Welcome back to Dog Trainers UnPACT! In this episode, Steve sits down with Charis Vincent, founder of Charismatic Pets in Warminster, Wiltshire. Charis shares her fascinating path from studying commercial dance in London and human psychology to opening a massive canine hub offering over 25 classes a week, an independent pet shop, and specialised dog sports.

Steve and Charis explore how human psychology is the secret key to better dog welfare, the lessons learned from living with her heart dog Staffy, Jasmine, and the financial and practical realities of running a daycare versus a dedicated training centre. They also discuss managing high-drive breeds using outlet sports like slatmills and wall climbs, handling imposter syndrome by focusing on doing a great job, and the importance of taking time to celebrate your own achievements.

Charis Facts:

Charis Vincent (CAB, ATI) is a canine behaviour and training specialist based in Warminster, Wiltshire, running a busy training centre and independent pet shop. Fully accredited with the APBC, PACT, and APDT under the ABTC, Charis assesses for the APBC and ABTC. Her centre hosts over 25 weekly classes ranging from puppy foundation and co-operative care to Hoopers, scentwork, parkour, and high-drive outlet sports.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Charismatic Pets: charismaticpets.co.uk
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors): apbc.org.uk
• NNA (National Nosework Association): nationalnoseworkassociation.org.uk

In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with fellow trainer Steve Bligh-Williams, founder of The Proud Dog. Steve shares his transition from a 14-year career in the media industry to becoming a PACT ATI and studying to be a Canine Behaviour Technician.

They explore how his rescue Lurcher, Sam, opened his eyes to the reality of pain-related behaviour, fear reactivity, and independent dog personalities. Steve and Steve also dive into crucial topics like male mental health and loneliness in the industry, why owner well-being matters just as much as dog behaviour, how to gamify training with play, and how a bit of tech automation can save hours of admin. What's not to love?

Steve Facts:

Steve Bligh-Williams is a PACT and ABTC accredited Animal Training Instructor and aspiring Canine Behaviour Technician based in Surrey. After 14 years working in media, burnout led him to change paths, inspired by his scruffy rescue lurcher, Sam. Through his business, The Proud Dog, Steve offers 1:1 training services with a focus on empathy for both dogs and their guardians.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Proud Dog: theprouddog.co.uk | Instagram: @the_proud_dog
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• Recommended Reading: Canine Play Behavior: The Science of Dogs at Play - Mechtild Käufer
• Mental Health Awareness: Boys Get Sad Too