Hello, I’m Steve the Director of Training here at Huddersfield K9.
I started training dogs at the age of 14, originally with my German Shepherd Dog called Winston. Since then I have had many dogs, almost all of them GSDs although I’ve also had a Border Collie.
At the age of 20 I became an officer of H.M.Prison Service and shortly after joining was selected to specialise in dog handling. At that time I was the youngest dog handler to have ever been recruited and was also still in my probation period. During my 17 years service I handled two German Shepherd Dogs, Ben and Mack and a Border Collie called Bess.
My employment allowed me to specialise in training and handling dogs who could detect explosives, firearms and drugs. I’ve always enjoyed building good relationships with people and this led to my role as local training co-ordinator for my establishment with the responsibility for maintaining our training standards.
I have been fortunate in being able to attend several training courses and gained full membership with a first grade from the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers.
During my career I regularly competed with my service dog and on two occasions qualified as a National Prison Service dog trials finalist. On my first entrance to this competition in 1998 I was awarded a special trophy by the judges for carrying out the exercises in the most professional manner.
I have been very active with my working dogs, regularly attending fetes and galas, schools and other events to give demonstrations and talks.
Unfortunately, a few years ago Mack died and has been missed by all that knew him…. even the villains!
Naturally, Mack was an exemplary role model and I was able to demonstrate all commands and exercises when I began training family pets and their handlers.
In 2003 I started a dog training business called Huddersfield K9 Training. This group is fortunate now to have two fantastic female instructors with a wealth of knowledge, wide ranging interests, experience and fun.
REMEMBER KNOWLEDGE COMES FROM EXPERIENCE NOT READING A BOOK OR A DISTANCE LEARNING BEHAVIOUR COURSE.
