A bit about us

Buddies Dog Training Club Bolton was established in 2001. We like to think that as a team we have a wealth of practical experience and theoretical knowledge to offer you.

Karen began attending dog training classes with her own German Shepherd in her teens which has led to her running dog training classes in Bolton for 25+ years. Having grown up in a very doggy household and having a keen interest in dog training Karen started a career with Guide Dogs 30+ years ago working in the kennels, she qualified as a Guide Dog Trainer in 1988 and became a Senior Guide Dog Trainer in 2000. Unfortunately this career had to come to an end due to personal circumstances. However Karen has continued to run and teach at Buddies Dog Club since it was established in 2001

Karen is a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and has qualified with The Kennel Club as an examiner for the Good Citizen Dog Scheme up to gold level. She also gained a Professional Diploma in Education at Bolton University.

Karen lives with a rescue dog called Brian, a patterdale terrier. Sadly she is without a German Shepherd at the moment but ......... 

Derek W has a lifetimes experience living with, training and working dogs. He has achieved bronze, silver and gold Good Citizen Dog Scheme awards.

The family has owned, shown and bred several dog breeds over the years and have puppy walked numerous dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Derek attended obedience training classes with the family GSDs, followed by years training and working his Labrador Retrievers as gundogs. (ps he’s also Karen’s dad!).

Katie has a love for terriers and is currently owned by 2 Cairn terriers Bronnie and Barley. They have both had their own unique and quirky issues which was the reason why Katie became interested in dog training and understanding dog behaviour.

As you probably know Dorothy & Toto followed the yellow brick road and found Oz but Katie and her Cairns followed Chorley Old Road and found Buddies!

Bronnie & Barley have both achieved their Bronze, Silver and Gold Good Citizen awards. Katie has also trained and competed in Agility with Barley.  

Katie has completed an Introduction to Tellington TTouch course and has recently gained a Diploma in Higher Canine Behaviour & Psychology.

Danielle is a qualified dog groomer however she currently works as an assistant at a vets. Danielle began attending Buddies with her softy springer Lexi who has achieved the Silver Good Citizen Award and  Poppy the Shih Tzu. 

Danielle has a keen interest in all things dog and continues to learn as much as she can about training by working with us at Buddies.