Roy is a former Director of a major UK money broking corporation, bringing extensive leadership, strategic, and commercial expertise to his professional portfolio.
He also holds Qualified Teacher Status in Business and Economics, reflecting a strong foundation in education and professional development.
Building on this diverse background, Roy is the owner of a highly successful dog behaviour and training facility in the South West. He is a Full Member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association and a Master Trainer with the prestigious Guild of Dog Trainers, demonstrating his commitment to excellence, professional standards, and evidence-based practice in animal behaviour and training.

Nick brings over two decades of experience in strategy, leadership, and digital technology, complemented by his professional development as a dog trainer. He supports pet dog owners in establishing clear, reliable foundations both at home and in real-world settings, combining practical obedience training with considered, welfare-led behavioural support. His approach prioritises sustainable skill development, clarity, and confidence, enabling owners to navigate everyday situations effectively while strengthening the human–canine bond.
In addition, Nick has collaborated with independent rescue organisations, providing hands-on support that informs his ethical, evidence-based practice and commitment to positive training methodologies. His work focuses on empowering owners to manage their dogs responsibly and to enjoy safe, fulfilling daily life and shared activities.
Drawing on cross-sector industry experience, mentorship from established behaviour practitioners, and direct rescue centre involvement, Nick maintains a strong commitment to improving canine welfare, promoting public safety, and advancing responsible dog ownership and management.

Suzanne Bull is an accomplished marketing and communications leader
currently serving as Director of Content and Communications at Cambridge
Education Group. In this role, she specialises in developing
audience-led strategies and delivering high-impact digital content that
drives engagement and measurable outcomes.

With a career firmly rooted in the education sector, Suzanne brings a
deep understanding of how people learn, connect and change behaviour.
This perspective aligns closely with the mission of ADOi to educate and
empower dog owners through accessible, expert-led guidance.

Alongside her professional expertise, Suzanne offers a personal
perspective as a dog owner. She has a penchant for the working cocker
spaniel and promotes strong and positive partnerships with dogs. Her
canine experience has further reinforced her commitment to promoting
responsible ownership and fostering positive, lasting relationships
between dogs and their owners.

Jo is a freelance project manager and retoucher who has delivered work for leading organisations including Warner Bros. Discovery, BBC, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sky, National Theatre, and Formula E.
A British–South African creative professional, Jo began her career in acting, training in Cape Town and working professionally before transitioning into the visual arts.
She was listed for the Visual Art Open 2023 Emerging Artist Awards, and her photography has been featured in multiple online publications.
In addition to her creative work, Jo has extensive experience in dog rescue and fostering, including prior work as a dog photographer. She has a natural affinity for dogs and a strong practical understanding of their behaviour. Drawing on her hands-on experience in care, rescue, and fostering environments, she is passionate about addressing the wider societal challenges affecting dogs, their owners, and the communities in which they live.

Catherine has had a long career as a senior leader within large not-for-profits with extensive experience in strategy, governance and public relations. She has developed influencing strategies, built partnerships and navigated complex stakeholder environments.
Today, as Chair of a small national charity, she provides strong governance and values-led leadership.
Catherine is currently working towards a coaching qualification and she integrates coaching principles into her professional practice.
As a Level 6 qualified canine behaviourist and trainer working across Wiltshire and surrounding counties, she applies an ethical and people-centred approach to work with owners to support lasting behavioural change in their dogs.

Charles is the founder and managing director of A1K9, a company that for over thirty years has specialised in the training and supply of family protection dogs to clients both here in the UK and around the globe: at the last count A1K9 had supplied dogs to over fifty destinations worldwide, encompassing six of the seven continents.
In addition to protection dogs, Charles is experienced in obedience training and for many years held a Home Office drugs licence to facilitate training drugs dogs. He is a full member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and is an assessor for their security division. Charles is also a Master trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers andan assessor for the NPIPDU.
His career with dogs began over forty years ago and A1K9 was originally just his hobby as he had several other companies operating in different sectors ranging from theclothing trade to shop fitting, sign writing and logistics.
You could say he is a little bit of a serial entrepreneur with a love and understanding of dogs.

Vicky’s background in administration, management, finance, and personal services underpins her strong organisational, communication, and business skills, which she brings to running a successful practice.

She is a highly qualified canine behaviour practitioner with extensive hands-on experience. A Master Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers and full member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association, she now focuses exclusively on evidence-based canine behaviour support in her full-time professional practice.

Vicky tutors and lectures at the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training (CIDBT), mentoring future dog professionals. Her qualifications include a Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and a BTEC in Management Studies, among others.

Combining advanced academic training with extensive practical experience, Vicky is committed to delivering ethical, professional behaviour solutions and raising standards within the field.

Alice is an experienced animal behaviour professional with many years of dedicated work and voluntary service within the rescue sector. She has extensive experience in training and advising on a wide range of canine behaviours, designing and implementing effective, evidence-based behaviour modification and training plans tailored to the individual needs of each dog.

Alongside her practical expertise, Alice brings strong leadership and management experience. She has successfully built, developed, and supported high-performing teams within rescue organisations, fostering collaborative environments focused on both animal welfare and professional excellence.

Alice holds an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, a BSc in Zoology, and a Diploma in Leadership and Management. As a member of the Pet Professional Guild, she is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical, welfare-centred practice.

Alice has a passion for dog showing and exhibits her two German Spitz and has qualified them both for Crufts

Suzy Gray, owner of Canine Navigator, delivers professional canine training and behavioural services in the Yorkshire Dales. Prior to specialising in canine behaviour and undertaking studies with the CIDBT, Suzy earned a degree in Psychology and gained extensive customer-facing experience working in the hospitality sector. The process of training her now 12-year-old German Shepherd Dog inspired her transition into the canine profession.
As a member of the Guild of Dog Trainers and the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, Suzy offers a high-quality, professional service that integrates evidence-based knowledge with practical expertise. Her approach is supportive, client-focused, and holistic, helping owners build positive, sustainable relationships with their dogs.

Stan is a senior welfare and operations leader committed to raising standards in dog ownership through structured education, ethical practice, and effective policy. His career focuses on improving canine welfare at scale, combining behavioural expertise with operational leadership to create safe, enriching environments for dogs.

Holding a leadership role within one of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations, he has extensive experience in behaviour assessment, rehabilitation, team development, and strategic project delivery. Through the Advanced Dog Owner Initiative, Stan supports proactive education that addresses the root causes of behavioural issues, equipping owners with clarity, accountability, and practical skills. His evidence-informed, welfare-led approach prioritises integrity, leadership, and measurable impact to create safer communities and stronger human–canine relationships

Nathaniel plays a pivotal role in strengthening our commitment to dog safety education and advanced, responsible dog ownership.
With more than two decades of operational experience working with high-drive, protection, and complex behavioural cases, Nathaniel brings ADOi a depth of practical insight into canine aggression. His understanding extends beyond surface-level behaviour, focusing on the underlying drivers of aggression including genetics, environment, handler influence, stress thresholds, and learned responses.
Within ADOi, this expertise is applied in an educational and preventative capacity. Nathaniel supports the development of structured learning frameworks that help owners, handlers, and professionals:
His background as a professional decoy provides valuable real-world perspective on how dogs respond under pressure, high arousal, and environmental stressors. This allows ADOi to deliver credible, scenario-informed education that prepares owners not only for ideal conditions, but for real-life situations where safety and control are critical.
By integrating practical experience with responsible training principles, Nathaniel helps ensure that ADOi promotes strength and drive in dogs as attributes to be understood and managed and not suppressed, misused, or misunderstood. His contribution reinforces our mission to elevate standards across the industry, prioritising public safety, canine welfare, and accountable ownership at every level.

October studied graphic design and photography at Isle of Ely College, graduating in 1996 before joining EMAP, then one of the United Kingdom’s largest magazine publishers. She began her career as an Editorial Designer and progressed to the role of Art Editor, developing extensive experience in publishing and visual communications. In 2007, October transitioned to self-employment to pursue freelance design and photography.
In 2009, she established her own wedding photography business, which continues to represent a significant and enduring component of her professional portfolio. Thereafter, October pursued a long-standing ambition to work with dogs by completing the Clinical Canine Behaviour and Trainer Fast Track programme with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training.

Ryan brings 17 years of frontline policing experience, including more than 12 years as a specialist dog handler. Recognised as an expert in the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act, he has deployed operational police dogs to apprehend high-risk suspects, locate vulnerable missing persons, disrupt significant drug and cash trafficking operations, and recover critical evidence, including a murder weapon.
Following success at regional Police trials and multiple life-saving commendations, Ryan achieved NEPOPO® Silver and CIDBT Advanced certifications, and qualified as a Master Professional Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers.
In 2024, Ryan transitioned to launch Modern Dog Academy as a full-time venture, applying his operational expertise to support dog owners across the UK. The Academy focuses on building safe, structured, and legally compliant owner dog relationships, improving behavioural outcomes, and proactively reducing legal and public safety risks

Tatiana Iseborn Young is a canine behavioural specialist and trainer
with a background in biology and primatology, providing a robust
scientific foundation for her work with dogs and their owners. With
practical experience in dog training dating back to 1989, she combines
over three decades of hands-on expertise with a comprehensive
understanding of animal behaviour, learning theory, and welfare.

Her professional career spans academia, multinational corporate
environments, and the non-profit sector, through which she has developed
strong capabilities in leadership, research, analysis, and stakeholder
engagement.

Tatiana operates a successful training and behaviour consultancy in
Oxfordshire, founded on ethical, evidence-based methodologies. She is a
Professional Training Instructor with the Guild of Dog Trainers and a
member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, underscoring her
commitment to the highest professional, ethical, and welfare standards
within the field of canine behaviour and training.

Rebecca Norton-Childs is a highly respected gundog specialist, trainer, behaviourist, and professional training provider. She developed the United Kingdom’s first nationally accredited qualifications for dog breeders and is widely recognised for her leadership in promoting ethical, responsible breeding and lifelong canine welfare.
Her methodology is grounded in a practical, dog-centred philosophy that prioritises clear communication, humane handling, and real-world functionality. Through her work, Rebecca supports dog owners, industry professionals, and breeders in developing confident, physically healthy dogs while strengthening the human–canine partnership.
By delivering evidence-based education and hands-on guidance, she contributes to raising professional standards across breeding and training sectors, improving outcomes for dogs and the people who care for them.
Rebecca is a Five-Star Licensed Breeder

Shareen is a small animal veterinary surgeon with over ten years of clinical experience and holds an Advanced Practitioner Certificate, with a particular focus on surgery. Her professional interests lie primarily in orthopaedics and advanced soft tissue surgery, where she has developed significant expertise and a strong passion for advancing patient care.
Shareen is a strong advocate for responsible dog ownership and is passionate about supporting owners in raising well-balanced, confident dogs that can thrive safely within society. Through her work as a veterinary surgeon, she frequently encounters the consequences of behavioural challenges and dog bites, which can unfortunately lead to relinquishment or euthanasia. She believes there is a critical need for improved education, support and guidance for dog owners, ensuring that both dogs and their owners are set up for long-term success and welfare.
Outside of clinical practice, Shareen is actively involved in the Rottweiler breed, which she is deeply committed to promoting responsibly. Her current dog, Dark, is a two-year-old male Rottweiler who has achieved his BH (Begleithund) qualification and is currently training towards IGP 1. Dark is also successfully shown in the breed ring and has competed at Crufts, one of the world’s most prestigious dog shows.
Dark contributes to the wider canine community as a blood donor with the Pet Blood Bank UK, helping to support lifesaving veterinary treatments for other dogs. In addition, he is a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, regularly visiting schools, care homes and prisons to provide comfort and emotional support. In recognition of their dedication, Shareen and Dark were honoured with the Harriet Heart Award for their outstanding contribution to therapy work. Dark has also been awarded an Excellent Temperament Certificate from the British Rottweiler Association, reflecting his exceptional character and stability.

Ross is a leading Clinical
Canine Behaviour Consultant and trainer, widely respected for his
authority, experience, and influence within the canine profession. As
founder of The London Dog Behaviour Company and co-founder of several major professional organisations, including CIDBT.org.uk, he has helped shape modern dog training standards and education across the UK, with a strong focus on public safety through the Dog Safety Education Executive (DOGSee.org).
Holding a Master’s degree in Canine Behaviour and
Psychology and numerous elite accreditations, Ross lectures extensively, assesses dogs for public authorities, and serves as an expert witness.
He works alongside industry professionals across all canine disciplines and breeds, although Rottweilers remain his enduring passion.

Clare is Chairwoman of the Guild of Dog Trainers. She offers strategic
leadership, governance, and advocacy, promoting excellence, ethical
practice, and continuous professional development across the sector.

With over 30 years of hands-on dog behaviour and training experience,
Clare is a respected canine behaviour specialist dedicated to raising
standards in canine welfare and professional practice.

After a successful 20-year career in the charity sector, she made a
strategic transition into the canine industry, aligning her professional
work with her long-standing passion and expertise.

For nearly two decades, Clare has worked at a professional level,
providing structured, evidence-based training and behavioural support to
both individual owners and organisations. Trained through Cambridge
Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training (CIDBT), she combines academic
knowledge with extensive real-world experience.

Contact us

Our Team

Advanced dog ownership initiative

Our Team

Roy Young

Nick Lucey

Suzanne Bull

Jo Moolenschot

Catherine A’Bear

Charles Wall

Vicky Lawes

Alice Rotti

Suzy Gray

Stan Drew

Nathaniel Lewis

October Whiteman

Ryan Llewellyn

Tatiana Iseborn Young

Rebecca Norton-Childs

Shareen Akhtar

Ross McCarthy

Clare Drew

Advanced dog ownership initiative