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A large ginger man and a red haired woman smile at each other while a sable german shepherd in a blue bandana stands between them.
Text that reads 'Meet the Team'
Ryan, a large ginger man with a beard and mohawk, smiles at the camera wearing a CDT hoodie

RYAN

HEAD TRAINER & FOUNDER he/him | BSc

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If you're here, you might be wondering: 'what made you want to be a dog trainer?'. My journey started years ago with our family dog, a Schnauzer who struggled with both human and dog reactivity and was considered a bite risk. As a child, I didn’t fully understand how to help him, but looking back, those experiences planted the seed for what I do today. Fast forward to when my partner Sarah and I decided to get a dog of our own—a German Shepherd, the breed I had always dreamed of. Like many new dog owners, I initially didn’t fully grasp what it meant to meet the needs of a working breed. I wanted a dog for walks and companionship, without realising what owning a working breed truly entails. Thankfully, Sarah pushed me to understand the responsibility that comes with owning a high-drive dog. She insisted that if we were bringing a working breed into our home, we had to honour his needs—and that set me on the path that led me here.

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With Obie, we faced plenty of challenges. We made mistakes, navigated reactivity, and worked with more trainers than I can count. Each experience taught me invaluable lessons about patience, understanding, and the incredible potential that lies in every dog and owner partnership.That’s why I do what I do today—to share what I’ve learned, guide others through their struggles, and help you build the relationship with your dog that I’ve worked so hard to achieve with mine. When you train with me, you’re working with someone who’s been where you are, and I’m here to help you succeed.

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As a qualified field guide in Southern Africa, I’m no stranger to conflict negotiation with animals, which has given me unique insights into handling challenging canine behaviours.​ I also have a deep love for scent sports and could easily spend every day mantrailing.​ My academic background is in primate behaviour, which fuelled my fascination with social relationships and dynamics—skills that translate well into understanding our canine companions. I’m an analytical thinker who enjoys problem-solving and finding creative, outside-the-box solutions to help dogs and owners.

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When I’m not training, you’ll likely find me adventuring with Obie, expanding my knowledge with podcasts (you’ll rarely see me without a headphone in one ear), or possibly relaxing at the pub!

ADMIN & TRAINER

she/her | BSc, MSc

SPECIALTIES

Puppy Training • Breed Fulfilment • Scent Sports • Health & Nutrition

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SARAH

STOOGE DOG & BEST BOY

German Shepherd

SPECIALTIES

Helping Reactive Dogs • Mantrailing • Barn Hunt • Sleeping • Eating

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OBERON

Sarah, a red haired woman in a CDT hoodie, holds her hand under Obie, a sable german shepherds, paw.
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WHAT BREEDS HAVE WE WORKED WITH?

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Text that reads 'Our Training Ethos'

In our holistic approach, we focus on teaching dogs the behaviours we desire and rewarding them for successfully meeting those expectations, rather than resorting to reprimands for mistakes. Our methodology emphasises changing mindsets, creating new behavioural pathways, and fostering strong, positive relationships between dogs and their owners. We focus on working as a team with your dog through guidance, advocacy, and support, rather than relying solely on traditional obedience training.

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