About Us

I’ve always had a keen interest in dogs and have been training dogs for over 20 years. I started dog training using what is called traditional methods which involved using correction and choke chains as that is what I was taught by the experts at the time. Although it worked I was always uncomfortable with this approach and sought to learn alternative ways to train and this is what set me on my journey. My journey taught me that dogs can be trained effectively and to very high standards using kindness and motivation and by building the right relationship of trust and mutual respect. Learning should be fun for both humans and dogs

Back in 2004 after completing a course in running training classes I set up my own pet dog and puppy classes at the local church hall as a hobby using a positive approach. These classes grew into two night and six classes. Four years later after completing the COAPE Diploma in the Practical Aspects of Companion Animal Behaviour and Training and an Advanced Award in Practical Behaviour Therapy I took voluntary redundancy in my day job as a Business Improvement Analyst and started dog training and walking full time.

I signed up to the Foundation degree in Canine Behaviour and Training with Hull University at Bishop Burton Agricultural College part time and completed a total of 5 years study, topping up with a BSc (Hons) in Canine Behaviour and Training and graduating in 2012. During this time I found my own venue which started as WaggaWuffins K9 Activity Centre and is now WaggaWuffins Canine College.

I continued to study and spent a couple of years learning with Learning About Dogs, completing my CAP (Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Program) 1 and 2 with distinction, attended a teachers week and the training to become a CAP Assessor.

After Graduating from Bishop Burton with my Honors Degree I had a call from the college saying I’d had the highest grade for the practical instructing module ever given out and would I be interested in teaching their Foundation Degree Organising Classes and Instructing Module. I did this for 2 years and was given Recognised teacher status up to Level 6 in Canine Related Subjects by Hull University.

I was also approached by COAPE (The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) who were developing a Level 5 Ofqual Regulated Pet Behaviour Qualification add on to their first year and I taught the practical dog training and behaviour modification modules at Level 5 to their behaviourists for 3 years for them.

Understanding the importance of teaching people in my role I went to study a City and Guilds Award in Education and Training and have recently learnt about Emotional Intelligence Coaching and Mindful Coaching.

I have spoken and presented for the UK Kennel Club, The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, The Canine Behaviour and Training Society, The Gundog Conference, The Fenzi Dog Academy and I was the after dinner speaker at the Kathy Sdao Conference when she visited the UK.

In 2016 I was awared 'Kennel Club Dog Trainer of the Year 2015' at Crufts.

With my own dogs I have achieved the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dogs Scheme Awards up to Gold with several dogs, I made a Polish Lowland Sheepdog up to a UK Show Champion, I have been awarded the Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate on Game with one of my Cocker Spaniels and achieved Gundog Club Grades One and Two Assessments with two of my own cocker spaniels.

I'm a trainer for Dog AID (Assistance In Disability) and made up the first and only German Shorthaired Pointer to full UK Assistance Dog Status and I have trained and provided acting dogs for both Television and Film.

WaggaWuffins Canine College was founded by Jane Ardern BSc (Hons) Dip. CABT, CAP2

Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Scheme Dog Trainer of the Year 2015

Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

Animal Behaviour and Training Council Registered Animal Trainer (ABTC)

Member of the COAPE Association of Pet Behavioirists and Trainers

International Companion Animal Network Accreditied Animal Behaviourist (ICAN)

The Gundog Club Accredited Instructor

Author of Mission Control: How to Train the High Drive Dog

Professional Memberships

A Full Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT UK) Membership no. 1058

A Registered Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Training and Behaviour Council (ATBC)

Member of the COAPE Association of Pet Behavioirists and Trainers

International Companion Animal Network Accreditied Animal Behaviourist (ICAN)

The Gundog Club Accredited Instructor

Instructor

Helen Coogan Cert. TPTD, ADTI, Cert.ED

Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

Animal Behaviour and Training Council Registered Animal Trainer (ABTC)

Throughout Helen’s career she has always been involved in the teaching, training and assessment of learners. This began as a Regional Trainer, and then progressing to a teacher/trainer in a Further Education College where she developed her skills and knowledge and successfully achieved a Certificate in Education in Business.

She obtained her A1 Assessors award and V1 Verifier award and for 10 years was successful involvement in writing, developing, delivering and assessing a range of courses and qualifications to 14-19-year olds and adult learners.

Helen has always had a passion for dogs. Labrador Retrievers have always been part of her life from childhood and the latest addition to her family is Vinny a working line bred Labrador.

A few years ago Helen made the decision to start her own business as a professional dog walker and quickly realised that she needed to update her skills and knowledge in this area. She enrolled onto a canine first aid course and began researching and reading books to develop her dog training skills.

Helen decided to enrol on a dog training course and researched numerous courses but decided on WaggaWuffins Instructor Course as it combined theory and practical learning which best suited my learning style.

‘I had the most amazing learning experience on the handler course, met some lifelong friends and it made me realise that I wanted to combine two of my passions as a career, teaching and dogs’.

‘This is the part where I still pinch myself on a regular basis to make sure its real! Jane Ardern agreed to mentor me and allow me to assist in lessons and then offered me a position as a trainer’.

‘I feel extremely privileged and proud that I get to work with, support, guide and help a diverse range of people daily. There is no greater achievement than knowing that you have made a difference to a person or dogs life in a positive way’.

Within my role as trainer at WaggaWuffins, I am committed to supporting each learner to achieve their own personal goals. I will demonstrate coaching and mentoring skills to develop and encourage each individual to expand their skills and knowledge in order to allow them to progress, not only to achieve their own goals, but as a handler that demonstrates empathy and understanding towards their dog’s ability, requirements and emotional wellbeing'.

Helen has achieved the Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze and Silver Awards and the The Gundog Club Grade One Assessment with Vinny her Labrador and is now working on The Good Citizen Scheme and Gundog Grades with her young cocker spaniel Fudge

Professional Memberships

A Full Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT UK) Membership no. 01428

A Registered Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Training and Behaviour Council (ATBC)

Instructor

Steven Ringrose Cert. TPTD, ADTI

Steven’s dog ownership journey started when his girlfriend persuaded him to get a puppy and he very soon became obsessed. George, a clever, sensitive, seemingly almost human Pomeranian Chihuahua was then joined by Paco who is a bright and lively rescue German Spitz Klein. Both George and Paco have passed the Kennel Club Bronze and Silver Awards. Steven has also done some agility training with George.

Steven enrolled on the first WaggaWuffins Instructor trainer programme and passed with distinction in 2016 and starting working as a trainer at WaggaWuffins.

Steven has always worked in criminal law, and since 2004 on a freelance basis, providing advice and assistance for suspects at the police station. His clients can often be vulnerable and disadvantaged and need help understanding their rights, and as such, excellent communication skills are essential. During his time at Waggawuffins these skills have transferred to owners and their dogs. Steven is motivated in helping owners better understand and build positive relationships with their dogs using positive reinforcement training

Steven has attended Rachel Beans canine first aid workshop and is a qualified Canine Hoopers World instructor. Hoopers is a fun, less impactive, alternative to agility.

We provide a unique service where we can give you the guidance and support to understand and train your dog better, while having lots of fun using a kind and compassionate approach. We can help you build a strong and rewarding relationship with your pet dog, helping you create an obedient and well behaved family pet that you can be proud of ……..