Your Head Trainer

Karen Boyce - Proprietor

Every since I was a young child I have been training dogs. It has always been a passion and back in 1995 after getting a German Shepherd I started to get heavily involved in dog training, psychology, nutrition and breeding.

This new found desire to know more brought me into contact with Wendy Volhard, from the USA, and her UK representative Gail Ward, who owns Cranbourne Dog School. Inspired by these two experienced people I started to train at Cranbourne and then proceeded to teach, first as an Assistant and then as an Instructor. My time there also included two visits to the Volhard’s Holistic Training Camps in the US.

I then further expanded my knowledge by completing the Centre of Applied Ethology’s Pet Behaviour Course in 2000.

Since then I have completed and attended numerous courses and seminars, workshops and conferences. All with the aim of providing the optimum service to my clients.

Having taught for over a decade Beastly Thoughts in its current form was established in 2007 and is one of only a few professional dog training businesses in the country.

Head Instructor

John Needham

Our Head Instructor has a passion for dogs. Having owned a range of breeds John come to train at Puppy School with his daughter at BTPDS in 2008 with Charlie the Bichon x Poodle. John completed the beginners course with his beloved lab Jake and then agreed to assist in classes. With all the experience gained plus attendance at seminars and conferences John is an invaluable member of the team. Charlie is now also an outstanding stooge dog for our behavioural sessions and a great asset in our puppy parties. John is now the proud owner of Devon the Belgian Shepherd.

Assistant Instructors

Jane Alstead

Christine Breeze

Our Assistants are invaluable in ensuring the smooth running of our classes. Jane and Alfie started coming to BTPDS for training in 2010 and now Jane helps out at Weston Rhyn classes. Alfie is invaluable as a stooge dog for our Saturday morning problem sessions. Christine is an old friend who runs her own dog walking and boarding service and helps at the Llandrinio classes.

Essential Support Staff

Sheila (Senior Assistant), Angela, Joanne, Jessica, Jen, Ethan and Frances.