Two members of The Kennel Club Accredited Instructors scheme have been recognised as the best dog training company in Nottingham.
Marie Holt and Bev Smith, of In Line Dog Training, were awarded as the Best Dog Training Company in Nottingham as part of the SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020. Running for the past three years, the awards celebrate individuals and businesses from the Midlands, acknowledging their innovation, excellence and performance, something which is particularly commendable in a difficult year of upheaval and change.
In Line Dog Training offers dog training courses and seminars. During 2020, the business was forced to suspend group courses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but swiftly moved to one-to-one training in the interim, following all necessary health and safety measures. This has been a vital source of tuition for dog owners in the region. During the first lockdown they also created a Facebook group, which offered training videos, advice sheets and online assistance to help owners who were waiting for class training.
Bev and Marie started the business ten years ago, inspired by their passion to help people train, having enjoyed many years honing their skills at a local dog training club. The pair were awarded accreditation from The Kennel Club Accredited Instructor scheme in 2018 and now focus on helping dog owners develop skills to manage real-life situations in novel, fun and engaging ways.
The Kennel Club Accredited Instructors scheme is a UK-wide membership scheme which recognises and promotes experienced and competent dog training instructors who are committed to using dog training methods which are based on the principles of kindness, fairness and the good welfare of dogs. Marie and Bev were each awarded as accredited instructors in 2018.
Outside of their training, they have also continued in their jobs as key workers in 2020: Bev as a registered nurse in a theatre unit, redeployed to critical care nursing Covid-19 patients, and Marie as head veterinary nurse in a local veterinary surgery. However, despite working extended hours, they have maintained regular contact with their volunteer team who they are supporting to develop their skills as dog trainers.
Speaking of their recent win at the SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards, Bev and Marie said: “We are honoured to have been awarded Best Dog Training Company – Nottingham in the SME Midlands Enterprise Awards 2020, in what has been a very difficult year for both of us.
“Dog training is not just our business but also our passion and being able to help people train their dogs is so rewarding and we love helping people create a special bond with their dogs.”
Kathryn Mansfield, The Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Many congratulations to Marie and Bev for their very well-deserved win. It is a real testament to the dedication they put into their work and proves how grateful their customers are for the valuable work they do.
“It’s great to see members of the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors scheme being recognised for their knowledge, experience and hard work which really does make a difference, not only towards the welfare of dogs, but is a valuable service for their owners.”
Find out more information on The Kennel Club Accredited Instructors scheme.
