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About Caroline Cowan

BSc CBT, FP-MT, MBIPDT

As seen on

BBC Radio
ITV
My name is Caroline Cowan BSc, FP-MT, MBIPDT and I’m a qualified Canine Behaviourist and Trainer.

 

I have been passionate about dogs since childhood. Having owned many rescue dogs of varying breeds or mixtures, I currently live with my senior dog, a Bullmastiff called Hope and a Doberman called Hugo. . Previously I have owned German Shepherd dogs, Terriers, Border Collies, Mastiffs and their crosses and mongrels, or what I call ‘natures dogs!’ In addition I’ve fostered many other breeds or types of dog.

Unlike some trainers who may train their own dogs to obedience competition standard and purposely choose breeds of dog suitable for this, I have personal experience of the breeds of dogs not always thought to be very trainable. This has given me experience of how to train these types of dogs and empathy for those who own these more challenging breeds!

I enjoy the challenge of taking on those dogs that require rehabilitation; dogs with identified problems that some rescue organisations may find difficult to permanently home.

Initially I began holding dog training classes for Coleg Glan Hafren Tertiary College as part of a Saturday class pilot scheme. However, the response to these classes was so overwhelming that I started classes of my own in Cardiff. These too took off and, responding to even greater demand, I started classes in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. We currently only hold classes in Cardiff due to the demand for our behavioural and one to one services.

After I had gained suitable, extensive practical experience and achieved nationally recognised academic qualifications, I progressed to becoming a canine behaviourist/psychologist.

I have appeared on television on Wales Today and ITV Wales, on Radio Wales and numerous times in print in the Barry and District, Penarth Times and the South Wales Echo.

My daughter and I were also the proud organisers of the South Wales Dog and Family Fun Day which was held annually for five years. This not for profit event raised awareness and many thousands of pounds for several dog charities.

Qualifications

  • Awarded Bachelor of Science degree in Canine Behaviour and Training. I was one of the first twelve students to achieve this qualification in the whole of the UK.
  • Previously achieved a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Canine Behaviour and Training awarded by Bishop Burton College in Yorkshire and I have also completed a Foundation Degree (FdSc), awarded in partnership with Hull University.
  • Full Member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (MBIPDT).
  • FitPAWS Master Trainer (FP-MT).
    Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT).
  • Wag It Games Certified Instructor.
  • Corporate member of Doggone Safe
  • Sponsor of Yellow Dog UK
  • May 2010, achieved a National Certificate in Canine First Aid awarded by The European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies in association with Dogs Trust and Your Dog Magazine.
  • Experienced in training over 100 breeds of dogs and I am recommended by several rehoming centres, rescue organisations and veterinary practices.
  • Certified Temperament Test Assessor for Pets as Therapy (PAT).
  • Attended numerous practical courses and seminars with such renowned canine experts as: Steven R. Lindsay, Professor Daniel Mills, Dr Amber Batson, Dr. Susan Friedman, Grisha Stewart, Dr. Pamela Reid, Nando Brown, Jo-Rosie Haffenden, Sarah Whitehead, Kamal Fernandez, Craig Ogilvie, Nicole Wilde, Helen Zulch, Theresa Mckeon, Sarah Kalnajs, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Kelly Gorman Dunbar, Carolyn Menteith, Angela Stockdale, Kay Lawrence, Nina Bonderenko, Chirag Patel, Rachel Bean, Kim Moeller and Nick Thompson BSc (Vet Sci) Hons, BVM&S, VetMFHom, MRCVS, amongst many others.
  • Attended a three day Pit Bull identification course with Peter Tallack in conjunction with the NDWA.
  • Attended dog law expert Trevor Cooper’s seminars and nutrition course on natural health care and the Burns Product Range and Canine Health Concerns Foundation in Canine Healthcare Course.
  • Proud to have previously been a trustee of Friends of the Dogs (Wales).
  • Proud to be a trustee of Kim’s Home for Elderly and Abused Dogs.
  • Learning about the most up to date and best practice methods is very important to me and I attend courses and seminars every year with my continued professional development in mind.

Want to know what other people think?

Read more testimonials
Caroline attends our puppy parties and gives talks on socialisation. Her knowledge and experience is clear to see, along with her humane and ‘light touch’ training methods. It is obvious that she cares greatly about the work that she does, and here at Dinas Vets we recommend Caroline for all your behaviour needs.
Emily S Ward-Smith BSc. (Hons) BVSc., MRCVS

Practice Principal, Dinas Vets

‘I have been working in conjunction with Caroline for the past year; she provides the behaviour expertise at the ‘Puppy Party’ socialisation classes I run at Companion Care Veterinary Surgery on a monthly basis.’

‘Caroline’s many qualifications and years of experience, combined with her professional approach and calm manner ensure that dog owners and their puppies obtain maximum benefit from each session.’

‘Caroline always provides owners with realistic and practical advice that will yield achievable results at home. She is friendly and approachable and owners can feel reassured that she will try her hardest to ensure that  their dogs behavioural needs are addressed in the kindest and most beneficial way.’

Amy Baxter BSC Hons RVN

Veterinary Nurse, Companion Care Veterinary Surgery, Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Canine Citizens is the only behaviour service that I advise to my clients, and work alongside them for behaviour advise at our puppy parties.

Caroline is extremely professional, knowledgeable and properly qualified to deal with all manner of dog behaviour problems.

Caroline has a very patient, caring manner and takes time to explain fully what is going on in your doggy’s brain!

Highly recommended.

Tom Butler BVetMed CertSAS MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon & Practice Partner, Llanrumney Vets4Pets Ltd

I have worked closely with Caroline over the past 3 years. Caroline regularly attends the Puppy Socialisation Classes run at Vets4Pets and provides behaviour and training advice to owners of various breeds.

Caroline’s advice is always tailored specifically for the client she is dealing with which provides a high level of service with realistic and achievable goals. Caroline has a wide skill set and plenty of experience and this along with her professional manner, yields exceptional results in her training classes.

Caroline is friendly and highly reliable and is always willing to offer extra advice, her advice is easy to follow which ensures clients of all skill levels can achieve their goals.

Teri-Ann Baldwin BSc (Hons) RVN

Veterinary Nurse, Llanrumney Vets4Pets Ltd

Local Authority Dog Warden

I was previously a local authority dog warden – a position that I held from September 2002 until January 2014 when I resigned to concentrate upon my business.  I was also a member of the National Dog Warden Association (NDWA). Within my role as a dog warden, I dealt with:

  • impounding stray dogs
  • containing dangerous or banned breeds of dogs with the police
  • noise pollution investigations and assistance to owners
  • returning stray dogs to their owners
  • collecting unwanted dogs
  • boarding establishment inspections
  • behavioural/training advice
  • micro-chipping
  • home checking prospective new homes for rescue dogs
  • school educational talks
  • attending fetes and open days
  • prosecutions for dangerous dogs, abandonment and dog fouling
  • participating in awareness days with the Dogs Trust, RSPCA and PDSA