About Us

Clare Atkinson BA (hons) MEng, DipCABT, MAPDT.

Owner & Behaviour Consultant / Trainer

Member of the COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers (www.capbt.org)

Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (00985) (www.apdt.co.uk)

« Clare and her dog Darcy

Clare is the owner of The Family Dog, which she established in 2006. She is involved in all aspects of the business, including 1-to-1 training in the secure paddock, home visits and behaviour consultations.

Clare studied for a master's degree at Cambridge University. After graduating, she started work with a major pet food manufacturer, where she stayed for several years. This gave her a good knowledge of the nutritional needs of dogs. During this time, she helped out with classes at her local dog training club, as well as training her own dog there. She also studied for various animal behaviour qualifications, including completing her Advanced Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training with COAPE in 2006. In the past she has volunteered as a dog walker at Battersea Dogs' Home and at the Blue Cross Adoption Centre in Kimpton.

Since starting The Family Dog in 2006, she has gained a wide experience of working with many different breeds of dogs, and has helped to improve a huge variety of behaviour issues. She enjoys helping owners to understand their dogs better, so that they feel more confident managing their behaviour. Her ultimate aim is to support owners to enable their dogs become happy, well-adjusted and well-behaved family pets.

Clare has two children of her own, so she has personal experience of the challenges juggling babies, toddlers and dogs. She has worked with many families over the years, regularly helping people to settle a new dog to into a household with children, and also introducing a new baby into a house with existing pet dogs.