Our Tutors are Catherine Pleasance (ABTC ATI) and her Associate, Sally Brown. Over the last 10 years we have helped owners to train over 1,400 puppies in the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge areas. We run fun, reward-based, force-free, indoor classes using scientifically proven methods.
About Us
OUR TUTORS
About Catherine Pleasance
Both Catherine and her Associate Sally are passionate about kind, reward-based, positive and science led training. We have both been through extensive training with Puppy School, which was set up over 20 years ago by internationally recognised behaviourist and trainer Gwen Bailey, author of the best selling book 'The Perfect Puppy'.
Catherine
Growing up, I was dog and pony mad and some of my earliest memories are of visiting neighbours who bred Labradors, and helping them out (actually, probably getting in the way!), and then badgering my parents for a dog of my own. That first puppy was Shep, a Border Collie crossbreed who grew up with me. Since then, I have had always had a Border Collie in my life, whenever my lifestyle allowed. Currently, we have number five, Brodie at home. He and I went to Puppy School classes together, which is how I found out about the organisation. Shortly afterwards, having left a long career in the Third Sector, and looking for something equally rewarding, I enrolled on the Puppy School Tutor Training programme. At the same time, I also took on a voluntary role with Canine Partners, an amazing organisation that trains assistance dogs. I was further inspired by this wonderful charity when I saw at first hand what dogs and their owners can achieve together.
I am registered as an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC). Through Puppy School and external courses, I regularly update my knowledge and skills. Puppy School itself runs extensive CPD (continuing professional development) courses and events each year, which cover a vast range of training and canine behaviour topics.
I love being able to pass on my canine knowledge on to dog owners, to help them to develop a mutually fun, trusting and harmonious connection, using only the kind, reward-based methods practised by Puppy School. It's a great job, full of rewarding moments, fun and laughs. Who doesn't love a puppy?
More recently, I became the Regional Manager for Puppy School in Kent and enjoy working with colleagues county-wide to share our knowledge and experience and to improve our practice, an ongoing journey for each of us.
Animal Behaviour Training Council
Puppy School Ltd is a Practitioner Member of the Animal Behaviour Training Council.
Catherine Pleasance has completed a series of assessments including a class visit assessment and an in-depth theory test relating to the science behind behaviour to become a registered Animal Training Instructor with the ABTC.
About Sally
Associate Trainer and Registered Dog Walker
After working for 25 years in education, first as a primary school teacher then as a Senco, I am now lucky enough to be following my dream of working with dogs and their families as trainer and dog walker.
Having grown up with dogs all my life and then having my own dogs, first my beloved and much missed Mac the border collie and now Margot my beautiful cocker spaniel, I understand the joy and companionship that a dog brings into your life. My 'happy place' has always been being out with my dog in the beautiful countryside or just cuddling up with them at home.
In April 2023 I started studying for a Level 4 diploma in canine, welfare, behaviour and training which I completed in April 2024. In January 2024, I took the leap and became a Dog Walker full time and began my journey to become a Puppy School Tutor, proudly becoming fully qualified in September 2024.
I am passionate about using only positive reinforcement and reward based training methods to help teach and develop the skills for life that your puppy needs to enable them to grow into the happy, confident and well mannered dog that they deserve to be. I have recently been on the crazy journey of puppy ownership with my own puppy Margot so I understand the highs and lows of this exciting time. Margot is now 1 year old and I am so proud of the progress that she has made over the last year of training using the Puppy School techniques. All the hard work is so worth it!
I live with my husband and beautiful daughter Ava along with Margot and our two much loved guinea pigs, Pixie & Maple.
If you live in the Sevenoaks area and would like to find out more about my dog walking services, please follow this link to Happy Place Dogs or call or message me on 07946 405884.
Proud to have trained over 1,200 puppies since starting Puppy School Sevenoaks and Tonbridge
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
-
“Catherine is a magician! Every class was a joy and lead with great enthusiasm and patience. If you are thinking about doing puppy class, definitely do it!”— Millie
-
“We, thoroughly enjoyed the course. The classes were informative and fun, and it was lovely to see Tilly's progression”— Julia
-
“Catherine is amazing. Wealth of knowledge and so loving with Vinnie. We loved it, thank you.”— Emma
-
“The course was very informative and gave lots of help for first time dog owners like ourselves”— Rachel