About us

Think Dog! courses are at the forefront of behavioural understanding. Our passion is to promote state-of-the-art knowledge and experience in training dogs, preventing and treating behavioural problems and helping owners and dogs have the best possible relationship.

We love sharing knowledge of our subject and believe that an integrated approach (where theory is applied to practice) is essential for all those who wish to ensure that their studies
can be successfully and practically applied.

All our courses are written and tutored by experienced practitioners – we pride ourselves on our all-inclusive approach, and practice what we preach.

We have a flexible approach to education which accommodates many different learning styles, experiences and goals. Whether this is a return to study after many years for you, or a continuation of learning, you will find that Alpha Education courses couldn’t be more different from traditional ‘school work’: indeed, students can submit work in many different formats and can focus on subject areas which they find most useful. Courses are fun, inspiring – even addictive!

If your dream is to start your own behaviour practice, run training classes or simply to extend your knowledge for the welfare of your own or other people’s animals, you are in the right place!

Sarah Whitehead, BA(Hons), MSc

Senior tutor, Sarah Whitehead is an international lecturer and pet behaviour counsellor who specialises in seeing dogs and cats with behavioural problems. She has an MSc in Animal Behaviour and is a member of the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors), and a member and past public relations executive for the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers).

Sarah is a leading authority on puppy training, development and behaviour, aggression, and canine body language. She is the author of 22 behavioural and training books, booklets and videos, appears regularly as a consultant on TV and radio, and she has just launched a new on-line dog training programme www.trainyourdogonline.org.

Sarah runs the Clever Dog Company chain of puppy and dog training classes, all based on the most modern methods of teaching both people and their pets with eighteen branches now established across the UK.

As well as animal behaviour, Sarah has a special interest in human psychology. She is an NLP Master Practitioner (a branch of cognitive psychology) and has a passion for successful strategies in adult learning and group dynamics.

Sarah and her husband live in Berkshire, UK, with Tao the Battersea crossbreed, Jackson the Chihuahua/JRT and two Maine Coon cats.

www.dogtrain.co.uk
www.trainyourdogonline.org

Karen Moore

I run a branch of the Clever Dog Company puppy and dog training classes, and see clients on a one-to-one basis. I also see behaviour cases on veterinary referral. I hold a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and have a special interest in the relationships between dogs and children. I am a member of the APDT.

Karen Napthine

I instruct Clever Dog Company puppy and dog training classes, see clients on a one-to-one basis and am the supervision centre for South West based CDC trainers. As a Canine Behaviour Practitioner I see dog behaviour problems on vet referral. I hold a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and a second Diploma in general Animal Behaviour, and have previously completed Think Dog, Talk Dog, Training for the Future and many other Alpha Education courses myself. I am an Assessor for the APDT and am Deputy Editor of the APDT Trainer magazine.

Clare Hamilton

I have a BA(Hons) in Animal Behavioural Management and have instructed puppy classes, fun agility, and one-to-one training for many years. I have a passion for zoology and environmental enrichment for all captive animals.