Meet Our Team

DOG TRAINER

After leaving the military in 2007, I embarked on a remarkable journey in the civilian world as a Detection Dog Handler alongside my loyal partner, Chester. Together, we fearlessly served alongside the Police, Customs officials, festival organisers, and even searched aircraft in two of the largest airports in the UK.

Driven by a relentless passion, I immersed myself in the security dog industry, where I welcomed two magnificent German Shepherds into my life: Nema and Tor. We underwent rigorous training with esteemed police and ex-military instructors, culminating in our successful completion of the NASDU Level 2 certification.

However, my passion for training flourished, prompting a life-altering decision. Drawing upon my extensive knowledge gained throughout the years, I resolved to assist others in their journey. This led me to undertake an intensive six-month dog training program and behaviourist course under the tutelage of the esteemed Will Atherton, becoming proudly recognised as a Will Atherton approved trainer. Fueling my thirst for knowledge, I further pursued a Level 3 diploma in dog behaviour.

Currently, I am dedicated to expanding my expertise by pursuing to become a NASDU Instructor and am now an official UK Sniffer Dog Instructor. Throughout my career, I have traveled across the country, working with an array of dogs including cherished pets, invaluable working dogs, and exceptional detection dogs. While I am passionate about all areas of training, modern training methods and dealing with dogs with extreme behaviour, there is a special place in my heart for scent work—it ignites a fire within me like no other.

DOG TRAINER

My first taste of dog training began in my childhood, where I have fond memories of spending countless hours alongside my father, diligently attending training classes with our beloved German Shepherd. Many years later, my trajectory has taken me through the military, leading me into the security industry, and down the path of dog handling.

In pursuit of excellence, I earned my NASDU Level 2 certificate, a Level 3 accreditation in canine behaviour, and successfully completed a comprehensive decoy course. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and refined skills, I've dedicated myself to training a diverse array of dogs, including achieving exceptional standards with my personal dogs.

As a massive animal lover, I currently share my life with four remarkable dogs—a duo of hardworking Springer Spaniels, a majestic Cane Corso, and a working Belgian Malinois. My passion lies in the pursuit of building better dogs and to reinforce the bond between owner and dog.

GENERAL ASSISTANT

My journey with Next Level Dog Training began in 2023 when I brought my own dog, Daisy, for help with her reactivity. Like many owners, I felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. The support, structure, and understanding I found here made all the difference. Not only did Daisy make huge progress, but we also explored something completely new by training her to carry out human scent searches. That experience changed how I saw her and showed me what was truly possible for both of us.

After Daisy passed, I knew I wasn’t ready to walk away from everything we had gained. I joined the team at Next Level to stay connected, continue learning, and support other dogs and their owners on their own journeys. As the General Assistant, I help with kennel routines, assist customers both in person and online, and help to make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.

What motivates me most is seeing the transformation that can happen when dogs and people begin to truly understand one another. Clear communication and consistent training can rebuild trust, restore confidence, and bring joy back into the relationship. Being part of that process is something I’m proud to support every day.

KENNEL STAFF

As a dedicated kennel team member at Next Level Dog Training, Chloe ensures every dog’s daily care, comfort, and wellbeing. Her days are filled with feeding, cleaning, exercise, playtime, and grooming, making sure each dog feels at home and well looked after during their stay.

Growing up with Labradors and German Shepherds, thanks to her dad’s work as a dog handler and trainer, Chloe developed a deep love for dogs from an early age. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see the positive transformations in the dogs she cares for and takes pride in being part of their journey.

For Chloe, looking after the dogs isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. She knows how much owners love their pets and ensures that every dog is treated with the same love and care she’d give her own

DOG TRAINER

Kelsa brings many years of hands-on experience, knowledge and a genuine passion for working with dogs to the Next Level Dog Training team.

She trains and competes to a high level in IGP, giving her a strong understanding of working dogs, behaviour, motivation and the importance of clear, consistent training. Alongside her experience in dog sport, Kelsa has spent more than a decade helping pet dogs and their owners work through a wide range of behavioural challenges.

Her approach combines practical experience with an understanding that every dog is different. Whether working with a high-drive working breed or a family pet struggling with everyday behaviour, Kelsa focuses on helping owners better understand their dog and build a stronger, more rewarding relationship.

At home, she shares her life with a German Shepherd and a wonderfully crazy Cocker Spaniel, giving her first-hand experience of just how different breeds, personalities and individual dogs can be.

Kelsa is passionate about continually developing her own dogs, expanding her knowledge and using that experience to help other dogs and their owners enjoy happier, more balanced lives together.

Her experience, dedication and enthusiasm make her a valued part of the team and an important part of the support we provide to both dogs and owners.

DOG TRAINER

Sally turns her passion for dogs into a career at Next Level Dog Training, combining her love of training, working dogs and country sports with an ever-growing knowledge of canine behaviour.

She owns German Shorthaired Pointers alongside a young Springer Spaniel and regularly trains her dogs, competes in working tests and works them on local shoots. This gives her valuable practical experience with energetic working breeds and strengthens her passion for breed fulfilment, appropriate outlets and allowing dogs to express the behaviours they were bred for.

Sally plays an important role in the day-to-day care and welfare of our residential dogs. From preparing their meals and providing enriching woodland walks to monitoring their wellbeing and making sure they are comfortable throughout their stay, she takes great pride in giving every dog the individual care and attention they need.

Sally has a keen interest in canine behaviour and training and continually develops her knowledge and practical experience. She is passionate about understanding what makes each dog tick, helping them live more fulfilled lives and supporting owners in building stronger, happier relationships with their dogs.

Her care, enthusiasm and commitment make her an important part of the team.

VAN CLEANING GURU

Meet Charlie, the youngest (and possibly the most enthusiastic) member of the Next Level Dog Training team! As Matt’s son, Charlie has grown up around dogs and training, but let’s be honest—his true passion lies in keeping our company vans spotless.

When he’s not busy with school or other activities, you’ll likely find him armed with a jet-washer, determined to make our vans shine like they just rolled out of a showroom. With a keen eye for detail and a love for a squeaky-clean finish, Charlie takes van maintenance to the next level.

Rumour has it he’s secretly training the dogs to wipe their paws before hopping in—but until that day comes, he’ll continue his mission of battling muddy paw prints, dog hair, and the occasional biscuit crumb left behind by the trainers.

Charlie’s motto? “A clean van is a happy van!”