Meet The Staff
Our Academy of Modern Canine Behaviour & Training Team of Dog Training Instructors & Canine Behaviour Experts!
Simply The Best ......
We Travel across the Country, including Clanfield, Portsmouth,
Portchester, Southsea, Southampton, Gosport & Havant!!!
Academy Founder and CEO
Russell Becque FAMCBT, KCAI, BehA, ObA, CdA
Expert Canine Behaviour Consultant and Dog Training Instructor.
Russell is widely regarded as one of the UK’s Top Canine Behaviour and Training Experts, he has the coveted KCAI (Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour) qualification in no less than THREE different Disciplines ALL AT ADVANCED LEVEL, Behavioural Training, Competitive Obedience and also Companion Dog Training, he was a finalist in the KCAI Trainer of the year 2015.
Russell has been training his own dogs for Competition Obedience since 1981 and has been Instructing Obedience Dog Training Classes since 1983. He has trained his own dogs to compete at Championship level in obedience competition, running his own Dog Training Clubs as well as taking classes at other clubs. Advising and curing many social, behavioural, aggressive and training problems in dogs over the years has given him a wealth of experience and knowledge in this field. He is the first to admit however, that he is always still learning and is constantly striving to develop and learn new methods and techniques. Russell is also a regular Fully Qualified Kennel Club Championship Class ‘C’ Obedience Show Judge and was very proud to have been honoured by The Kennel Club, to Judge The Y.K.C. Obedience Finals at Crufts Dog Show in 2013 and again at Crufts in 2016 judging The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Stakes Final.
Russell is a devout dog lover through and through, his methods are based entirely on building confidence and ‘the want to do it factor’ in the dog. Russell is currently taking occasional classes at The Academy of Modern Canine Behaviour and Training, Portsmouth Branch as well as seeing clients whose dogs have behaviour issues at the centre but mainly in their own homes countrywide.
Russell can be seen and was a valued trainer on televisions ‘The Underdog Show’.
Although very discreet, trustworthy and not a name dropper, among his clients are Prominent Celebrities, Top Business People as well as a Lord and Lady!
Russell is regularly asked by Barristers, Solicitors and Insurance Companies to perform behaviour assessments and reports on dogs accused of behaviour issues and their owners are therefore subject to Legal Action, he also performs assessments and compiles full Court reports on Dog owners accused of having an out of control or dangerous dog and are also subjects of legal and/or court action. He has appeared in court in defence of many wrongly accused dogs in recent years, in one prominent case in 2012 was praised by the Judge for his informative, honest and in depth testimony which greatly contributed to a dog owner wrongly accused of having an aggressive and out of control dog being found not guilty and no action taken against owner or dog.
Branch Manager: Portsmouth (Hilsea) Branch.
Jo Edwards AMCBTq
As an advanced dog training instructor, Jo Edwards has been with The Academy of Modern Canine Behaviour and Training for 14 years and is currently Branch Manager and Head Instructor of Portsmouth Hilsea branch.
Prior to this she was a club member working her dogs through the classes to competition class level. Her passion and hobby is Competition Obedience and all the training and socialisation that goes with it. As well as working her own dogs, currently 2 border collies, Chase and Ely, Jo is a qualified Kennel Club Obedience Show Judge.
Jo has also worked her dogs in Agility but has had to stop due to an injury. She likes to relax by walking her dogs on The South Downs and the various local beaches; Hayling Island being their favourite. Holidays abroad are a no no but Jo will often go away in her caravan with her dogs to Dog shows, training camps or have a bit of luxury in various holiday cottages in the UK.
Jo states ‘Being a dog training Instructor is very rewarding and I enjoy passing on my expertise from what I have learned throughout my training career. I am currently working towards KCAI accreditation and I attend many training courses including regular weekly sessions with a highly experienced Obedience Trainer, workshops, weekend and week long camps which occur in the summer months.
I aim to continue learning and transferring my knowledge on to others who come to The Academy of Modern Canine Behaviour and Training with their dogs.
Branch Manager: Bishopstoke & Gosport Branches.
Juliet Andrews AMCBTq CBeh
Juliet is Manager and Head Instructor of Bishopstoke & Gosport Branches and works alongside Russell as a Behaviour Consultant.
Juliet has 3 dogs of her own: Ninja her black lab who demonstrates at club and also works as a stooge dog on behaviour consultations. Nessy her brown lab is Juliet’s main stooge dog on behaviour consultations. Juliet said Nessy has taught her invaluable knowledge about how dogs communicate but is now getting old and likes an easy life! Don’t we all! Fudge is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who is often seen at classes snoozing behind the desk or demonstrating exercises to the class. She is also proving to be an ideal little stooge dog on behaviour consultations.
Juliet has fostered dogs from Husky’s to Chihuahua’s so can empathise with people whose dogs have behaviour issues and the physical and mental demand it puts on owners.
She has a keen interest in Canine Psychology having gained a great deal of knowledge and experience through shadowing Russell, hands on experience, reading books, webinars and researching. Juliet has completed many courses and diplomas in Canine Behaviour and is currently studying her advanced diploma in Canine behaviour.
Juliet has attended many workshops, seminars and courses within the AMCBT and outside. These include Ian Dunbar, John Rogerson, Chirag Patel Applied Behaviour Analysis, Sarah Fisher Ttouch, Grisha Stewart Behaviour Adjustment Training 2.0, School of Canine science to list just a few.
Juliet is also working towards her Kennel Club Accredited Instructor (KCAI) accreditation and has successfully completed all the online modules. Always attending courses, seminars, workshops to update knowledge and continue her professional development to ensure she is providing clients with the most up to date information.
Juliet is also a qualified UK Sniffer Dog Gold Instructor and enjoys teaching Scent work to owners and dogs. This can benefit dogs of all ages and breeds and works well to help rehabilitate reactive dogs.
Member of Pet Professional Guild (PPG), Pet Professional Network (PPN), International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), Dog Training College (DTC) approved instructor.
Canine and human first aid trained.
Branch Manager: Portchester (Saturday) Branch.
Kati Jackson AMCBTq
Kati Jackson has a passion for all animals but especially dogs. Owning a Blind German Shepherd 'Bella', who never ceases to amaze Kati and Academy staff with her ability to overcome her disability and nervousness with new situations. Bella is now at Silver Level Award and it is a really interesting learning experience, progressing from a very nervous reactive dog to a confident and interactive German Shepherd.
Training her two Husky X Malamute brothers Howler & Lucky to Gold Award Level with her better half Mark. Noah is her very calm Husky who on occasion has helped her with the dogs she walks who are of a nervous disposition.
Working through the issues that have presented themselves with owning 4 dogs sparked an interest in becoming involved in the training of puppies and dogs of all Breeds and Behaviours. This interest led to opening her own dog walking Business and becoming a Trainee Instructor for the Academy. In Kati’s own words “The Academy has given me the confidence to visualise a future achieving all my goals in an Organised and Educational Training Programme Dedicated to Excellence”.
Volunteering for German Shepherd Rescue South and seeing the many struggles carers sometimes have in adjusting to a poorly trained or reactive dog is the drive behind her ultimate goal to help both the dog and owner through the early stages of adoption and to offer support to the Rescues when new dogs arrive.
Branch Manager: Clanfield & Portsmouth (Cosham) Branches.
Dani Tuck AMCBTq
Dani originally joined the academy as a member with her cockapoo, Ralf. Since joining they have progressed through many of our courses and achieved gold standard. Now Dani teaches from puppy class all the way up to gold as a qualified academy instructor and manager of Clanfield & Portsmouth Cosham Branches.
Dani has a particular interest in the training and psychology of dogs. With a real thirst for knowledge. She has attended numerous dog courses in all areas of training, behaviour and teaching. Dani particularly enjoyed taking part in a play workshop, where she learnt how play can improve the relationship between dog and owner and also can be used to encourage the dog to work harder by making the toy the reward. This really helped her with her own dog to progress his heel work and helped her bring more fun elements to her own classes. She always advocates that training should be fun for both dog and owner.
In her spare time, Dani enjoys training her cockapoo Ralf and new addition cocker spaniel Sam. Ralf's favourite exercise is scent work, he enjoys finding the cloth. He also enjoys the retrieve exercise, sometimes a bit too much! Dani says “he brings so much joy to my life. Sometimes training Ralf is frustrating and doesn’t always go to plan, but I’ve learnt to have lots of short sessions with him and it helps to keep his focus. He is such a happy sweet dog, but he can also be very bossy! He knows what he likes, and what he really likes is when he gets lots of treats for doing demo's in class. He is a bit of a show off, but also likes to show me up in front of classes. But I wouldn’t have him any other way, his cheeky character keeps me entertained, even if it is sometimes at my expense!”. Sam however is the complete opposite, he is much more laid back. But he sure has his own little character and has been a little superstar when being used for demonstrating exercises to the puppy classes. Dani is looking forward to getting Sam up to the same standard as Ralf, and hopefully completing the Sniffer UK courses.
Dani has worked with the academy for over three years now, and she states “I’ve always wanted to work with animals, I’ve always been interested in animal training and working at the academy has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t believe how much I have learned in such a short time. The style of teaching is always positive with both dog and owner. I really enjoying seeing the dog and owner progress. It’s so rewarding to see!”
Ex Branch Manager: Portsmouth (Cosham) Branch.
Rosie Chase AMCBTq KCAI Cd
Sadly we lost Rosie on 31st August 2022 when she passed away. It was a big shock and a huge loss to all of us at AMCBT.
Rosie was a very special and talented person, the type who touches our lives only if we are very lucky.
Rosie will be sadly missed, she cemented her irreplaceable spirit and persona within the AMCBT so strongly and thus her biog remains on our website as a tribute to our dearest friend and colleague.
R.I.P. Beautiful lady.
Rosie caught the dog training bug in 2006 when she got her first dog, a rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Aire, who has now sadly crossed over Rainbow Bridge. Aire had a few “quirks and issues” but with a lot of work she progressed through the Kennel Club Good Citizen awards to Gold level. Rosie was also delighted to come third in the James Wellbeloved “Tails of achievement awards”, a competition for rescue dogs. Shortly after this her career as a dog training instructor began and she’s never looked back.
A second dog, a rescue working sheepdog puppy called Brynn came along in 2009 and as a team they have competed in obedience and working trials. Brynn was (and is) an easy going, gentle and reliable soul. The latest member to join the Chase family is Border Collie Jack who has worked his way through the Academy levels and is now Rosie's chief demo dog-he also features as the Academy's Facebook cover photo. It’s the training side of thing Rosie loves best though, especially teaching tricks.
Rosie qualified as an Academy Instructor in January 2019 and obtained her Kennel Club Accredited Instructor status in November 2021, being presented at Crufts in March 2022, Rosie was rightly very proud of her well earned achievements. She said “The Academy is full of enthusiastic, passionate, knowledgeable staff and I feel privileged to be able to show other people how to get the best from their dogs, whether that’s good doggy manners, obedience or some little tricks to impress your friends. It's important to me that people attending our classes learn the essentials, but also have fun along the way. If you enjoy your training, that will show in how you progress. ”
Branch Manager: Havant & Bedhampton Branches.
Kim Walkley AMCBTq
Kim Walkley is the Branch Manager for Havant having stepped up to the task in April 2021, she has also taken on our Bedhampton Branch.
Kim currently owns 2 dogs.. Lola, a 3 year old toy cockapoo &
Nella, a 1 year old standard poodle.
She absolutely adores poodles/doodles and any poodle mix after rescuing Dudley, her Labradoodle in 2010, they are all so different but definitely her favourite.
Kim first attended training classes with Russell Becque (head honcho) with her rescue GSD Zara when she was about 12/13 years old, she loved learning as much as she could and Zara taught Kim a lot.
Even though most methods back then are way outdated now you never forget the concept of dog training.
Kim’s first Saturday job was in Russell’s pet shop too.
Kim was always reading dog/animal books from a very young age as animals are her passion, especially dogs and horses.
Life moved on and Kim had children and worked in retail etc but she always had dogs (also horses) as well as being called upon to help out friends & neighbours dogs over the years.
Kim has always trained her own dogs to a good standard, but in 2018 she signed up for the puppy/foundation course at https://www.amcbt.com/ Portsmouth Branch.
Kim immediately fell back in love with the class environment! Methods had changed but it all felt so natural for her to be back training again.
Lola thrived at classes and Kim started at Gosport Branch as a trainee instructor with Juliet Andrews in March 2018.
Kim learnt so much and started to take classes to help teach owners to give their dogs the best start in training. She has attended various dog training and behaviour courses to enhance her knowledge.
She continued training little Lola and then entered a small obedience show with the rest of the AMCBT Team and Lola won on their first attempt at a small competition at 8 months old (Kim states she had no clue what she was doing), but she loved that her training had achieved this!
Kim was hooked and continued learning and training the mechanics of competitive obedience and Lola has gained a few rosettes along the way.
Kim has attended sniffer courses with Lola too and found that sniffing is definitely her forte! Well she is a spaniel cross.
Nella began her competitive obedience training at 8 weeks old and is coming on brilliantly considering she is a lockdown puppy... she has had a few stumbling blocks in her confidence due to no class attendance etc but she has helped Kim learn new ways of training, she will choose a toy over food whereas Lola is the opposite.
These two dogs have helped Kim massively in training and as Kim actively train them both she is continually learning different techniques to pass on to every owner, as training is about working with the dog in front of you.
Kim will help and support you all on the start of your training journey, whether you are a complete newbie or have trained before, she is looking forward to meeting you all but most of all to have fun training.
Branch Manager:Portchester (Monday) Branch
Aimee Styles AMCBTq
Aimee joined AMCBT on 25th June 2021 as a trainee instructor after taking her own Yorkshire terrier Bella to training who is now progressing well through her silver course.
Aimee has worked hard and excelled within AMCBT and has fully earned her own Branch at Portchester on a Monday evening.
After meeting Russell at a reactivity course she was attending to help with her second dog she re-homed called Cruz, she started learning about dog training and canine behaviour.
Aimee completed all her exams and passed the final part of her Practical exam on 24/10/23 thus gaining her AMCBT full Instructor qualification.
Aimee already works as a groomer and running her own dog grooming salon lets her interact with all kinds of dogs on a daily basis so she has always taken an interest in dog psychology and how we can better understand our canine friends, now helping her own reactive dog Cruz at the same time. She has a real passion in knowing she can help someone and using personal experience to empathise and help educate and motivate others.
Aimee has been actively helping and running classes at our Clanfield & Portsmouth Cosham branches whilst also working hard facilitating bronze, silver & gold classes too.
Working with dogs has always been her dream but working with people that understand this and help her push towards these goals every day has given her so much more. She is extremely proud and honoured to be part of AMCBT.
Branch Manager Bishops Waltham Branch & Instructor: Bishopstoke Branch
Jo Moulton AMCBTq
Jo has been with the AMCBT for 7 years and is Manager of Bishops Waltham Branch and an Instructor at Bishopstoke Branch. She has a friendly and bubbly personality and is a great asset to AMCBT.
Jo grew up surrounded by pets and has lived much of her life accompanied by dogs! This passion for animals is also shared by her children and over the years have had some wild and wonderful pets, such as, lizards, tarantulas, and a snake, just to name a few. Jo has three dogs, Maisie and Dougie who are Jack Russell x Chihuahua crosses and Maggie, a JRT, so she has a soft spot for terriers!
Jo’s desire to help owners and dogs with behavioural issues began after her own dog, Maisie became reactive to other dogs. As a puppy, she was attacked by a dog, developing a strong fear for all dogs. After trying various methods, she was recommended the Academy, meeting with Juliet who provided invaluable advice, helping Maisie overcome her fears. Following this, she started as a trainee at the Bishopstoke branch.
Jo has attended many workshops, seminars, and courses within AMCBT and strives to constantly improve and develop her skills and knowledge enabling her to offer the best service she can to her customers. Jo has also undertaken a Canine First Aid course and is working towards entering the world of competitive obedience.
Jo is also a qualified UK Sniffer Dog Bronze Instructor and believes that any dog can be a great sniffer dog – all three of her dogs love it but her tiny chihuahua Dougie, who can be an anxious dog absolutely loves scent work and has been known to compete and beat even the best sniffer dogs!
In her spare time, she enjoys walking with her dogs, and looking after the family’s numerous pets including cats, rabbits, chickens, and fish. If that doesn’t take up enough of her time, she also has a 2-year-old grandson to run around after! Her grandson was only a few months old when they welcomed Maggie to the family, so it was imperative that they both learnt how to interact safely with each other.
Jo is excited to help you all with your dog training journey, whether this is your first dog or are an experienced owner, and wants everyone to have fun whilst also learning all you need to know to keep your dogs happy and safe.
Trainee Instructor: Bishopstoke Branch
Jake Moulton
Jake, our youngest trainee instructor, has been training with his dog Maisie since May 2017 and is now close to passing Gold. He started as a trainee in July 2018, using his experience training Maisie in class to help owners. Jake would like to progress to competition obedience training with his dog Maisie who loves nothing more than working for him.
Jake's love of animals started at a very young age and his first dog Alfie introduced him to the world of dog training at the age of 7.
Jake is studying biology, chemistry and maths at A level and is completing a project on dog training and behaviour alongside his other subjects.
Jake is in the process of applying to university with the aim of becoming a vet.
Jake is friendly, approachable and talkative! He wants all owners and their dogs to enjoy training together. Jake has demonstrated excellent dedication and commitment to attending every Wednesday evening proving his love of helping others. He is now at a level of being able to take his own puppy class. He is a great asset to the Bishopstoke team as well as being Branch Manager Juliet’s body guard when having to check behind the stage curtains and saving her from any spiders!
Trainee Instructor: Bishopstoke Branch
Ben Donohoe
Ben has grown up with Collies and Spaniels all his life and finally had the opportunity to have his own after making the decision to move out of the city centre.
When his sister in law’s dog was having a litter of spaniels he was instantly drawn to the noisiest, naughtiest and most adventurous one of the bunch! (Although the mum and two sisters who also remain in the the family are no angels!)
Having previously attempted to train family pets (without much luck) he thought it was time to join a training programme with his boy Winston and ever since it’s become a bit of an obsession.
After joining the Academy and opening his eyes to the incredible complexity of dog behaviour and training he hasn’t stopped reading every book he can get his hands on and completing every course he possibly can.
Ben has completed Academy Courses including ‘Impulse Control’ and the ‘Ultimate Dog Training Instructor Course’ building on his knowledge from weekly classes working his way up to Silver level.
Achievements also include reaching Silver level for UK sniffer dogs (UKSD) and coming first in the UKSD Bronze trials! These courses and competitions have given him the confidence and skills to help and support others and he was delighted when he was offered the opportunity to be taken on as a trainee.
With a career in people management, coaching and supporting others is something Ben is very passionate about and is excited to adapt these skills from the corporate world to the world of dog handlers!
Registration Assistant/Admin: Bishopstoke Branch
Jean Hale
Jean loves all breeds of dogs, but due to husbands health and visual impairment cannot have her own.
She is very sociable and has pleasure in welcoming and advising new members of the Foundation Class with Registration Forms and maybe a latte.!
Jean’s daughter Juliet is the Head Instructor and Branch Manager at Bishopstoke Branch. Juliet’s Dogs Nessy, Ninja and Fudge love to be at Nanny Jeans to play in the garden, but are sometimes given a few too many Treats !
Jean continues to promote the Classes of AMCBT to friends and troubled Owners of ‘Confused’ dogs in her neighbourhood.
Jean a retired IT Technician in the MoD, needed some time in a different environment, so loved the idea of working with dogs and their Owners at the Bishopstoke Branch.
Jean said she has seen the adorable nervous young PUPS socialise and settle down with other playful dogs. Most going on into Bronze, Silver and Gold. Her favourite commands being ‘WAIT’ and Emergency ‘DOWN’ with lots of eye contact from Owners and Liver Cake treats of course.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Saturday) Branch
Melissa Ainsley
Melissa and her family have always been huge dog lovers and since a young age Melissa had always wanted to work with dogs. It has been within the last three years where her work life has become almost completely revolved around her Pet services business which was where she became introduced to the Academy.
It was after attending a “Dog Training Instructor” course with Russell that she was taken on by Kati, in November 2018, to learn how to become a Trainer at our Portchester Branch. It is here that she is fast becoming a confident Trainee Instructor and is now starting to take her own puppy classes.
Melissa has a happy and confident personality which shows through in her training. She is always happy to help and is a very patient trainee which always helps when dealing with enthusiastic puppy’s/dogs and their owners.
Melissa owns an 8-year-old Husky cross which she rescued when he was 3 years old. Like many rescues Lucas has some behaviour problems that she has been working through but it has only been since attending some of the Academy courses with Russell that she has made some real break throughs with Lucas and because of this has been confident enough to extend her canine family to introducing a Tibetan Terrier puppy called “Jimmy Bow Bow”
Jimmy is attending one of Portchester’s Bronze classes along with Melissa’s daughter and she is hoping that they can get him through to Gold.
Trainee Instructor: Bedhampton Branch
Danni Noyes
Danni is a trainee instructor at Bedhampton Branch and has been with us since early 2022
Danni has always had a love for dogs from a young age and has owned many different breeds from a border collie, to a staffy and her all time favourite the German Shepherd.
Danni signed up to the Army at 18 to become a dog handler but due to unforeseen circumstances it wasn’t meant to be.
Although her love for dogs remained, life got in the way and she went into Retail Management. Danni got married and had 2 children.
In 2022 Danni decided the time had finally come to pursue her dream of working with dogs and here she is!
Danni owns a very mischievous Cocker Spaniel called Merlin who is rapidly climbing through the AMCBT levels.
Danni says that Merlin certainly keeps her on her toes but feels he really makes her able to relate to other dog owners when things don’t feel like they're going to plan, that consistency and perseverance is key to success.
Aside from loving dogs Danni is also a keen photographer in her spare time.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Saturday) Branch
Michelle Hopkins
Michelle is a relatively new trainee instructor to join the Portchester Saturday team
Michelle joined the academy in 2021 as a member with her excitable puppy Luna, a Staffy cross American Bulldog, and is currently working towards achieving gold before hopefully moving across to sniffer training.
During her classes at Portchester Michelle found that she was really celebrating other owners and dogs successes so was thrilled to be asked to join the team.
Michelle is a Senior Analyst in Fraud which although is miles away from anything Canine related, Michelle hopes to be able to transfer her experience in developing people into helping grow and develop dogs and their owners.
When not working, Michelle can be found on beach or forest walks with her partner, her step children and obviously Luna. Their favourite place is the local park where Luna gets to see her doggie friends, have a play & chase a frisbee.
Michelle is looking forward to learning more about dogs, the behaviours they display and how to help them and their owners become more confident inside and out of training classes.
"Saturdays have very quickly become my favourite day of the week, and I give a lot of credit to Luna who has helped me overcome anxiety, given me confidence to meet new people, make new friends and take this amazing opportunity"
Trainee Instructor: Bishopstoke Branch
Nicky Slater
In 2012 Nicky left her position as an Early year’s nursery practitioner and went back to her passion of animals. She had worked seven and a half years in early years but before that she had worked for Guide Dogs, as Kennel staff and later boarder Co-ordinator covering the whole of Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset. She had also worked as a Pet store Manager in Eastleigh and after leaving school in a private kennels.
Nicky grew up with Labradors and then GSD's but has worked with lots of different breeds through her working life. As well as looking after dogs Nicky has cared for all kinds of animals from hamsters to parrots and all sorts of Exotics. She has even been lucky enough to be a keeper for a day feeding, cleaning, medicating Lions, Tigers and other large cats. She has a love of all animals, but her real passion is dogs.
She has studied and received a few certificates in her training with dogs.
Nicky adopted with her family their first German Shepherd Dog (GSD) Isla in 2009, she was a Guide Dog reject who came with a few issues, hence being rejected! Bless her paws... But Nicky worked hard with her, and she was great. Nicky sadly lost her in 2017 and took a long time to be ready for another dog.
She now has Carla, a 2 year old GSD, that she brought home as an 8 week old puppy to then move house 3 weeks later, which she quickly discovered was not an easy task and was a tough time for everyone.
Carla has taught Nicky so much and they have just completed their first part of bronze scent training which they absolutely loved doing working as a team together. Nicky and Carla are also starting their bronze training class with Juliet whilst Nicky trains and strives to be a trainer herself, helping dogs and their owners have the best life of love and fun together.
She's also completed one of our Instructor training courses with Russell and is excited to start the new chapter of her life running along side her dog walking business until she's a fully qualified instructor.
Trainee Instructor: Bishopstoke Branch
Lisa Bascombe
Lisa originally came to The Academy with her rescue dog Boris who was an English Bull/Staffy.
He was extremely scared and aggressive. Russell worked with Lisa and Boris to the point he was able to come into classes.
Lisa has told us Boris was the love of her life and she has never forgotten the kindness Russell showed him.
Lisa feels she was lucky enough to be able to grow from this experience and after losing her beloved Boris took on Hope a Staffy/Jack and Marley a Collie.
Both were unwanted Christmas presents that Lisa says she is grateful found their way to her and they are a happy family of 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats.
When Hope became dog reactive Lisa called Russell and he suggested she speak with Juliet who gave her the tools to help Hope, who can now walk in a pack of dogs !
Lisa has been around animals her whole life and started up a dog walking business which she has been running since 2014.
In this role Lisa has been lucky enough to work with different breeds and help owners.
After having her boys Lisa wanted to move forward with her passion of working with dogs and takes a keen interest in working with aggressive dogs; just as she was helped with Boris and Hope.
Lisa has started the instructors program and was excited to take the instructors course in October 2023.
Trainee Instructor: Havant Branch
Letisha Anderson
Letisha joined the Gosport branch in May 2021 and moved to Havant in January 2023, and you’ll find her teaching puppy, Bronze and Silver classes as she progresses to taking her exams!
Letisha’s passion of dogs started at a young age where one year into house ownership took the plunge and got a Husky puppy Kodi, where her journey with dogs really took off, her journey of nutrition training started and she has successfully completed 3 and currently working on a 4th course.
She has fostered for local charities and soon adopted a second Husky Nova to add to the family.
In her spare time while not working or training she has a dog treat business, specialising in all natural treats.
Letisha hopes one day that her life will be fully focused on dogs, where she will be able to train, understand behaviours, while having a deep understanding and knowledge of nutrition and be able to supply top quality treats for her clients.
Trainee Instructor: Portsmouth (Hilsea) Branch
Tasha Snook
Tasha first attended AMCBT training classes with her first ever dog Yugi and eventually rose through the ranks to pass gold. This caused her to realise her huge interest in dog training and she became a trainee dog instructor. Taking her interest in psychology she decided to swap from the mind of humans to the mind of dogs instead!
Tasha has always had a huge interest in animals, owning a variety of pets throughout her life, currently owning one rabbit, one hamster and her dog. She is super excited to take this passion of hers and eventually become an experienced trainer working for AMCBT helping other new dog owners to embark on their own journey of understanding in a positive learning environment.
Tasha has also really enjoyed teaching classes, with her confidence increasing every time, with the help of the fellow staff around her and looks forward to eventually becoming a fully qualified instructor.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Saturday) Branch
Carlyanne Saffrey
Carlyanne is a trainee at our Portchester (Saturday) Branch, joining the team in January 2023.
Growing up, Carlyanne's family always had a dog, or three. Ranging from a rescue Greyhound, a Patterdale terrier and a fair few German Shepherds.
Wanting to pursue a career with animals, Carlyanne undertook a course in Animal Management. However, her career took a different path, and she now works as an Operational Training Tutor.
Carlyanne originally joined The Academy with her mini labradoodle, Elsa. After successfully obtaining their Gold Certificate, Carlyanne missed the training hall so much, she signed both up for Sniffer training and joined the team as a trainee.
Keen to increase her knowledge and continue learning. Carlyanne has attended our Reading and Understanding Reactive Dogs, Introduction to Obedience and Ultimate Dog Training Instructor courses.
In her free time, Carlyanne enjoys teaching Elsa a variety on tricks, most recently the conga!
Trainee Instructor: Portsmouth (Hilsea) Branch
Amy Harris-Harding
Amy has always been an animal lover, growing up in a house full of cats, dogs and various rodents. In February 2022, Amy got her first dog Suki, a bouncy, excitable Cavapoo and started the Foundation Course with her as a puppy. While working towards Suki's Bronze Award, Amy discovered a love of dog training and came onboard as a trainee instructor in October 2022.
Since then Amy has left her job as Portsmouth City Council to walk and board dogs full-time and loves spending her days out in fields surrounded by dogs. She has found her work with The Academy incredibly useful in understanding some of the more difficult dogs she works with.
Suki is now close to completing her Gold Award and is also doing well in her Agility training and Amy and her wife have welcomed a second dog, a Border Collie called Kya, who Amy hopes to be able to train for Competitive Obedience.
Trainee Instructor: Gosport Branch
Angela Pavlovic
Angela loves all animals and most reptiles, having owned many herself. A change in circumstances gave her a chance to discover her love for all things dog! training, care and breeding. She bred and trained her very own staffie puppy. When her Staffordshire bull terrier dog, Lucy was 3yrs old, they joined a dog agility training class, excelling so much, they were invited to join the display team. Then spent the next 7yrs doing public displays, included agility, obedience and heel work to music at local events across Hampshire. Lucy at the age of 16yrs after a wonderful life went over the rainbow bridge in 2021 after a short battle with kidney failure, leaving a big hole in Angela's life as she had been trained by Angela as an assistant dog in her later years to help Angela with a medical condition.
In Feb 2022 a new staffie, Lyra, arrived in Angela's life. A soon to be homeless 'Covid' puppy when her owner had to return to work.
Lyra was and still is a ball of energy very eager to please and learn and so the journey began.
Angela first found the Academy back in 2022 when it was highly recommended by her previous display team friends.
Angela & Lyra started their training in June 22 under the guidance of Kimberley Moore at the Gosport branch.
Angela with her dog Lyra have worked up to gold level.
Angela's enthusiasm and dedication had been noticed by Kimberley and in May 23 had been asked to join as a trainee instructor
Angela has recently attended Ultimate dog training instructors course with Russell Becque and looks forward to attending many more canine training workshops to keep her knowledge fresh and to further help all who come to the academy for dog training.
Angela saw that to create a well balanced co-existence with dogs, it's the humans that need the most training and by working together under the guidance of a great training structure they will better understand the needs of dogs thus living in harmony with a bond of mutual trust.
Trainee Instructor: Havant Branch
Maria Shambrook
Maria joined the Academy in November 2022 after attending the 3 Day Ultimate Dog Training Instruction Course in October 2022.
She is at the Havant Branch under the watchful eye of Kim Walkley (her trainer, manager and mentor)! Sometimes helping out at the Bedhampton branch as well.
Maria is currently taking Foundation classes and thoroughly enjoying them while learning all the time, as she feels that you are always learning something new every day.
Maria has also attended a Three-Day Course on Reading and Understanding Reactive Dogs which she said that she learned a lot from and has put some of that into practice with her own dog. She has also attended a Workshop in Training Impulse Control as a spectator and found it very informative.
Maria has a Working Cocker Spaniel called Jenson (after Jenson Button as that’s the closest she’ll ever get to him)! who has some reactive issues himself but with what she has learnt whilst training with Kim and also on the training courses, she has used this knowledge over the past year constantly with Jenson and he has now improved 100%, confirming that if you are consistent with your training it does work, Jenson is 7yrs old.
Maria has her own Dog Walking and small animal sitting business, which she started almost 8yrs ago now, walking mainly reactive dogs. She eventually wants to give that up and just concentrate on dog training.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Monday) Branch
Samm Jane Baker
Samm has been with the academy for some time as an assistant but has also passed Gold with her Cockerpoo Freddie.
Samm has her own business during the day making dog accessories and in the evening helps out at our Portchester (Monday) Branch. She really is all about the dogs.
She loves to spend time with both her dogs Freddie & Daisy travelling the South in her self built camper van. Samm is a keen, sailor and climber and works part time at a local climbing wall. She never stops! She loves to spend summer evenings at the beach or dancing the night away at a Gig as she loves live music.
She has an infectious laugh that can settle anyone’s nerves. Her patience and kindness shines through when helping with clients and their pups. She is always there to help those that struggle and ensures they go away feeling heard and with plenty of enthusiasm to get through those troublesome puppy days.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Monday) Branch
Lauren Preston
Lauren has been with us a year and helps out in the evening at our Portchester (Monday) Branch.
Lauren has her own dog walking business and heads out in any weather all around Hampshire.
Lauren grew up in Yorkshire and loves the outdoors and spending time with her 2 dogs, especially if it involves the beach. Keen to make friends and create a community Lauren set up a Ladies dog walking group which has gone from strength to strength. It might be the bonding over dogs or the pint at the end of the walk but everyone seems to have a great time.
She is a keen pet photographer but is currently only doing this as a hobby. She travelled the world for some years and fell in love with every street dog in Asia and one day would love to go back.
Lauren has a German Shepherd named Molly who came to a reactive dog course some years ago.
Lauren implemented Russell's techniques and has never given up on Molly. They have a close bond which Lauren is always keen to help and encourage our clients to have with their dogs. Lauren along with her partner David and her other dog Sonny-Jim are currently taking our Bronze class which she hopes to pass and jump into silver.
She is enthusiastic and loves to make sure that our clients and pups are having fun and want to come back for more.
Lauren is warm and kind, a typical northern lass.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Saturday) Branch
Fiona Mackenzie
Fiona has been with AMCBT Portchester Saturday branch since October 2022 and teaches puppy’s/foundation classes; and has also recently begun instructing bronze level.
Fiona always loved animals and had dogs growing up. After her childhood dogs passed at the amazing age of 17 Fiona moved away for university and decided she needed a dog back in her life… and that’s when her journey into being owned-by-huskies began. It was Sparky, a gorgeous large all white Siberian husky who made Fiona fall in love with the breed. Unfortunately he passed away at nearly 15 from grand mal seizures.
Fiona trained Sparky herself, but realised that with a little one now on the way her new husky pup River needed some time to herself to dedicate to training in preparation of the arrival of her ‘little brother’. River and Fiona joined AMCBT for the additional help, support and camaraderie being a member provides. River attended the AMCBT Portchester Thursdays class and has recently passed her gold award!
Fiona and River are now determined to doggy dance - River can already spin, twirl and bow and has a flair for all things bouncy and dramatic! She also undertakes the fun new rally class with Portchester Saturdays to maintain her training along with sniffer dog bronze level.
Fiona has undertaken our 3 day ultimate instructors course, and, the 3 day reading and understanding reactive dog course bringing her own family dog - a reactive German Shepherd called Buddy.
As a child protection social worker Fiona understands the importance of ensuring basic needs are met, and a healthy trusting relationship is formed between owner and dog to ensure success in the training world.
Trainee Instructor: Portchester (Monday) Branch
Mark Underhill
Mark joined the team to start his personal training at Portchester after enrolling for a course with his dog at the Academy at Cosham, not knowing that the Academy CEO was none other than Russell Becque. Mark had trained his previous dog under Russell’s tuition back in the mid 1980’s and bar various cats, rats, a daughter, and living and working in the USA for some years, he has only just been allowed a second dog, Shelly. The stray cat he and his wife bought back from the USA is still with them but now spends most of her time upstairs when in the house!
Recognising since he had his previous dog that techniques and times would had changed over the last 30+ years is what got Mark interested again in dog training, and he wanted to ensure that he took every opportunity to make the most of the opportunity with Shelly. Shelly is currently training for her Gold Award Level whilst Mark has just started to be let loose on some instruction work with the Portchester team.
Mark has always agreed with the statement that dogs deserve better people and he is looking to bring this ethos together with his enthusiasm and support to help both dogs and owners get the most from their time with the Academy.
Mark has a sharp wit and a good sense of humour and uses this to his advantage with other members of staff and also when working with dogs and their owners.
Outside of dog training Mark works full time at a local aerospace engineering factory and in his spare moments enjoys walking, live music and is very passionate about real ale so much so that he is continually striving to find his favourite!
"Russell came recommended to me he has changed mine and my dog's life. A rescued bully that hadn't experienced the outside or been socialised couldn't walk on a lead and displayed nervous aggression to every dog really doesn't make it the ideal dog. She had many previous owners by 18 months old. I think too many times people gave up on her and just got rid of her. I cannot believe the overnight improvement, seriously! I paid for a home visit from Russell which I thought would have cost a lot more than it did. On top of that I can call him any time if I need more advice or help. We have weekly visits to the academy to improve on her socialising. He is qualified which many behaviourists aren't. He has changed our lives and that is priceless. His prices reflect his dedication and love of dogs the back up and help included with the home visit is priceless. The results speak for themselves!"
Puppy & Dog Training Classes
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