Rhiannon Allsopp, Head Coach

Starting out as a Coach in August 2016 at Dog School London, Rhiannon found a love for teaching owners and dogs all the skills required to help them in day to day life. In December 2017, Rhiannon helped start up Dog School Hertfordshire as a Senior Coach, and is now Head Coach.

Having competed in agility with her beloved Spaniel (Barney) for many years and trained alongside team GB handlers, Rhiannon is knowledgeable working with all breeds, but especially those who are highly energetic.

Rhiannon has a distinction in Dog Training & Behaviour and a distinction in Canine Holistic Health and Therapy. She is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (01355) and is always searching for more courses to attend and challenges to overcome. She is currently learning British Sign Language to help her in communicating to dog owners with hearing impairments!

Abbie Benson, Senior Coach

Abbie has a BSc in Applied Animal Studies from Northampton University, that included Behaviour and Welfare modules and Learning, Cognition and Training. After this, she volunteered doing a variety of animal positions, including as a zookeeper and at a rescue centre. Following these placements, she obtained an Animal Welfare Assistant job at the rescue centre she volunteered at, where she realised her true passion was for dogs.

Animal welfare is of paramount importance to her, and she believes correct training and building a bond can help prevent dogs from ending up in rescue centres. She loves spending time with her chocolate Labrador and rescue house rabbit, who are best friends!

Jenny Hynds, Coach

Jenny initially studied Forensic Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, but after deciding she was more passionate about Animal Psychology, she focused her studies on dogs facial expressions. Jenny then went on to complete a Masters Degree in Canine Cognition. After finishing University, Jenny went on to work in various animal sectors focusing on dog behaviour, welfare and training, including running puppy training classes. Jenny has worked in rescue kennels, where she really saw the importance of positive reward-based training with dogs to help prevent future problems, ensuring less dogs end up in rescue.

When Jenny is not training dogs, she is training her two cats instead!