Katherine Ferguson, Head Coach

Katherine has worked as a teacher and headteacher for children with special needs for over 20 years and is a firm believer in the power of education and training to change lives.

Since rescuing her first border collie from Dogs Trust (then NCDL) over 17 years ago, her passion for dog training and behaviour has grown. She undertook a Dog Training Instructor course with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) 6 years ago and made the decision to make a career change. Since then she has volunteered with Dogs Trust in kennels and worked as a dog trainer for a reward-based training company in Birmingham. She is currently studying for an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management.

Katherine loves all animals, having rabbits and guinea pigs at home as well as her new puppy that she adopted from Dogs Trust. She looks forward to the day where she has enough land to expand her menagerie!

Rachelle Smith, Senior Coach

Rachelle has had a passion for animals from a young age and her favourite animal has always been dogs! She volunteered in Namibia with big cats as well as obtaining a first class degree in her BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare through Oxford Brookes University in May 2017. Before joining Dogs Trust as Canine Carer 3 years ago, Rachelle worked and trained a range of animals at West Midlands Safari Park. She has also been assisting at a variety of dog training classes with an accredited APDT trainer for a number of years.

Rachelle is excited to be pursuing her passion for dog training with Dog School Worcestershire, and is looking forward to helping people enjoy training their dogs.

Bethany Lawson, Coach

Bethany joined DOg School after graduating with First Class Honours from her BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare which she studied at Hartpury University. Prior to this she completed an FdSc in Zoological Management & Conservation at Bristol Zoo. Bethany has also had experience working as an Animal Care Assistant at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre where she cared for a huge variety of animals in need and as a pet carer for a dog walking and day care service.

Bethany has had a passion for animals since a young age and has always been a massive dog lover! She currently lives with her giant house rabbit Flora Bunda and has a Cockapoo called Ruby who she’s had for over 14 years. She is excited to enhance her behavioural and training experience in this role and is looking forward to meeting all of the lovely dogs!