Meet the trainers…
Karen Henley
Karen is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT)
Certified Separation Anxiety (SA) Pro Behaviour Consultant - CSAP-BC
Romanian Rescue Recommended Pro Trainer
Puppy Start Right Instructor - Karen Pryor Academy
Fear Free Certified Trainer
UK Sniffer Dog Trainer
LEGS - Family Dog mediation
Kids Around Dogs
Pro Instructor with UK Hoopers
Pro Dog Trainer - Absolute dogs
Rachel Bean First Aid Trained
I’ve been mad about animals since I can remember, a passion I share with my parents and particularly my nan and grandad. I had dogs and cats as child and have always ridden horses. When I left school, I went to Rodbaston Agricultural College and did a two-year animal care course. Alongside this I worked in a veterinary hospital, which I loved, I was going to train as veterinary nurse. But life happens and I decided to train as a human nurse which has led to a long and very fulfilling career in critical care and most recently vocational rehabilitation.
My journey into dog training really began when I adopted Rupert and Mila. They both came with difficult beginnings, with Mila being particularly challenging (I was her third home not including foster and kennels). I found it difficult to get consistent advice and began reading books on dog behaviour and training. I bought Victoria Stillwell’s book ‘Train Your Dog Positively’ and there was a passage in it that just resonated with me. I noticed that she ran a training academy and after much research started my training in August 2018. It was the most amazing course, I learnt so much and met the most wonderful people and dogs. I was thrilled to learn that I passed with distinction in March 2019.
I am passionate about dogs and I’m sure you will enjoy training with me. My aim is to make dog training fun and build happy and lasting relationships for you and your dog.
I live in Kinver with my two dogs, two cats and my partner Paul.
"Brilliant!"
“Karen was professional and very friendly, Holly took to her immediately and the experience was so much fun and enjoyable, she did not realise that the fun she was having was in fact training, brilliant. Will definitely be recommending Karen!”
Nikki Wilcox
Certified Dog Trainer
Nikki runs the Wollaston training classes as well as 1-1 support with puppy and training packages.
Nikki's journey with animals began as a toddler when her father introduced her to the wonders of bird watching, sparking a lifelong passion for wildlife. A memorable encounter with a kingfisher solidified her love for animals, leading her to explore the care and training of a variety of creatures, including exotic pets and birds of prey.
In 2019, Nikki earned a degree in Human Biology, but her true calling emerged as she volunteered at an exotic zoo. The experience confirmed her desire to work outdoors and with animals—a career that would allow her to combine her scientific knowledge with her love for nature. A pivotal moment came during a walk with her German Shepherd in the woods just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nikki realized how much the experience eased her anxiety, inspiring her to start a new path as a dog walker.
In June 2020, after gaining certifications in dog walking, canine behaviour, and first aid, Nikki welcomed her first client. While dog walking brought immense joy, Nikki sought to deepen her impact on the canine world, leading her to pursue advanced training as a dog trainer. Now, she enjoys the best of both worlds: spending her days as a pack dog walker and her evenings as a dedicated dog trainer.
Nikki’s qualifications include certifications in Canine Body Language, Reactivity, Children & Dogs Specialisms from DTC, as well as a specialization in Noise Phobia from Amazing Animal Minds. She is also a Certified Pet Bereavement Counselor and holds Canine First Aid certification from Dog First Aid Training. Her scientific background drives her continuous pursuit of knowledge, ensuring she stays at the forefront of canine training methods.
With a special interest in training puppies, therapy dogs, and dogs with noise phobias and sensitivities, Nikki is committed to helping dogs and their owners achieve harmonious relationships. She’s dedicated to passing on her expertise to her clients, empowering them to create positive, fulfilling connections with their pets.
At home, Nikki’s passion for animals is evident in her lively household, where she shares her life with four teenagers, four dogs, a cat, a crow, a skunk, an owl, a tortoise, a snake, and a gecko. Each day is an adventure, fueled by her love for animals and her commitment to their well-being.
Jo Foxall
Dog Trainer
Jo runs the Wolverley training classes alongside colleagues.
Nikki's journey with animals began as a toddler when her father introduced her to the wonders of bird watching, sparking a lifelong passion for wildlife. A memorable encounter with a kingfisher solidified her love for animals, leading her to explore the care and training of a variety of creatures, including exotic pets and birds of prey.
Jo's journey into the world of canine training is rooted in a lifelong passion for education and a deep-seated love for dogs. With a Foundation Degree in Education from Wolverhampton University, Jo has spent nearly 20 years working in education, primarily in environments supporting children with additional needs. Her background in psychology and expertise in behavioural modification techniques like CBT and Transactional Analysis (TA) have equipped her with unique skills in helping individuals—both human and canine—overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.
Jo’s career took a refreshing turn when she and her husband embraced a new lifestyle with the Caravan Club, working together on various sites across the country. The outdoor life and the slower pace brought a renewed sense of fulfilment, but Jo's enduring connection to dogs always remained at the forefront.
Having grown up in a family involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind, Jo was exposed to diverse training methods from a young age. This early experience laid the foundation for her understanding of canine behaviour, but it was the adoption of Nancy, a one-year-old rescue from the Dog Trust, that truly ignited Jo’s passion for positive dog training. Nancy’s difficult start in life challenged Jo to explore innovative, compassionate training methods, leading to remarkable progress in their relationship.
Eager to deepen her knowledge, Jo trained with organisations, The School of Canine Science, Absolute Dogs and under experts like Kamal Fernandez and Emma Lee. These experiences have shaped her approach to dog training, emphasizing positivity, empathy, and evidence-based techniques.
Jo’s journey has now brought her to Bark-ology, where she is excited to share her expertise and experiences with other dog owners. Her mission is to help others build stronger, more harmonious relationships with their dogs, empowering them to overcome training challenges and enjoy the full potential of a happy, well-trained companion.