Maher & Hound Dog Training and Behaviour
Winchester, Hampshire
(42)
Winchester, Hampshire
(42)
Please visit my website for PRICES and to contact me. IMDTB qualified & accredited dog behaviourist, offering dog behavioural consultations and individually tailored puppy & dog training throughout Winchester, Romsey, Southampton and Stockbridge.
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42 customer reviews
Steve Haddow
Karen has been the most caring, patient, and knowledgeable trainer. Instantly puts you and the dog at ease. Straight away you can see her compassion and understanding of rescue dogs and their behaviours. Lou, our rescue dog, was a bit of a "free spirit" whilst out on her walks to say the least, once the nose went down the ears seemed to switch off! Karen taught us an amazing "tool kit" of simple techniques that focus Lou and allow her to continue to improve her self-control. Cannot recommend highly enough, Karen's love for her work shines through every time. Even in the rain........ More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Laura Pollard
Karen really helped us understand our girl, she can be reactive so knowing what she needs in a stressful situation is invaluable. The face to face training and help were excellent plus good written guidance too. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Hannah Wilcox
Working with Karen and our dog Millie was a dream! We have had problems on and off for years with what we thought was ‘aggressive behaviour’ towards other dogs. We had seeked help from training sessions and behaviourists previously but nothing seemed to really help. I met Karen through my work so felt able to approach her with the subject and we were soon booked in for our first session! Karen soon reassured us that Millie’s behaviour wasn’t aggression at all and just a fear of other dogs and that we just had to manage our walks in different ways. Since the training we now feed Millie in a ‘fun’ way and do lots of reward training as well as making her walks more fun with ‘hunting for treats’ to keep her distracted. Within a week we saw a real difference but as the weeks have gone on she is coming on leaps and bounds and really enjoying her walks again! We still have the occasional episode but now we are able to deal with it so that we are all happy and comfortable. We cannot thank Karen enough and for all the continued support via txt and email. We would highly recommend!! X More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Elaine
Dog Training
I can only comment on initial engagement as we have yet to start the first training session.
Alicia
Karen is fantastic! She is very knowledgeable, particularly about rescue dogs and helped me understand a lot about my dogs behaviour. Karen has given me lots of exercises to help with recall and my dog has been a lot more focused on me during walks since. Karen is brilliant with dogs and is so passionate about what she does, would absolutely recommend! More...
Alicia Wiltshire
Karen is fantastic! She is very knowledgeable, particularly about rescue dogs and helped me understand a lot about my dogs behaviour. Karen has given me lots of exercises to help with recall and my dog has been a lot more focused on me during walks since. Karen is brilliant with dogs and is so passionate about what she does, would absolutely recommend! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Anthony Lindley
Karen was great helping us with our rescue dog! She is very knowledgeable and friendly and her ideas to help with recall have worked a treat. We'd highly recommend her training for other rescues who are friendly but lack discipline! More...
Anna
Karen stood out from other local trainers because of all the work she does with rescue & therapy dogs. Existing excellent reviews prompted me to email her and we set up 3 sessions (2 at home and 1 in the park) for my staffy puppy, who is very confident and food orientated! The bond between myself and my pup is incredible, and the reward and praise based consistent approach which Karen advised, has cemented this. My dog isn't a troubled rescue, but I wanted to invest in our future together as a partnership in the same family and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Karen to do the same for you! More...
Hannah-Natacha
Karen is an amazing trainer & behaviourist and we are so grateful to know such an inspiring, impressive lady in the dog world. 😍 Not only is she incredibly informed & skilled, she also takes a wonderful holistic approach to dog training and helps improve all aspects of dog welfare. Karen is kind, calm, super knowledgeable and a very safe pair of hands. Highly her, if only there were more Karens the doggy world would be a better place! More...
Emma
Karen was really helpful with Freddie and his issues with barking. She came to see us and spent a long time talking through our issues and what we'd tried previously.
Her advice has been really useful and most importantly she's kept in touch to offer further support and advice if we need it
More...
Emma Carlton
Karen was really helpful with Freddie and his issues with barking. She came to see us and spent a long time talking through our issues and what we'd tried previously. Her advice has been really useful and most importantly she's kept in touch to offer further support and advice if we need it More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Anna Hodgson
Karen has really supported myself & my staffy pup Monroe in basic training. She clearly loves dogs & Monroe loves her back, even if he does steal her toys & treats! Excited for our appointment next week & we will really miss her after our final session. It is made really fun & rewarding for the dog & worth every penny! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Hannah-Natacha Butternutter
Karen is an amazing trainer & behaviourist and we are so grateful to know such an inspiring, impressive lady in the dog world. Not only is she incredibly informed & skilled, she also takes a wonderful holistic approach to dog training and helps improve all aspects of dog welfare. Karen is kind, calm, super knowledgeable and a very safe pair of hands. Highly her, if only there were more Karens the doggy world would be a better place! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Emmy Scutt
Karen’s support and input has been invaluable in terms of helping us with Tilly. Since meeting Karen, Tilly’s recall has improved. We have altered Tilly’s diet to help with her energy levels and the distraction techniques recommended by Karen to help Tilly whilst she is at home alone have made a huge difference. We can’t recommend Karen enough; we’re so grateful x More...
Angela C
Karen worked brilliantly with my young lab boy, he responded so well to her training and has consistently continued with his programme.
Karen oozed knowledge and was so very reassuring with us as a family.
Karen has a really friendly, warm approach with her advice and my dog responded beautifully to her plan for him.
I would thoroughly recommend Karen. It took me a long time to find someone I felt would fulfil what I as an owner wanted , and my dog benefitted from. Karen is very thorough and keeps in contact with you after your training session with advice and encouragement. You can’t really ask for anything more when looking for training with your beloved dog.
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Zoe H
I was put in touch with Karen via my dog walker. She came highly recommended and her advice and support did not disappoint!
Karen clearly has amazing knowledge and experience of working with rescue dogs. My dog Flo is a rescue dog (a scent hound) from northern Spain. Since Karen came to see Flo, her advice has helped me to settle Flo more easily when our cat is around. Flo has calmed down so much and her recall and obedience has improved. Karen also recommended a great natural dog food and this has also helped Flo to be calmer.
Thank you Karen! You’re amazing!
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Emmy Scutt
Karen’s support and input has been invaluable in terms of helping us with Tilly. Since meeting Karen, Tilly’s recall has improved. We have altered Tilly’s diet to help with her energy levels and the distraction techniques recommended by Karen to help Tilly whilst she is at home alone have made a huge difference. We can’t recommend Karen enough; we’re so grateful x More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Zoe Helen
I was put in touch with Karen via my dog walker. She came highly recommended and her advice and support did not disappoint!
Reviewed on Facebook
Helen T
I would highly recommend Karen and the wonderful work she does with dogs. She is very knowledgeable, a great communicator and she has such a good rapport with all breeds, backgrounds and ages of dogs. Her work with rescue dogs is particularly impressive and shows what a brilliant dog behaviourist and trainer she is. More...
Amy
Karen is a true professional and worked magic with our puppy! I can’t rate her enough
Wendy B
Absolutely brilliant with rescue dogs. Highly recommended
Eve M
Karen is so in tune with dogs, especially rescues, and I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for support or advice with behavioural issues. She’s a natural with animals, always keen to help, and very easy to get along with, which of course makes the experience better for both the dog and the owner in question. Highly recommended! More...
Eve Moore
Karen is so in tune with dogs, especially rescues, and I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for support or advice with behavioural issues. She’s a natural with animals, always keen to help, and very easy to get along with which of course makes the experience better for both the dog and the owner in question. Highly recommended! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Shirley
Dog Training
I had a very useful consultation with Karen for my german shepherd cross collie behaviour issues, and have seen improvement after changing her diet and other suggestions made. Highly recommended.
Julia
Dog Training
Really helped us understand our dog’s behaviour & offer practical solutions. Highly recommended x
Jacquelina
What I love about Maher and Hound dog Training is that Karen does this job from the heart and sole and her love of animals, it's not just a job for her but a calling. Karen has adopted and fostered abandoned and rescued dogs from Cyprus, poor dogs which have been neglected and abused and with Karen's love, training and dedication these pups have opened up in confidence and affection. Karen has done wonders with Melvin one of my foster pups from Cyprus. Melvin spent his entire life in a crowded cage with larger aggressive dogs, not only did Karen end up giving Melvin a forever home but her training techniques have transformed Melvin into a confident, loving and social pup. Choosing Karen to train your precious dog will be one of the best decisions you can make, I highly recommend Karen and Maher & Hound Dog Traing More...
Tracy
Having known Karen for over twenty year she has never been without a fur baby from the formidable Norbet to her amazing band of rescue dogs today. Her love and compassion for animals now combined with knowledge of obedience and behavioural training will put any dog owner at ease and I have no hesitation in recommending her. More...
Helen
Karen is wonderful and has such a caring and understanding relationship with dogs.
I would highly recommend her
James
Highly rated, Karen has a clear understanding of dog behaviours and has a great diversity of techniques with regards to resolving behavioural issues with dogs. I adopted two Shepherd Cross Romanian street dogs three years ago, and with great help and advice from Karen they soon settled to become the most beautiful family companions imaginable. More...
Charlie
Karen has helped my so much through my journey to be a dog owner; from recommending rescue charities to advice on our pup. We ended up rehoming a 6 month old Spangold who is a dream but came with a certain lack of training due to his start in life. Karen recommended me a local trainer (as sadly I am too far from her to benefit directly) who was amazing. She also offered me invaluable advice on his behaviour, things that would occupy him and other traits of his breeds that I wouldn't have known otherwise. More...
Despw
Karen is an amazing lady, she adopted Melvin from our rescue and since then have worked miracles on his behavior and training ! If you are looking for a trainer who is always there , willing to help both owner and dog,then as a rescue we recommend Karen 100% . More...
Maria
Karen’s support and advice has been invaluable. Thank you Karen. Lots of doggie love from Pixie Poodles and Big Mia.
Roxanne
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Karen Maher without a dog by her side. Ever since she was a fashion PR working in London, she had her faithful sidekick Nobby with her at all times. He was our office mascot at the Stella McCartney press office, accompanying me to Vogue with a bag full of returns and taming the maddest of bosses. His temperament and ability was all testament to his mistress Karen. Since then, I’ve seen Karen’s human and dog families grow - and the behaviour of all is still impeccable. Highly recommended! More...
Gabriella
The work Karen does is amazing. She has a natural ability with dogs and understands their behaviours making all dogs feel at home, safe and loved. Rescue dogs become socialised and fit in well with any pack💖💖💖 More...
Tracy Le Marquand
Having known Karen for over twenty year she has never been without a fur baby from the formidable Norbet to her amazing band of rescue dogs today. Her love and compassion for animals now combined with knowledge of obedience and behavioural training will put any dog owner at ease and I have no hesitation in recommending her. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jacquelina Barkman
What I love about Maher and Hound dog Training is that Karen does this job from the heart and sole and her love of animals, it's not just a job for her but a calling. Karen has adopted and fostered abandoned and rescued dogs from Cyprus, poor dogs which have been neglected and abused and with Karen's love, training and dedication these pups have opened up in confidence and affection. Karen has done wonders with Melvin one of my foster pups from Cyprus. Melvin spent his entire life in a crowded cage with larger aggressive dogs, not only did Karen end up giving Melvin a forever home but her training techniques have transformed Melvin into a confident, loving and social pup. Choosing Karen to train your precious dog will be one of the best decisions you can make, I highly recommend Karen and Maher & Hound Dog Traing More...
Reviewed on Facebook
James Maher
Highly rated, Karen has a clear understanding of dog behaviours and has a great diversity of techniques with regards to resolving behavioural issues with dogs. I adopted two Shepherd Cross Romanian street dogs three years ago, and with great help and advice from Karen they soon settled to become the most beautiful family companions imaginable. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Gabriella Meli
The work Karen does is amazing. She has a natural ability with dogs and understands their behaviours making all dogs feel at home, safe and loved. Rescue dogs become socialised and fit in well with any pack More...
Reviewed on Facebook
RoxAnne Tierney
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Karen Maher without a dog by her side. Ever since she was a fashion PR working in London, she had her faithful sidekick Nobby with her at all times. He was our office mascot at the Stella McCartney press office, accompanying me to Vogue with a bag full of returns and taming the maddest of bosses. His temperament and ability was all testament to his mistress Karen. Since then, I’ve seen Karen’s human and dog families grow - and the behaviour of all is still impeccable. Highly recommended! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Charlotte Anderson Sumner
Karen has helped my so much through my journey to be a dog owner; from recommending rescue charities to advice on our pup. We ended up rehoming a 6 month old Spangold who is a dream but came with a certain lack of training due to his start in life. Karen recommended me a local trainer (as sadly I am too far from her to benefit directly) who was amazing. She also offered me invaluable advice on his behaviour, things that would occupy him and other traits of his breeds that I wouldn't have known otherwise. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Despw Pourou
Karen is an amazing lady, she adopted Melvin from our rescue and since then have worked miracles on his behavior and training ! If you are looking for a trainer who is always there , willing to help both owner and dog,then as a rescue we recommend Karen 100% . More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Helen McGilvray
Karen is wonderful and has such a caring and understanding relationship with dogs. I would highly recommend her ❤️
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing the results of my training and behaviour work and how happy this makes my clients and their dogs. I love seeing the relationships between my clients and their dogs grow and improve - HAPPY, CALM DOGS - I’m a lifelong lover of dogs, they absolutely fascinate me, they are so intelligent, so endearing, so much fun and they are utterly life-enhancing. I have learned that dogs do live in the moment and that they therefore have an amazing ability to change completely.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Back in 2007 I embarked on a journey with my own dog Tiggy. After having rehomed her, I discovered that she was very frightened on walks, turning to barking and lunging at dogs to scare them away.
I wanted to learn how to help Tiggy, walks were becoming increasingly more difficult, family events with other dogs a stressful event.
So I spent the next 10 years, learning as much as I could, not only to help Tiggy, but also other dogs too. When Tiggy died my heart broke in a way that I thought would never mend, but I went on to adopt 5 more rescue dogs, helping them with with issues including fear of men, fear of noisy traffic, dog to dog reactivity, hyperactivity, fear of unknown places, separation anxiety and high prey drives. (That’s quite a legacy Tiggy!)
I knew there were people out there, who had also been through the heartbreak of their dogs being attacked, aggressive, anxious or possibly rehoming a more challenging dog.
I studied with leading Dog Behaviourists including Ross McCarthy MA FCFBA MBIPDT MGoDT AMBPSCA at The Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training (CIDBT) - and Sarah Whitehead, (BA, MSc) and author of the bestselling ‘Clever Dog’ book (Advanced Dog / Dog Aggression), volunteered for various rescue charities and invested much time and money on courses and practical experience, focusing on rescue, reactive and anxious dogs.
This turned into something incredibly powerful and I craved the opportunity to help more dog owners find the same joy on their walks and ways to help their dogs feel happy again.
Where I was once a lonely and isolated dog owner I now was receiving dozens of messages filling my inbox:
“Thank you Karen for making walks pleasurable and relaxing again”
As the messages continued I was fuelled with this new found passion and wanted much more than just a business helping any dog owner, so created a niche just for those who had experienced some of the same issues as myself in particular.
Maher & Hound was born!
I’ve helped many, many dog owners, just like you, learn to enjoy every moment they spend with their dogs.
If you are reading this and really could do with that little bit of extra support, feel free to get in touch. I won’t judge you, won’t talk jargon and am never pushy.
I train with compassion - for both dogs and their owners - all of my methods are force free, science and reward based where ‘kindness speaks volumes’
To find out more about my services or to book your free discovery call contact:
07789 436075
Why should our clients choose you?
I won’t judge you, I won’t talk jargon and I am never pushy.
I train with compassion - for both dogs and their owners - all of my methods are force free, science and reward based where ‘kindness speaks volumes’
"Karen is an amazing trainer & behaviourist and we are so grateful to know such an inspiring, impressive lady in the dog world. Not only is she incredibly informed & skilled, she also takes a wonderful holistic approach to dog training and helps improve all aspects of dog welfare. Karen is kind, calm, super knowledgeable and a very safe pair of hands”
My training and behaviour work is based on breed specific behaviour – using compassionate, science and reward based, force-free methods. One to one training provides a less distracting environment for you and your dog. My attention is totally on you and your dog’s needs and each training session is focused on achieving the results that you would like.
Qualifications:
I have studied with Ross McCarthy MA FCFBA MBIPDT MGoDT AMBPSCA at The Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training (CIDBT) - these courses are approved through Kennel Club external inspection for the KCAI Scheme.
My CIDBT Qualifications & Certificates:
• Understanding Canine Care and Behaviour
• Practical and Effective Dog Training
• Common Canine Behaviour Problems
• The Canine Behaviourist (Advanced Course)
I have also completed the 'Think Dog Certificate' and 'Dog-to-Dog Aggression' (An advanced award in Canine Behaviour and Training) with Pet Behaviour Counsellor Sarah Whitehead (BA MSc), author of the bestselling 'Clever Dog' book.
I am accredited as a Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers
Puppy / Dog / Rescue Dog Training
I offer bespoke one to one training sessions for Puppies and Adult Dogs (including rescue dogs), based on breed specific behaviour – using compassionate, science based, force-free methods that are lots of fun.
Sit
Down and Instant Down
Wait
Stay
Leave it
Loose Lead Walking
Recall (come immediately when called)
House training (including toilet training)
Crate training
Socialisation and habituation
Setting your puppy or new dog’s routine
No jumping up,
No play biting or chewing
Coming when called
Dog park ‘etiquette’
Settle Down & Relax - on your mat / go to bed etc
Play and breed and age appropriate toys /
Information on diet
No jumping up
Focus and Attention (Watch Me command)
Dog to dog interaction
No Biting & Mouthing
No chewing
Come When Called
Fetch & Drop
Let’s Go - ensures a calm meet and greet with other dogs whilst out
Puppy / Dog / Rescue Dog Behaviour Issues
I have a particular interest in Canine Behaviour and I can help with many different issues, explain the reasons why your dog is behaving this way and create and implement bespoke breed specific behaviour modification programmes for many problems such as:
Separation related issues (Separation Anxiety),
Dog to Dog interaction issues,
Aggression or fear towards other dogs,
On lead reactivity,
Excessive Chewing & Biting,
Jumping up,
Resource guarding (food, toys, sofa, bed etc),
House Training,
Coprophagia,
Excessive barking,
Pulling on the Lead,
Recall problems,
Crate Training,
Issues with nipping,
Information on Diet,
Dog park ‘etiquette’
Fear of: traffic, street walking, strangers (rescue dogs)
Information on Diet and how this can effect behaviour
Telephone / Skype / Facetime Consultations
Professional & Certified: I have offered VIDEO APPOINTMENTS via FaceTime, Skype & Zoom for a long time now and these will still be going ahead. Issues I can help with online include:
General Puppy, Adolescent and Rescue dog advice:
House training, Crate Training, Puppy Biting, Settle Down & Relax - on your mat / go to bed etc, Socialisation advice & general Training Cues
Training Sessions - These include training demos with Fred the Hound and are followed up with training notes
Behavioural Issues including:
Separation Anxiety (and prevention of), Multi-dog Household Aggression, Resource guarding: food / toys / furniture, Jumping up, Excessive barking, Hyperactivity, Excessive Chewing & Biting, Dog to Dog interaction issues
Behaviour consults - I can help with many behavioural issues online. Sessions are structured the same as face to face consults and are followed up with full written reports
