After waiting many years (really what felt like a lifetime to a crazy-about-dogs-kid, that wasn't allowed a dog) Ruby the black Labrador entered my life. Finally, my first dog, and oh my did I fall in love!

I wanted the best for her - I bought the best food (which she happily inhaled), the most comfortable bed (that was quickly chewed until destroyed), toys (yup, more destruction), treats, harnesses, collars and leads (of every colour!), you name it I wanted (and often did) provide it.

But when it came to providing training, I was quickly stuck. I couldn't find a trainer who would treat her like I wanted to - a long-awaited family member who completely and utterly deserved respect, understanding, patience and an effective way for us to communicate with each other. I wanted her to listen to me because she wanted to, found it fun and it was rewarding too, not because she was scared of what would happen if she didn't.

So I set to work - book after book was read, course after course was attended with so much love and enthusiasm for dog training I must have looked a little odd bouncing in my seat with excitement and note-taking that would make any author proud.

One day when working as a Veterinary Nurse, giving training advice to a client while pining for Ruby who family cared for when I was working I decided it was time... time to share my knowledge and care to help and guide owners who had dogs with training and behaviour problems. Plus I could spend more time with Ruby. A perfect recipe.

So Karen's DOGS was born. Then after 11 years of training thousands of dogs, opening and running the first dedicated dog training centre in Edinburgh and the Lothians, heart-breakingly losing Ruby, heart-warmingly marrying my partner, gaining Barr and Emmy (my flower girls obviously) and finally relocating to Perthshire the business has evolved into Pet Behaviour Consulting. Helping owners to have a relaxed and responsive dog so they can enjoy life together.

I train people to train their dogs, and I completely and utterly adore my job.