A Perth woman is vying to take the world’s most prestigious dog training title after making the final five.
Corinne Kennedy has made the shortlist for the Kennel Club Accredited Instructor (KCAI) Trainer of the Year Award.
It’s the second year in a row that Corinne will be attending Crufts, where the award will be presented, as a finalist, but this year she’s hoping to go the whole way and claim the coveted title.
Entrants are judged by the Kennel Club panel on the positive difference their work makes, how they have changed lives, their helpfulness and dedication and their work with the wider community.
Having trained dogs since she was just eight years old, Corinne has been working with them professionally for more than 20 years.
She said: “I first got involved training when I got my first dog because I had to, and that’s where the bug for it came from.
“I didn’t do much with the bug though until about 25 years ago, when I started studying canine psychology.
“I’ve done lots of doggy training and I mentor young people who want to work with dogs, as well as fostering and training dogs for the disabled.
“I just love dogs, they play a huge part in my life.”
Corinne now runs Perth Dog Training in Bridge of Earn, where she offers all types of training to dogs and dog owners from as far as Aberdeenshire.
Votes from her clients have helped her reach the final in March and as the only Scot in the final stage, she’s hoping to bring home the award for them.
She added: “Six weeks ago, the voting opened. It was for anyone from across the UK to be put forward, so I’m really grateful.
“Then a panel of judges decided who was worthy of a place in the final, and I’ve made it to the final five for the second year in a row now.
“Now it goes back to a vote and it’s all about getting the people of Scotland behind me. The dog world is a small world so I’m feeling hopeful.
“The awards are presented at Crufts next month. I go down every year anyway and it’s a really nice social event.
“I’d really like to thank my clients for putting me forward. If I could bring the award home, it would be for them. It would make my day, my year – my whole life!”
Votes for Corinne can be castonline at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/kcai/kcai-trainer-of-the-year and the winner will be announced on Saturday, March 9.
