denise dog behaviourist in graduation robe with her two dogs

About College 4 Canines

Denise Devereux Bsc (Hon) CBM, FdSc ACBT

College 4 Canines was built on one simple belief: every dog deserves the chance to succeed.

My journey into canine behaviour didn't begin in a classroom—it began with my own rescue dog, Bear. Like many owners, I was told his behaviour made him unsuitable for group classes. Instead of accepting that, I set out to understand why he behaved the way he did and discovered that with patience, science-based training and compassion, even dogs labelled as "difficult" can thrive.

That experience inspired me to dedicate my career to helping owners who feel overwhelmed, frustrated or have been told their dog is beyond help.

Today, I'm a qualified and accredited Canine Behaviourist with a Bachelor's Degree (BSc Hons) in Canine Behaviour and I'm currently completing an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour. Using ethical, force-free methods backed by modern behavioural science, I've helped hundreds of dogs across Northumberland build confidence, overcome behavioural challenges and enjoy happier lives with their families over the past 10+ years..

Qualified, accredited, and committed to best practice

Qualification Badges

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Our Qualifications and Accreditations

Professional Accreditations

  • Member of Pet Professional Guild

  • Member of The Pet Professional Network

  • Student member of APBC working towards Clinical Animal Behaviourist

  • Accredited Detection Dog Handler and Scentwork Instructor through

    the UK College of Scent Dogs

  • Assessor for PAWS Therapy Dog Training

  • Assistance Dog Trainer for Pawsability (Owner Trained Assistance Dogs)

Formal Qualifications

Currently studying Msc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh

Completed Bsc (Hons) Canine Behaviour at Bishop Burton in 2023

Completed FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training at Bishop Burton in 2021

Continuous Professional Development

  • Canine First Aid by Racheal Bean

  • Introduction to Canine Massage

  • Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation courses with IMDT

  • Behaviour Bible, 30 Days of Canine Science and Nurition through School of Canine Science

  • Interactive Play & Arousal workshops by Craig Ogilvie

  • Concept Training by Karen Pryor Academy

  • Deaf dog training by International Canine Behaviourists

  • Homeopathic Management of Canine Behaviour Disorders by International Canine Behaviourists

  • Effective Communication Advanced Clicker Training by International Canine Behaviourists

  • Behavioural Benefits of Nosework by International Canine Behaviourists

  • Learn How to Talk Dog by Sarah Whitehead

  • Dog Law by Trevor Cooper

Trusted by local dog owners

Reviews

We’re proud to be recommended by families across Acklington.

Our reviews reflect our calm approach, clear support, and commitment to dog welfare.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I can't tell you how happy I am to have found College 4 Canines. My girl has really made progress with training and people. Denise really takes the time to understand and work with you. Making it fun and challenging for both owners and dogs. Love expanding our knowledge and things we can do together in the lifeskills classes, I would highly recommend any day of the week xx

Katy Young
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Me and my pup Milo have graduated from puppy class! Denise is fantastic at what she does. We’ve also used Bronze and Silver life skill classes too with our older dog Aero and they are very worthwhile 😁

Sharon Herron
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great service from the first contact through to the 6 sessions we had with Denise for our beloved Golden Doodle. Pablo is a lockdown boy and had missed the normal training classes that we would have liked to attend if timing had been different. He had picked up some habits and reactivity that were causing us and him a great deal of worry. Denise was fantastic both with Pablo and ourselves. She has taught us a huge amount and has been super supportive. Her knowledge is outstanding and our sessions were fun as well as being incredibly informative and effective

Lisa Wiszniewski

Force-Free Dog Training & Behaviourist in Morpeth, Northumberland

  • Location: Acklington Village Hall, Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9BW.

  • Ideal For: Dogs aged 12 months+ (from "terrible teens" to seniors).

  • Accessibility: Our venue at Acklington Village Hall is a convenient drive for puppy owners across Northumberland: 15 minutes from Morpeth, 15 minutes from Alnwick, and 8 minutes from Amble

  • Methods: Strictly force-free, science-based positive reinforcement.

Classes are based at Acklington Village Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland

Denise Devereux Bsc (Hons) CBM, FdSc ACBT

077951992008

[email protected]

90 B6345, Acklington, Morpeth NE65 9BW, UK

Kind, professional support for dogs considered "unsuitable" elsewhere. Book your classes or an assessment call today.

College 4 Canines | Phone: +44 7795 199208 | Training Venue: Acklington Village Hall, Acklington, Northumberland, NE65 9BW.

© College4Canines 2026