About Tracy & Dogwarts K9 Academy

Hello, I’m Tracy - founder of Dogwarts K9 Academy and a specialist in helping anxious, reactive, and over-aroused dogs live happier, calmer lives through ethical, science-backed training.

With over 35 years of experience at executive level in Human Resources, Operations and Coaching, I bring a deep understanding of human behaviour into the dog training world.

My journey into professional training began with my own dogs, particularly Dexter, a reactive Golden Retriever whose challenges lit the fire that became Dogwarts.

Since then, I’ve helped overwhelmed dog guardians transform their relationships with their dogs using methods rooted in kindness, emotional understanding, and positive reinforcement. I’m particularly known for my work with reactive dogs, sensitive breeds like Cockapoos and for my ability to decode complex behaviour in dogs that others have written off as "too difficult."

At Dogwarts, we mix magic with modern behavioural science. We use fun training, emotional coaching, and targeted behaviour work to support the whole dog - and the human on the other end of the lead.

My Approach
I don’t do quick fixes. I don’t believe in blame. And I never use tools or tactics based in fear or force. Instead, I:

✅ Focus on the emotional needs and communication signals of your dog
✅ Teach you how to understand your dog’s behaviour at its root cause
✅Offer fun, practical, and proven strategies that feel good to both ends of the lead

Whether you're dealing with reactivity, anxiety, constant barking, or a dog that just can’t switch off, I’m here to help you move from stress to understanding, without judgement.

Why Reactive and Anxious Dogs?
Reactive and anxious dogs are often some of the most misunderstood dogs out there.

Behind the barking, lunging, over-arousal, shutdowns, or constant alertness is usually a dog that is struggling to cope with the world around them in some way such as emotionally overwhelmed, easily triggered, frustrated, uncertain, or simply lacking the skills to feel safe and calm in everyday life.

These are the dogs I am most drawn to helping because I know how exhausting and isolating life can become for the people living alongside them.

Many of the people I work with feel emotionally drained, judged, embarrassed, or stuck long before they finally reach out for help.

My role is not simply to train the behaviour away, but to help you understand what is happening underneath it, create realistic strategies that support your individual dog, and guide you both towards calmer, more manageable everyday life together.

Redefining K9 - The Dogwarts Way
The term "K9" is often associated with trainers who use aversive methods, fear, and intimidation.

Not here.

At Dogwarts K9 Academy, we’re reclaiming and redefining what it means to be a canine professional through our core values - the 9K Pillars:

KINDNESS: We promote empathy, compassion, and positive reinforcement in every interaction.

KINSHIP: We prioritise the unique bond between humans and dogs with trust, respect, and understanding.

KLEAR COMMUNICATION: We emphasise communication over commands to build cooperation and mutual understanding.

KNOWLEDGEABLE TECHNIQUES: Our training is based on current scientific research and force-free methods that are fun, kind, and safe.

KUDOS FOR POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: We celebrate the power of choice and reward-based learning.

KALM AND KIND: We support dogs in safe, manageable environments, never overwhelming them or forcing compliance.

KEEPER OF PROMISES: We promise never to use, recommend, or permit aversive methods, equipment, or training tactics.

KINDRED SPIRITS: We honour the emotional depth and life-changing connections between dogs and their humans.

KINETIC BOND: We embrace the energetic, playful, and enriching experiences dogs and humans share. These values guide every decision, every session, and every interaction at Dogwarts.

Meet the
THE GUARDIANS OF THE GAMES

Dexter - The Misunderstood Golden Retriever, Quirky, loving and full of golden-hearted mischief. Dexter's reactivity challenges were the reason I entered this world - and he remains the soul behind everything I do.
&
Coco - The Crazy Cockapoo, Cheeky, Loving, and fiercely independent, Coco brings joy and fun to Dogwarts and is the inspiration behind my Cockapoo-focused niche.

Image is of Golden Retriever peeping through pond reeds

Image is of Cockapoo laying under an umbrella with a fushia flower poking our of her mouth

Credentials & Certifications

I am proud to hold certifications in the following areas:

Behaviour & Training

Assessed Canine Trauma & Rescue Expert
Certified Noise Phobia Consultant
Certified Dog Trainer (Dog Training College)
Certified Puppy Specialist
Certified Canine Reactivity & Anxiety Specialist
Certified Separation Anxiety Specialist
Certified Scentwork Specialist
Certified Canine Body Language Specialist
Certified Children & Dogs Specialist
Certified Games-Based Concept Trainer
Certified Michael Shikashio Aggression in Dogs Master
Canine Hoopers World Instructor

Specialist Skills & Education

World Scent Dog Association Instructor & Judge
National Nosework Association Odour Recognition Test (ORT) Host & Assessor
Nosework Games Organiser & Assessor
Licensed Pet First Aid Instructor (Dog Training College)
Licensed Reactive Rascals Instructor (Dog Training College)
Licensed Body Language Instructor (Dog Training College)
Certified in Dog Law
Certified in Pet First Aid
Level 5 Associate in People Management (CIPD) Qualified Mental Health First Aider
Certified Life Purpose Coach

Values

Kindness, respect, and empathy to both dogs and their guardians
Absolutely no use of fear, force, or aversive tools
Science-backed methods grounded in modern behaviour understanding
A commitment to honesty, integrity, and compassion

Mission

To help as many dogs as possible live full, fear-free lives where they can truly relax, learn, and thrive.

To empower owners with skills and strategies that last far beyond our sessions.

To bring light, joy, and a little magic back into dog training.

Vision

To take the chore out of training. I want you to enjoy the process, laugh with your dog, and build habits that last.

When training is fun and feels good, it gets done - and when that happens, the results become unstoppable.

Ready to get started? Let’s build calm, connection, and confidence - one magical step at a time.