A Dereham dog trainer has been honoured at Crufts with a top-of-the-class qualification.

Alison Poulter, the founder of Paws4Fun, was granted the Kennel Club accredited City and Guilds accredited programme award for her proven specialist knowledge skills and experience in companion dog training on March 10 at Crufts.

Mrs Poulter has been running the Dereham-based business for the last nine years, helping to improve the relationship between man and his best friend - as well as behaviour classes on a one-to-one basis and people’s homes.

Dereham Times: Alison Poulter, the founder of Paws4Fun, was granted the Kennel Club accredited City and Guilds accredited program award on March 10 at Crufts.Alison Poulter, the founder of Paws4Fun, was granted the Kennel Club accredited City and Guilds accredited program award on March 10 at Crufts. (Image: Alison Poulter)

After being given the award, the 61-year-old, said: “This is something I have worked towards for five years.

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“Not that I went to university to get it, but it feels like my degree, it’s very special to me and something I’ve wanted to achieve for years, it is a lot to work, and there is a lot of work involved, it is quite tough.

“But to be given this award, at Crufts, is a huge moment for me.”  

To be given the certificate, the assessor looked at Mrs Poulter's continual professional development, the courses she attends and if she was up to date with modern training methods. As well as general business methods and risk assessment, first aid, and making sure every part of her business was to the best standard. 

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She was also assessed in person.

The dog trainer is solely focused on improving the relationship between people and canines and believes everyone should attend classes to help their dogs.

“I believe every dog guardian in the country should have to go to basic dog obedience class with their animal,” Mrs Poulter added.

“I believe training your dog in basic obedience should be seen as an essential part of every dog’s education. In class, I also advise on general care, dog laws and canine body language.”