Why Choose The BARKING MAD Dog Training & Behaviour Company?
When looking for a dog training school it’s often out of necessity; either because we have a puppy and it’s considered the right thing to do, or perhaps you have an adult dog which is a bit of a Loony Goon or a Grumpy Git.
Over the past 25 years our team of expert Instructors and Behaviourists have successfully trained thousands of pet and behaviour clients and we can help you too!
We’ll put you at ease right from the beginning. Providing all the support you need we’ll help you to achieve your goals and aspirations.
We see ourselves predominantly as teachers; teaching you to develop the relationship and tools you need to be the ultimate trainer of your dog.
Our classes, 1-2-1s and intensive courses are all done in a relaxed, friendly and most importantly, realistic outdoor environment.
For us, the customer’s experience and journey is at the heart of what we do. We firmly believe that if you enjoy it so will your dog, and our great reputation will continue!
Richard Clarke GoDT(MT) set up Barking Mad 25 years ago. He has a wealth of experience in training dogs both as pets and in working roles. His working experience includes training dogs to detect drugs and explosives as well as bed bugs for the 2012 London Olympics. Richard has trained dogs to perform in film and television and has travelled the world detecting Sumatran Tigers in Indonesia and Box Keeled Turtles in Vietnam.
Whatever your problems, goals or aspirations, you can feel confident that the team at The Barking Mad Dog Training & Behaviour Company will be able to help!
How Can We Help You?
"The more we train, the luckier we get"
Richard Clarke GoDT(MT)
Richard Clarke GoDT(MT)
Director of Training
Originally in the Royal Navy, Richard went on to become a Civilian Environmental Trainer for the Ministry of Defence, qualifying over 28 years ago in both Canine Psychology and nutrition.
Today, he and his team work with International Organisations and vets all over the world helping hundreds of dogs each year.
Richard is a qualified trainer and has worked on a variety of film and TV work including as a Judge on BBC's Dog Borstal and most recently featured on BBC Countryfile programmes
Natalie Clarke
Head Trainer
Natalie originally came to Barking Mad in 2003 with her naughty Westie Barney who had severe behavioural issues. She went on to successfully compete in Working Trials and in the process was bitten by the dog training bug. Natalie specialises in 121 behavioural and sports training as well as puppy and adult classes. Natalie has 2 labradors and a Westie, Betty, Nellie and Poppy. Natalie loves gundog training and agility with all her dogs.
Julie Cant
Deputy Head Trainer
Since completing the Instructors courses at Barking Mad Julie has been a full time Accredited Instructor for the last 10 years. Having worked as a specialist detection instructor in Vietnam with Richard in 2010 Julie's ability as an instructor quickly went from strength to strength. Julie successfully rehabilitated her 'Ex Grumpy' Cruz who ended up being a real ambassador for her and Barking Mad. She currently is working towards competing at Working Trials with her 2 labradors and Staff Cross...... Yoshi, Frank and Mitch.
Kate Smith
Senior Instructor & Behaviourist
Kate started at Barking Mad with her Rottweiler Cross Mason, she quickly decided she would like to do our Instructor Courses to pursue a career helping others train their dog. Kate specialises in behaviour 121s and group classes.
Kate has got 3 dogs, a Rottweiler Cross, a Labrador and a Border Terrier....Mason, Mavis and Annie-Mac. When Kate isn't training her customers she is out with Mavis who is nearly qualified as part of the search and rescue team for East Anglia.
Lyndsay Spooner
MSc BSc
Instructor & Behaviourist
Lyndsay has a real passion for rescue dogs, and is a real asset to our team. Having successfully gained her Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour she decided to spread her wings and managed a dog cafe in Australia. After returning she completed our Instructors Courses, she specialises in behavioural 121s, puppy and adult classes and also helps run our Dog School. Lyndsay has a Whippet x Bedlington Terrier called Albie.
Kathy Young
Instructor
Kathy has owned dogs for 50 years and competed at Championship Level in Obedience with her Old English Sheepdog. Alongside training dogs Kathy also has a history with training horses and she's incredibly passionate about helping people to build relationships with their animals. Now she has two black Labradors, Otter and Berry, who keep her busy when she's not at Barking Mad.
Kirsty Harvey
Instructor
Kirsty started training at Barking Mad with her Labrador, Frankie, and quickly caught the bug to train others to do the same. With a background in People Management she passed the Initial Instructors Course with flying colours and hasn't looked back since.
Lucy Thurston
Instructor
Lucy has had dogs in the family since being a child. Currently she trains with her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Millie, they particularly enjoy agility together. Before starting her family and becoming an instructor, Lucy worked as a Spa Manager, so she's an expert at making her customers feel calm and relaxed during classes.
Abbie Clarke
Instructor
Abbie has literally grown up at Barking Mad helping her Dad, Richard, take classes from her pushchair!!
Abbie successfully completed our Instructor course when she was 14 and went on to run our K9 Kidz Club for 4 years before going off to University. Abbie is an accomplished dog tricks and Treibball Instructor and has taught adult and puppy classes in both Hetfordshire and Suffolk. Abbie also runs our dog school.
Holly Raven
Office Manager & Instructor
Holly originally came to Barking Mad as her Cocker Spaniel, Jasper, had become over protective of both her and her new baby, especially against men. Following successful behavioural 121s, happy go lucky Jasper is now working towards competing in both field trials and working trials and Holly, having caught the Barking Mad bug, successfully completed our Initial Instructors Course and is now training the rest of us to be more organised!
Anna Baggott
Shop and Accounts Manager
Anna has been a huge part of Barking Mad for the past 4 years. After wanting to have a greater depth of knowledge with her own dogs she completed the Instructors Course and now works behind scenes with Holly and Richard.
Leah Clarke
K9 Kidz Instructor
As Richard and Natalie's daughter, Leah might as well have been born at the school, having spent her entire life helping with and training both the family dogs as well as customers' when they have been unable. In 2018 Leah successfully completed the Barking Mad Initial Instructors Course, passing with flying colours. As well as organising the Barking Mad shop and refreshments she organises and runs regular K9 Kidz fundays and sessions.
Get in Touch Today
School Farm, Halesworth Road, Ilketshall St Lawrence Beccles United Kingdom NR34 8LB
07495337774
