Hey Folks!

Welcome back to Dog Trainers UnPACT! In this episode, Steve sits down with Charis Vincent, founder of Charismatic Pets in Warminster, Wiltshire. Charis shares her fascinating path from studying commercial dance in London and human psychology to opening a massive canine hub offering over 25 classes a week, an independent pet shop, and specialised dog sports.

Steve and Charis explore how human psychology is the secret key to better dog welfare, the lessons learned from living with her heart dog Staffy, Jasmine, and the financial and practical realities of running a daycare versus a dedicated training centre. They also discuss managing high-drive breeds using outlet sports like slatmills and wall climbs, handling imposter syndrome by focusing on doing a great job, and the importance of taking time to celebrate your own achievements.

Charis Facts:

Charis Vincent (CAB, ATI) is a canine behaviour and training specialist based in Warminster, Wiltshire, running a busy training centre and independent pet shop. Fully accredited with the APBC, PACT, and APDT under the ABTC, Charis assesses for the APBC and ABTC. Her centre hosts over 25 weekly classes ranging from puppy foundation and co-operative care to Hoopers, scentwork, parkour, and high-drive outlet sports.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Charismatic Pets: charismaticpets.co.uk
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors): apbc.org.uk
• NNA (National Nosework Association): nationalnoseworkassociation.org.uk

In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with fellow trainer Steve Bligh-Williams, founder of The Proud Dog. Steve shares his transition from a 14-year career in the media industry to becoming a PACT ATI and studying to be a Canine Behaviour Technician.

They explore how his rescue Lurcher, Sam, opened his eyes to the reality of pain-related behaviour, fear reactivity, and independent dog personalities. Steve and Steve also dive into crucial topics like male mental health and loneliness in the industry, why owner well-being matters just as much as dog behaviour, how to gamify training with play, and how a bit of tech automation can save hours of admin. What's not to love?

Steve Facts:

Steve Bligh-Williams is a PACT and ABTC accredited Animal Training Instructor and aspiring Canine Behaviour Technician based in Surrey. After 14 years working in media, burnout led him to change paths, inspired by his scruffy rescue lurcher, Sam. Through his business, The Proud Dog, Steve offers 1:1 training services with a focus on empathy for both dogs and their guardians.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Proud Dog: theprouddog.co.uk | Instagram: @the_proud_dog
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• Recommended Reading: Canine Play Behavior: The Science of Dogs at Play - Mechtild Käufer
• Mental Health Awareness: Boys Get Sad Too

In this episode of Dog Trainers UnPACT, Steve sits down with Zaynab Bukhari, founder of Dogs on Track. Zaynab shares her journey from childhood bird watching and a passion for wolves to becoming a PACT ATI, scent work specialist, and assistance dog advocate.

Steve and Zaynab dive into her experiences navigating the dog training world as a Muslim Pakistani woman, tackling cultural misconceptions surrounding dogs, and addressing the barriers still present in the industry today. They also explore why scent work and tracking are so transformative, why active listening and 'therapy skills' are essential for dog trainers, and the importance of giving dog guardians time and empathy.

Zaynab Facts:
Zaynab Bukhari is the founder of Dogs on Track and an ABTC-registered Animal Training Instructor through PACT. She is currently completing her Level 5 Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and is a qualified Detection Dog Handler with the UK College of Scent Dogs. Zaynab specialises in scent work, behaviour, and helping schools introduce therapy dogs, whilst advocating for greater diversity and inclusion across the canine industry.

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Dogs on Track: dogsontrack.co.uk | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogs_on_track/
• PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers): pact-dogs.com (Check out the January CTIC intake!)
• DogX 2026 Conference: dogxconference.com (Get your tickets now!)
• UK College of Scent Dogs: ukcsd.com
• Recommended App: Merlin Bird ID