Debbie has been an animal lover since she was a child and dogs will always hold a special place in her heart. Surrounded by Cocker Spaniels whilst she was growing up she enjoyed nothing more than playing with them,  grooming them and taking them for walks. 

During her school years, Debbie undertook work experience at a local boarding kennel and cattery where she spent two weeks in her idyllic environment. The owners saw Debbie’s potential and quickly offered Debbie the chance to continue to work there at weekends. Debbie eventually joined the staff at the kennels full time and as her experience and expertise developed she eventually took on responsibility for the day-to-day running and management of the business.

It was around this time that Debbie rescued her first dog, a beautiful, long-haired German Shepherd called Kinty. Debbie began teaching Kinty obedience and developing her agility which opened Debbie’s eyes to the potential to follow a new career path.

Debbie moved to Wales to begin work at A1 K9 where she spent the next three years training executive personal protection dogs for a range of clients including professional sports people and families from overseas. It was here that Debbie met Richard Douglas, who eventually became her partner. Together they began to dream of one day setting up their own business so they could put into practice their own unique training ideas and methods.

In 2010 that dream became a reality when Chaperone K9 was founded. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Debbie has combined her passion for dogs and her professional expertise to help drive Chaperone K9 to become a leader within its sector.