I'm Charlie Houghton (she/her) and I run group classes and training 1-to-1s in Worcester. I completed the PACT CTI course with the September 2023 intake, and I'm proud to now be an ABTC-accredited Animal Training Instructor. I’m now working through the PACT Animal Behaviour Technician course, with the hope of broadening the range of amazing, committed dog owners that I can support.
My business is Houghton’s Hounds; I've been running official Puppy School classes since January 2024, as well as 1-to-1 sessions and general group classes. I feel such a fantastic sense of achievement helping new puppy owners understand their little bundle of fluff-and-teeth that bit better.
Before dog training, I spent ten years in the Royal Navy (#TheTeamWorks), including two as a Lead Instructor on the Senior Rates Leadership Course. That was where I discovered how much I love teaching, particularly groups, and it ultimately led me down the path of wanting to teach people all about their canine family members.
I live in Worcester with my husband, and we are blessed with a sensitive Working Cocker Spaniel called Jet, and two chaotic cats, Loki and Lyra. Jet is the most biddable little training buddy, and takes in his stride every training courses I've thrown at him. We've done a bit of agility, scent work, tracking, gundog training, hoopers, physio, trick training, and Kennel Club Good Citizens. I am not at all competitive - I love just having fun with my dog and I hope that I empower owners to do the same. I see myself as a companion trainer, rather than a competition trainer, and I believe the best ideas come from collaboration, be that with each other or with our dogs.
