Meet the Team at FromeK9 

Over 28 years ago, I decided to turn my passion for dogs and training into something more and founded FromeK9. What began as a hobby alongside everyday life has continued to grow and evolve into the busy training and behaviour centre it is today.

As Founder and Head Behaviourist at FromeK9, I bring nearly three decades of professional experience working with dogs and their owners. For me, dog training has never simply been a job — it is a passion, a way of life and something that continues to fascinate me. I get enormous satisfaction from helping owners better understand their dogs, overcome challenges and build a relationship that allows both dog and owner to enjoy life together.

Dogs have always played a huge part in my life. I currently share my home with German and Dutch Shepherds, although over the years I have also owned terriers and German Pointers.

German Shepherds are particularly special to me. I have owned, bred, trained and competed with the breed for many years and have had the privilege of representing the breed on the German Shepherd Dog stand at both Crufts and Discover Dogs on behalf of the Royal Kennel Club.

My own training has taken me across a huge variety of disciplines, including Competitive Obedience, Working Trials, Agility, Canicross, Breed Showing, Water Rescue, Scentwork and Protection Sports. I have competed successfully across a number of these disciplines, including competing at European level in Canicross.

Competitive Obedience remains a particular passion, and I continue to compete with my own dogs at a high level. I am also a qualified Competitive Obedience Judge, giving me the opportunity to be involved in the sport from both sides of the ring. I believe continuing to train, compete, judge and challenge myself is incredibly important — there is always more to learn, regardless of how many years you have been working with dogs.

Alongside competing, I have been actively involved in organising dog training events and have served on various committees within the dog world. I have also worked with the Canine Film Academy, training and handling dogs for professional photoshoots.

My practical experience is supported by continued professional study. I have studied with COAPE and am a full member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, a Master Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers, and a member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association.

However, qualifications are only one part of becoming a good trainer or behaviourist. I place enormous value on hands-on experience, continuing education and, most importantly, learning from the thousands of dogs and owners I have worked with over the years. I regularly attend courses, seminars and training events, continually developing my knowledge and adding techniques that I believe will genuinely benefit the dogs and people I work with.

My approach to training
I don't believe in trying to fit every dog into the same training system.
I train the dog in front of me.

Breed, genetics, temperament, previous experiences, environment and the individual owner all influence behaviour. Understanding what a dog has been bred to do — and working with those genetics rather than constantly fighting against them — is an important part of my approach.

My training is practical, sensible and realistic. I look at the whole picture, establish clear communication between dog and owner and develop training that can actually be incorporated into everyday life.

When working with behavioural problems, my aim isn't simply to suppress what we can see on the surface. I want to understand why the behaviour is happening, give the dog greater clarity and confidence, and give the owner the skills to manage and change it.

Ultimately, I want to create a relationship where your dog understands what is expected of them, enjoys working with you and responds because they want to — not simply because they have to.

After nearly three decades, I am still just as passionate about dogs, behaviour and training as when FromeK9 first began — and I still believe every dog that walks through our doors has something new to teach us.

Tash joined the FromeK9 team in 2022 and has continued to develop her experience and knowledge within the dog training world, working alongside our team of experienced trainers and behaviourists.

With over five years’ experience in dog training, Tash is a proud member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and a Professional Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. She has also completed a number of diplomas through the Centre of Excellence, including Dog Training, Canine Behaviour Training, and Canine Anatomy & Physiology.

Tash’s love of dogs began in childhood, having always grown up surrounded by family dogs. However, her real passion for training and dog sports began in 2019 when she welcomed her first German Shepherd, Oak, into her life.

Since then, Tash has become increasingly involved in a wide variety of dog sports and training disciplines. She has competed successfully at agility shows, achieving a number of wins, and has also competed in Detection Dog Trials, including achieving 1st place in a Championship Trial with Oak.

Tash also competes in Royal Kennel Club Competitive Obedience and was incredibly proud to qualify and compete at Crufts with her two-year-old German Shepherd, Onyx, achieving an impressive 2nd place.

Her experience extends into a number of other specialist areas, including water rescue training and GRC (Game, Relationship & Control). Working across different disciplines has given Tash a broad understanding of training styles, working dogs and, importantly, the individual needs and motivations of each dog.

Tash firmly believes that learning never stops. She regularly attends courses, workshops and further training to continue developing her skills and expanding her knowledge, ensuring that the training and support she provides continues to evolve.

Dogs are a huge part of Tash’s life both professionally and personally. When she isn’t teaching at FromeK9, you’ll usually find her training, competing, attending dog-related events or simply enjoying the outdoors with her own dogs.

Tash’s goal is to continue developing as a trainer while sharing her enthusiasm for dog training with others. She particularly enjoys helping owners understand their dogs, discover what motivates them and build positive, trusting and rewarding relationships through training.