Our Team....
Vickie
Lead Instructor
I started training dogs in my teens and after attending college and completing a Course in Animal Care, I joined and became a trainer with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People where I also achieved a Level 1 certificate in British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness.
I have 32 years hands on dog training experience 28 of these instructing with CCEG. I currently instruct the Beginners, Small Dog and summer Agility classes as well as the managing enquiries and handling the general running and maintenance of the club.
I have completed courses in Animal First Aid, Canine Facial Expression and Body Language by 'Think Dog' Co, a certificate with COAPE in Puppy Class Instruction, Canine Body Language Seminar by Nordic Education Centre for Dog Trainers and Instructors and have completed a City & Guilds Level 2 qualification as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I also run my own 121 dog training and walking business, 'The Dog Lady'.
In 2024 I revisited using British Sign Language with one of our members and in 2025 completed and achieved my Level 2 in BSL! It has been useful to sign support group classes when needed and is a language I will continue to learn.
I have also recently signed up to the Canine Scentwork Academy and their, 'Sniff it out!' Online course.
Pat
Senior Instructor
I have been with CCEG for 32 years and have instructed for the last 29 at a range of different levels. I'm usually found instructing the intermediate & advanced classes and progress their training via inventive and creative ways!
I have an interest in all areas of training including obedience, agility, tracking, scent work, Hoopers, gun dog courses and fun & games.
I have completed an Animal First Aid Training Course and I'm a non-accredited member of The Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Behaviour.
Jan
Senior Instructor
I have nearly 30 years’ experience instructing dog training classes (starting 1998), encouraged and enabled by Alan Cole (who ran CCEG, now CCEG21) and by Vickie. For 5 years until autumn 2020 I taught PuppySteps puppy courses in Caldecote (with Tracey, Katie, Rita and Rebecca) and did 1-2-1 training visits.
My 2 previous dogs (a Boxer and a rescue Mastiff?cross) each gained their Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold and, amongst other activities, I take my present Labrador to gundog training - her favourite thing! She has passed her Gun Dog Club Grades 1 & 2 Retriever Field Tests; one day she may even complete Grade 3, if she ever gets brave enough to do the water retrieve without a play session first!
In 2018, I gained accreditation as a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor KCAI (Companion Dog), a member of The Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Behaviour. The accreditation process included wide-ranging background knowledge and practical assessment of instructing classes at different levels. I completed a course on Animal First Aid in 2025. At the moment my dog and I are having fun working on a Movement Puzzles course, with Mari Valgma.
My main focus is on training practical skills for real life, making it playful and happy for your dog. I have a special interest in helping with fear and reactivity, pulling on lead and real-life recalls.
I instruct at all levels but am usually found with the beginners groups.
Anjela
Instructor
I joined the original CCEG in 2015 with a fostered German Shepherd Dog who had ‘people and dog’ issues. With help and support from the instructors at CCEG he was eventually rehomed. Since then we have turned up with a variety of foster dogs, all with different quirks and issues, that have been resolved or managed using the collective knowledge of the team at CCEG.
I'm currently owned by a German Shepherd who we fostered and never left! And a Tiny JRT with a big personality! We are learning to adapt training methods and practices to suit the dogs in front of us, and still take advantage of the skills, experience and knowledge of the team at CCEG21.
Sam
Small Dog Class Instructor
I first started coming to CCEG with my Pug...Winston Charlie George... in June 2012 after being at another training group for about 4 months I decided to join the companion dog training group, quickly progressing from puppy to beginners and then onto intermediate.
I first started taking part in the small dog class a few years ago and 10 years ago I was asked to take over as the class instructor.
In Small Dog Class we like to organise an annual 'Summer Social' afternoon tea which is an opportunity to socialise and have fun with our dogs. At Club events we also have our own, 'Small Dog class', stand to offer homemade produce.
Anna
Instructor
I joined CCEG as a member in the beginning of 2020 when I brought my first GSD Freya along to puppy classes. Through training her and progressing through the classes I became fascinated with dog training and behaviour, I wanted to understand how dogs learn. I started to broaden my knowledge through books, online training groups and watching seminars by Ian Dunbar, Sarah Whitehead and Turid Rugaas and met Victoria Stilwell at Crufts!
I am now involved with the CCEG21 family regularly taking classes and continuing discussion on current training and behaviour thoughts and theories .
I take the Puppy class on a Tuesday & Saturday and the Beginner+ class when needed.
Leon
Meet & Greet
Car Parking and General Helper!
Attending class with his Labrador, Sam, Leon has been a member of CCEG for many years and currently helps out with a variety of tasks such as maintenance of equipment, setting up for weekend classes and car parking if needed! His support is hugely important with all those 'behind the scenes' things that happen to keep the club ticking along!
Carol
Meet & Greet
Administrator
I help at the training sessions welcoming everyone and keeping our admin in order!
My husband and I have given a home to nine Border Collies over the years, all from rescue centres. I have over 30 years 'hands on' experience of training and have attended 2 five day training courses.
Alan... The man who started it all!
Founder of the original CCEG
Alan Cole – Is an Accredited Kennel Club Instructor in Dog Training and Behaviour, member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. He has been involved in dog training and training clubs for the last 53 years. Over those years he has attended over 80 Courses on training, instructing and behaviour. Many of these were with former Met/Police Dog Trainer/Instructor Roy Hunter first as a Course member and later helping to run and plan courses. Special area of interest: GSD training and behaviour management. Companion Dog Training to advance level.
"After 37 years of heading up CCEG I have decided that it's time to pass my lead and collar over to a new pair of hands, so from March 2021 Vickie will take up the lead with the rest of the family of Instructors helping her. There will be a little change of name to CCEG21 and a new email address but a part from that not a lot more.
The decision was far from easy to make but I think for the reasons I’m doing it I have made the right choices."