- thecaninecoven@gmail.com
- +44 7751 466056
- Paws & Play Daycare, Unit 6, Ward Street, Lostock Hall PR5 5HR Preston
- 07751466056
About Me
Before I tell you about me, let's talk about why you're here.
You want to know whether I’m the right person to help you and your dog. Whether you’re just starting your journey together or looking for a little extra support along the way, my goal is to help you feel more confident, connected and supported.
I believe most dog problems are really understanding problems. Once you can read your dog and they can trust you, the hard days get a lot rarer. That belief sits under everything I do.
Who I am
Hi, I’m Lydia. Dog trainer, community builder, dog and plant mum, film lover and live music fan, and the person behind The Canine Coven.
I built this business to reflect what I actually believe training should be about: confidence, calmness and connection. Not just teaching a sit, but helping you understand your dog on a deeper level, feel steady when things get tricky, and build a relationship based on trust.
How I got here
I have spent nearly all of my working life around dogs. I started out volunteering with rescue dogs, then worked in grooming, boarding kennels, veterinary practices and daycares. Seeing dogs across all of those settings taught me something a single training room never could: how differently dogs behave depending on the people and the world around them.
Alongside the hands on work, I kept studying. I became a member of The Dog Training School and the Dog Training College, I am working through a Canine Principles Diploma, and earned a string of qualifications across behaviour and training. The learning has not stopped, and it never will. Staying up to date with positive training methods is incredibly important when working with dogs.
Credibility and Achievements
As a small independent business, I have been recognised with 2026/7 Dog Trainer of The Year – Lancashire with The Prestige Awards, 2026 The Best Dog Trainer in Preston, UK with Quality Business Awards, 2026 Best Dog Training Service – Preston with Top 100 Business Awards and 2026 Dog Training Specialist Of The Year 2026 with E2 Media Award of Excellece and featured in The Lancashire Post and Blog Preston.
“Lydia proved to be very knowledgeable patient and experienced with dogs and canine behaviour. Lydia showed me how to process Hugo’s behaviour and react in a way to him that would help him, so not only does she train dogs but humans too! Lydia is very patient and calm with the training and shows you how to use the techniques and when. Hugo showed a significant improvement after spending time working with Lydia.”
What I believe
Mindfulness runs through how I teach. I ask owners to focus on small goals and steady progress instead of perfection, to celebrate the small wins, and to trust the process. In my experience that is exactly where real confidence and lasting change are built, for you and for your dog.
The community that has grown around The Canine Coven is my favourite part of all this. What began as classes became a network of owners sharing wins, marking progress and helping each other through the ups and downs. You would be joining that, not just booking a course.
When I am not training, I am usually out exploring with my dog Zep, adding another film to a DVD collection that is well out of hand, or off at a live music night.
