Meet the Team
With over a combined 22 years of experience with dogs, we are the perfect team to support you through your training journey.
Meet the team below who make the Smart Dog Academy amazing!
Karen O'Leary
Qualified IMDT Accredited Trainer & Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor
Karen’s interest in dog training started after owning a reactive English Springer Spaniel and owning a dog walking business specialising in reactive dogs and wanted to help improve their quality of life.
She also has experience with rescue dogs, assistance dogs, school therapy dogs and is now using her wealth of skills to better the lives of so many dogs using reward based methods.
Matt Bond
Qualified IMDT Accredited Trainer, Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor, UK Sniffer Dogs Scent Detection & Tracking Instructor, Canine Hoopers World Instructor
Matt began his training journey after owning a reactive German Shepherd who he wanted to understand better and help deal with her big emotions around other dogs.
He is an accredited and qualified reward based trainer with the IMDT and is now using his knowledge to help many owners with their dogs and has developed his skills further in Scent Detection, Tracking as a UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor which he has a strong passion for as well as IGP Heelwork which he has a keen interest in.
Georgia Legg
Smart Dog Trainer
Georgia’s enthusiasm for dog training began when she brought her Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy home. Knowing that recall could be particularly challenging with a hound, she focused on building a strong foundation enabling her dog to reliably recall from distractions like deer and foxes.
She is passionate about building a strong bond and trust between dogs and their owners, giving them the tools and confidence to overcome the many challenges that the modern world can bring. With a focus on practical skills, like loose lead walking, recall and settling (in the pub!), Georgia wants to help you give your dog the freedom to do what they do best; be a dog!
Jessie
Smart Dog’s Reactive Stooge Dog, Head of Singing and Treat Testing
Breed: English Cocker Spaniel
Age: 11
Favourite Things: Food & Opera
About: Jessie came to live with Karen when she was 2 years old following the death of both her elderly owners. Jessie is a calm natured dog and loves to help fearful or reactive dogs on their journey.
Tom
Head of Zoomies and Ball Related Activities
Breed: Breton
Age: 6
Favourite Thing: His Ball
About: Tom joined Karen in October 2021 after failing as a foster from Save Our Spaniels as Jessie decided that Tom needed to stay as her younger brother. Tom is very affectionate and loves nothing more than a game of fetch with his ball!
Lily
Head of Sniffing Related Activities
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 3
Favourite Thing: Tom (Tom-Tom!)
About: Lily joined Matt’s family as an 8-week old puppy. She is full of character and has a lot of love to give and enjoys her cuddles! She also have a keen interest in using her nose and has completed a number of scent related courses including UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze & Silver level!
Cleo
Head of Sofa Testing
Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback
Age: 2
Favourite Thing: Pizzles and Peanut Butter
About: Cleo joined Georgia's family at 8 weeks old. She is a very sweet, loving, and loyal dog who loves nothing more than long walks and the odd lazy Sunday on the sofa. She is a testament to SDA having gone through there 1:1 service along with puppy, improver and sniffer dog classes!
Ellie
Breed: Collie X Setter
Age: 11
Favourite Things: Water & Treats
About: Ellie joined Matt’s family as a rescue dog at the age of 4 from Diana Brimblecombe Rescue in Hurst. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Ellie in February 2024 and she is no longer with us. We are so blessed to have had her be a part of the Smart Dog Academy Family from day one and the large number of dogs she helped as a stooge. Her legacy lives on through Smart Dog Academy.