Meet The Team

With over a combined 15 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!

The Smart Dog Academy Team

  • Karen O'Leary

    Qualified 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. He is also a CWHI (Canine Hoopers World Instructor) which is a low impact activity suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities.

  • Ellie

    Head of Water Related Activities

    Name: Ellie

    Breed: Collie X Setter

    Age: 11

    Favourite Thing: Water & Treats

    About: Ellie joined Matt’s family as a rescue at the age of 4 from Diana Brimblecombe Rescue in Hurst. Ellie can be quite shy around new people but nothing that a few treats can’t help with.

  • Jessie

    Head of Singing and Treat Testing

    Name: Jessie

    Breed: English Cocker Spaniel

    Age: 9

    Favourite Thing: 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

    Name: Tom

    Breed: Breton

    Age: 5

    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 Teenage Adolesence

    Name: Lily

    Breed: German Shepherd

    Age: 2

    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!