Meet the K9 Klass Team
Juanita Rogers KCAI (CD), IMDT, BCCSDip.HthNut, Head Training Instructor
Creator of K9 Klass, Juanita, originally started her dog training journey over 10 years ago after attending training classes with her American Bulldog puppy Lenny.
“After training my puppy I knew then that I wanted to work with dogs and their owners to help them to follow in my footsteps of building a strong bond with their dog and promoting responsible dog ownership.”
In 2018 after working as an instructor and branch manager for a local chain of dog training clubs for several years, Juanita decided it was time to pursue her dream of starting her own dog training school, which resulted in the birth of K9 Klass Dog Training, offering classes to suit dogs of all ages, breeds and activity levels.
Juanita is a member of several professional organisations and also works as the Accreditation Adviser for the Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Scheme, providing support and guidance to fellow dog trainers across the UK working towards their KCAI qualification.
In her spare time Juanita enjoys spending time with and training her three dogs, as well as continuing her professional development to keep up to date with the latest training and behaviour techniques.
Qualifications and Memberships
- Kennel Club Accredited Instructor (KCAI) in Companion Dog Training
- IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) Qualified Instructor
- UK Sniffer Dogs Qualified Gold Scent Detection Instructor
- UK Sniffer Dogs Qualified Bronze Tracking Instructor
- Dog Training College Approved Dog Trainer
- Dog Training College licensed Canine Body Language and Reactive Rascals Instructor
- Member of the Pet Professional Guild British Isles
- Gold member of the Pet Professional Network
- ICAN (International Companion Animal Network) Associate Member
- OCN Level 4 Consultations, Foundations and Function of Behaviour
- OCN Level 3 Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour
- Level 3 Diploma in Canine Health and Nutrition
- Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management
- Human and canine first aid trained
Emma Hicks - Assistant Instructor
Emma started her training journey with Juanita back in 2016 when she joined Juanita's training classes with her puppy Floodle Jasper. Having worked all the way from puppy class to completing their gold award, Emma joined Juanita's team to follow her love of working with dogs and to help fellow dog owners, passing on her knowledge and experience.
Emma is on hand during our Sunday morning classes to help owners and their dogs with the exercises, giving that personal/121 touch to ensure they get the best out of their training!
Emma also runs her own dog bakery business, Jasper's Bakery.
"Jasper's Bakery was formed from my love of baking, dogs and my daily struggles of managing food intolerance. I started to hear more and more of dogs with sensitive tummies and realised how much we have in common!
I'm also passionate about feeding my dog food I'd be happy to eat myself. In fact he generally eats better than I do!
Jasper's Bakery was a way I could guarantee he only had the best ingredients, grain free, no added sugar, colours or preservatives. 100% natural and human grade. So yes, I do test them myself!"
To find out more about Jasper's Bakery, or to place an order, you can contact Emma at jaspersbakery@gmail.com or alternatively check out their Facebook and Instagram account @jaspersbakery.
Liza Smith - Assistant Instructor
Liza has owned dogs for most of her life, starting with growing up with her 2 dogs in the family home and most recently rescuing her “Mega-Mutt” Cracker in 2018 when he was 5 months old. Cracker is the first dog Liza has owned who has fear and reactivity issues (due to horrific abuse suffered during the first stages of his life) and it has a truly eye opening, challenging and life changing experience.
Liza started her training journey with Juanita in 2018 when she took Cracker to puppy class and together, despite all of Cracker’s issues and thanks to Juanita’s infinite patience, wisdom and understanding, they have progressed up to advanced level and Cracker is still a regular each week.
"Owning a reactive dog is a real challenge and can be both upsetting and stressful. You can often be openly judged for having a bad dog and/or being a bad owner when both statements are the furthest thing from the truth. I truly understand these struggles but also know the utter joy that comes from helping a dog overcome their problems and feel safe and secure."
Because of Cracker, Liza has developed a real passion for dog training, recently gaining a Canine Behaviour Training Diploma, and has joined Juanita’s team to be able to continue her own learning and development whilst helping and supporting other dog owners…plus she gets to spend even more time in the company of even more dogs which makes her extremely happy!
Liza is on hand during our Sunday afternoon classes to help owners and their dogs with the exercises, giving that personal/121 touch to ensure they get the best out of their training!
Emma Cross - Assistant Instructor
Emma met Juanita when she was needing extra help early 2020, she is a massive animal lover and jumped at the opportunity to help out.
"I have loved animals since I can remember; so much so I studied Animal care Level 2 & Animal management Level 3 at college."
Unfortunately Emma's career has taken her away from animals so being involved in K9 Klass is perfect for her to get involved with them again. Emma doesn't yet have her own dog but it is something she plans to change very shortly!
Emma is on hand during our Sunday morning classes to help owners and their dogs with the exercises, giving that personal/121 touch to ensure they get the best out of their training!