Colin Spender – BA Hons, Adv Cert Ed, H. Dip PDI, MCFBA, MGoDT (MT), MBIPDT, DLO.
Colin has over 30 years’ experience of working and training with dogs. He is a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. (MGoDT) Colin has studied with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training (CIDBT) and as such he now tutors for the CIDBT, specialising in Dog law and Legislation at this time.
As a full member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association (MCFBA) and a member of The British institute of Professional Dog Trainers (MBIPDT), Colin also holds a BA Hons (professional practice in dog behaviour, training and psychology) which is accredited by Middlesex University.
He also has an accredited Higher Diploma in Police Dog Instruction (H Dip PDI,) and is also a qualified teacher / trainer having obtained his Advanced Certificate in Education (Adv Cert Ed) Higher Education (HE) with Canterbury Christchurch University.
Colin is an Expert witness for dangerous dog legislation matters, and recognised breed specific dog expert, he is an accredited Dog legislation officer (DLO). He assisted in consultations relating to the amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and has written reports to assist with the amendments including changes to the Register of Exempted Dogs and Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
In preparation for his retirement from the police force in 2015, Colin set up his own dog training and behavioural business working on a part time basis, which now is his full time occupation. This now focuses mainly on correcting behavioural issues with dogs, law work and tutoring for the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training and The Guild of Dog Trainers which are the two largest organisations in this field.
Whilst serving as a DLO and since retiring from the police force, Colin has worked on approximately 1,000 dog related cases and has attended both Magistrate and Crown Courts many times to give expert witness evidence covering all areas of dog related cases from worrying livestock, dangerously out of control in public places, breaches to dog control orders and of course banned breed ‘type’ dogs.
Radio talk shows as a consultant include:
- Wessex FM
- BBC Radio Bristol, Emma Britten show
- BBC Radio Wiltshire, Graham Rogers
Colin also delivers dog law seminars across the UK and has written articles for Dogs Monthly magazine.
Colin is one of the co-author of the new national occupational standards for canine trainers and behaviourists for Lantra.
He is a fully qualified dog behavioural practitioner and consultant; he is regularly recommended and referred to by local vets in his home town. Colin primarily works on a one to one basis, working with clients: helping them to deal with behavioural and training issues, in the home and natural environments in which the problems exist.
