top of page

Meet The Team

At The K9 Pad, we firmly believe that our team of staff is the essential backbone of our organisation. We take great pride in ensuring that our team consists of skilled and dedicated professionals. Their expertise and passion are what make us stand out in the industry.

John Padden - Head Trainer 

igp, IPO, Cheshire igp, Cheshire IPO, premier k9, liberty k9, Cheshire dog trainer, bite w

With an unwavering passion for dogs and a deep-seated commitment to excellence, I have dedicated my life to dog training. Rooted in a childhood surrounded by canines trained by my parents, my journey in the world of dogs began early, nurturing a profound appreciation for these loyal companions. For over two decades, I have honed my skills for working and training protection and detection dogs for the security industry.

My highly respected expertise in understanding and harnessing different drives in various dog breeds enables me to maximise their potential through tailored training approaches.

I have expanded my skills into sport work, notably IGP/IPO and have coached multiple dogs and handlers to achieve IGP 3 certification and progress to compete at various World Championships.  I have been a GSDL licensed A-grade helper for many years and have performed as short and long work helper in numerous world championship qualifiers, including representing Great Britain as a helper at the prestigious 2019 WUSV Universal Sieger world championships.

As a long-term supplier of elite dogs to HM Prison Service and various UK police forces, I pride myself on delivering highly skilled animals suitable for the rigorous demands of their roles.

My commitment to showcasing the potential and versatility of expertly trained dogs has given me the fantastic opportunity to work in the television industry as a handler featuring dogs I have trained, appearing on shows such as "Special Forces USA" and "SAS: Who Dares Wins," as well as various YouTube videos.

I am dedicated to not only shaping extraordinary dogs but continually expanding my knowledge and skills to achieve excellence in every aspect of training.

Beccy Macleod - Kennel Manager 

PHOTO-2025-03-25-14-22-26 2.jpg

Hi, I'm Beccy and l have been working for The K9 Pad since summer 2023. I hold a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care and am trained in canine emergency first aid. I love all animals but dogs have always held a special place in my heart. My favourite part of my job is creating special bonds with our canine visitors and meeting each dog’s individual needs. I own a working line black Labrador that I have enjoyed training from a puppy - she's taught me so much about patience, training, and how cheeky dogs can be! Elsa comes to work with me most days, so you'll most likely spot her around the kennels!  

Andy Wall - Trainer 

IMG_0876.jpg

Hi, I'm Andy.  My journey in dog training began in 2012 when I started training my first IGP dog. Since then, I have successfully guided three dogs to IGP 3 level, competing with each of them at national championships. A notable achievement for me was winning the UK 2023 FMBB qualifier with my dog Gunnar, securing our spot for the 2024 FMBB Championships in Italy. This was a significant milestone, and my greatest triumph has been attaining a qualifying score at the FMBB 2024 World Championships.

I have had the privilege of serving as the head trainer at various IGP clubs, where I have assisted numerous individuals in earning titles for their dogs up to IGP 3 and achieving qualifying scores at national competitions and even through to world championships.

In coaching others in sport work, I have been able to expand my skills and expertise for training owners/handlers and dogs of a wide range of abilities and temperaments, and this has led to my role at The K9 Pad where I help pet dog owners resolve everyday challenges such as recall and heel work.  Many of these pet owners have themselves gone on to training IGP with me which I find extremely fulfilling as it gives the dogs great physical and mental enrichment, and also develops the owners' skills far beyond their expectations.

Having a multi-dog household myself, I am well-equipped to assist clients in integrating new dogs into their households and creating a harmonious balance within their family pack. 

I take pride in my ability to observe and assess both the dog and the owner, enabling me to adapt my training methods to suit their individual requirements, goals, and capabilities.

Furthering my own knowledge, understanding, and skill set is a continuous goal of mine, ensuring that I am well-equipped to support my clients in achieving their training aspirations with the most update knowledge possible.

Matthew Davies BSc (Hons)- Referral Behaviourist

PHOTO-2025-09-08-18-25-59_edited.jpg

I am Matthew, an independent referral behaviourist and I work with The K9 Pad's resident training team when specialist behavioural input is required. With over 13 years’ experience, I address all aspects of canine training and behaviour, providing clear, humane, and effective guidance tailored to each dog and guardian. I offer home visits and practical training in locations that suit your lifestyle—whether that’s your home, a local park, a café, or another everyday environment. I also conduct comprehensive behavioural assessments at The K9 Pad to develop a training plan that you feel confident in implementing with us. My approach is evidence-based, welfare-led, and results-focused. Whether you’re managing complex behavioural issues or refining training foundations, I aim to deliver lasting change with clarity, compassion, and professionalism.

bottom of page