Harwich dog trainer teaches tricks with fun bingo game

Joe Nutkins is a dog lover and has turned her love for man’s best friend into her job after working in an office above a veterinary clinic. 

The 45-year-old has been running her own dog training school since 2008 and has focused on trick training since 2014. 

She said: “I felt I wanted to change my career to do something where I help people and dogs more. And so I retrained to be a trainer and I got my diplomas in training and behaviour over several years.” 

Tricks – Joe's tricks can help to make a trip to the vet more comfortable for all (Image: Arthouse Photography)

Teaching pooches has always been great fun for her, and she discovered that trick training can help dogs in everyday life. 

“I didn't know this when I started becoming a trainer, but it turns out the trick train actually overlapped with so many other types of dog training topics,” she said.

“The more I've learned, the more you know, the more I've retrained, the more it's opened up more doors and then led me to do even more training. I just want to help people and their dogs.” 

Joe says teaching dogs certain tricks can take out the tension at the vet, at the groomers or when medication has to be administered at home. 

Monday was National Pets Tricks Day and Joe launched her own campaign to inspire dog owners to explore tricks with their furry friends. 

She is looking forward to continuing the series as well as launching ‘Trick for a Treat' in October and a trick Advent calendar in December. 

Anyone interested in learning more about tricks they can teach their dog or to get tips and ideas can visit Joe’s Facebook page or website.