Charley Ambrose | Trainer.
Qualified Level 5 Dog Behaviourist and trainer with over a decade of hands-on experience working with dogs. Founder of The Smiling Dog Company and Cavendish Dogs, combining practical experience in dog care, training, and nutrition. Passionate about fun, games-based training that helps dogs and their owners thrive in real life.
Charley's Classes -
- Puppy Training (assisting)
- Focus & Fun
- Lead & Learn
More about me -
I have run The Smiling Dog Company since 2013, providing dog walking, doggy daycare and boarding services. Over the years the business has grown, and I now have a team of three people working with me to care for our clients’ dogs.
In 2022 I also founded Cavendish Dogs, a dog food company built around my passion for canine nutrition and the important role diet plays in behaviour, wellbeing and performance.
I’ve had dogs since childhood and currently share my life with two Spanish Water Dogs — a mother and daughter who I bred myself. My first Spanish Water Dog was trained for showing and Kennel Club obedience, qualifying and placing at Crufts for two consecutive years.
In 2017 I attended a puppy class where I met Jennie Shaw, who inspired me to pursue dog training and behaviour professionally. I went on to study with COAPE and qualified as a Level 5 Behaviourist in 2024. I am also a certified Pro Dog Trainer and Pro Dog Trainer Geek with Absolute Dogs, specialising in games-based training because I believe training should be fun, engaging and sustainable for both dogs and their owners.
Alongside behaviour work, I’ve explored a wide range of dog sports and activities including agility, hoopers, scent work, trick training and canicross.
When I’m not working with dogs, life is busy with my two young daughters and four horses. I spend much of my free time organising Pony Club events and taking my eldest daughter showjumping. Balancing family life with animals gives me a practical understanding of the challenges many owners face, and helps me provide realistic training solutions that fit into busy lives.
I believe dog training should be something everyone can enjoy, and that dogs thrive when they are given lifelong opportunities to learn, problem-solve and be enriched.