Karen McCarthy is a founding Director of Paws In The City Ltd, which is based in Wellington, New Zealand. Spending several years as a professional dog groomer, canine behaviour analyst, dog training tutor and trainer of other people’s dogs as well as many more years as a volunteer in the industry has enabled Karen to provide a leading service not equaled in dog care in the region.

Having been involved in dog training for over 28 years has given Karen the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications from a wide source of canine related businesses, organisations and people from New Zealand, England and the United States. This experience has included being actively involved with many facets of dog leisure sports including competing in breed showing, obedience, agility and heelwork to music, she is a life member of Central Allbreeds Dog Training School, and an active member of a variety of dog clubs. Karen also assists at the local animal shelter from time to time in helping to setup training ideals.

Karen has represented New Zealand at Crufts in the UK twice in both the International Agility and Heelwork to Music competitions. She was the first person in NZ to qualify a dog in the country’s Canine Good Citizen Scheme, has appeared in many different media (newspapers, television, radio & magazines) regarding training advice, dog advice and as a competitor. Karen is the author of Click for Grooming, a book on teaching dogs how to enjoy being handled for grooming.

Continuing education within the field is important to Karen and she is currently doing this in conjunction with the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training. Karen loves working with people and their dogs, as each and every relationship is unique.