About Jan Debnam

Jan has run a successful dog training class in the New Forest area for over 30 years, developing a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide range of breeds. In addition to training her own dogs, Jan holds the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling. This theoretical training, added to the practical experience of working with dogs over many years, means that she has a soundly based understanding of what dogs do, and how to train them to make happy companions.  Jan is committed to helping people develop well adjusted and polite pet dogs.

Jan has trained and worked dogs for over 50 years, competing in working trials, obedience, Heelwork to Music and in the breed ring. Jan has worked Jack Russell Terriers, Standard Poodles and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Zahrah, who Jan is proud to have bred, was a top winning Heelwork to Music dog working at Advanced standard in all 4 divisions. She was a semi-finalist for both Heelwork to Music and Freestyle at Crufts 2018 and for the Freestyle Semi Finals for Crufts 2020. Ross, Jan’s Standard Poodle was Paws and Music Association’s Novice Dog of the Year in 2017, and also worked at Advanced level in 3 Divisions and Intermediate in the 4th. Sadly his career was cut shot by a spinal injury.

Zahrah and Maia (her mother), together with Ross are 3 of only 10 dogs ever to pass all the Paws and Music Association’s Progress Tests (4 divisions and 3 levels) with distinction.  Jan was the trainer of 3 of the other partnerships to achieve this rare standard.

Jan was honoured and delighted to judge the National and International Heelwork to Music Competitions at Crufts 2024.

Jan has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for over 30 years. (No 265). The Association gives an assurance of quality training using positive, kind techniques.  Jan is a registered Instructor with the ABTC and Kennel Club Listed.