Canine professionals you can trust
Lucy Skinner
Founder and Head Trainer
Her lifelong love for dogs began in South Africa, where she grew up surrounded by animals, including the family's rescue dogs. Her passion for understanding dog behaviour started after being bitten by a dog as a child, inspiring her to learn about dog body language and positive training methods. After moving to the UK in 2014, her journey continued with the adoption of Kai, and later Cora (both Romanian street dogs). Cora was highly reactive to other dogs, which lead Lucy to seek the help of a Behaviourist. This experience inspired Lucy to deepen her knowledge of canine behaviour and training, and thus The Big Dog Trainer was founded.
Kitti Bojte
Originally from Budapest, Hungary, Kitti moved to the UK in 2005. From a young age, she was passionate about helping animals, regardless of species. Her journey toward a career working with dogs began in canine rehabilitation. After qualifying as a Small Animal Hydrotherapist in 2019, she provided treatment for dogs with both orthopedic and neurological conditions. Eager to deepen her knowledge, she developed a keen interest in the complexities of canine behavior and training. This curiosity led her to further studies at Chester University, where Kitti earned her FdSc in Canine Behaviour and Training, followed by a BSc in Canine Clinical Behaviour. Her little dog, Roxy, was a constant source of inspiration throughout this entire adventure.
Behaviourist & Training Walk Supervisor
Our Qualifications
Lucy is a fully certified Dog Trainer with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers.
The IMDT is the leading education provider for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists in the UK, and is a registered learning centre for The Open College Network. The founder is Steve Mann, author of the UK's No.1 Dog Training book “Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy”, among other notorious dog training books. The IMDT prides itself on all members abiding by the Code of Ethics, one of which is that it’s members only Force free, ethical, and reward-based training.
Although fully qualified, Lucy strives to increase her knowledge and skill set by continuing to complete additional courses through the IMDT.
Lucy Skinner IMDT
Please see the below list of courses and training completed:
- Canine Aggression & Rehabilitation
- Canine Body Language
- Perfect Puppy Behaviours & Training
- 4 Day Practical Training Course on teaching group classes
- Canine 1st Aid
- Separation Anxiety
- Resource Guarding
- Working with Noise Sensitivity & Phobias
- Dog to Human Aggression
Think Dog Certificate
The Think Dog course is designed by Sarah Whitehead (BA MSc), who has been described as the 'Derren Brown' of the dog world. Sarah is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and is the author of the best selling book,"Clever Dog".
The business side of things
Being a professional & certified dog trainer, Lucy is fully insured for public liability, dog training, dog walking, pet sitting, and pet taxi. All certificates can be provided upon request. Being a member of the IMDT, annual CPD (Continued professional development) must be completed in order to stay up to date with science based, ethical, training methods and tools.
Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management
SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals
FdSc in Canine Behaviour and Training
BSc in Canine Clinical Behaviour
Kitti Bojte
