hello@barkinmadtraining.co.uk
About Us
About Me
Hi there! I’m Lizzy Barker, and I’m so excited to introduce myself as the heart and soul behind Barkin' Mad.
I've spent my whole life surrounded by animals, and it’s been quite the journey! Growing up on a family farm, I’ve had the chance to interact with all sorts of creatures, not just dogs. My childhood was mostly filled with charming border collies, but my real adventure began when I was about eight years old and welcomed my very own pup into my life. Her name was Jess, she was a delightful mix of border collie and Labrador retriever. She was my constant companion, always by my side when I was out exploring. Jess truly deepened my love and passion for dogs, and I can't imagine my life without her furry friendship!
I’ve been lucky enough to call Calderdale my home for all of my life, with most of it spent in the lovely town of Todmorden especially my childhood.
During my time studying for a degree in Canine Behaviour and Training at Hull University via Bishop Burton College, I enjoyed my job organising group dog walks, connecting with other dog lovers, walkers and trainers in the area.
I share my life with my wonderful husband, Nathan, teenage son Jamie, our delightful daughter Gracie, and, of course, our two beloved dogs, Lucy and Sky, a mixed breed and labrador retriever.
Since Gracie joined our family in 2023, I took a little break from dog walking to soak up those precious early moments with her and to cherish our time together.
After Gracie arrived, I didn’t let that slow me down in my walks with Lucy and Sky. I was right back out there on those hills before I knew it!
Now that Gracie is almost 2, she’s already developed a lovely affection for dogs too!
If there's anything more you’d like to know, please feel free to ask. I’m always here to chat!
So What Qualifications do I Have??
Over the years, I've explored a lovely range of courses in animal handling, and one of my bigger ones was the Canine Behaviour and Training course at Hull University.
To keep expanding my knowledge, I've also been studying through the Dog Training College. I've had the pleasure of completing several courses with them, including Puppy Training Specialist and Children and Dog Specialist, just to name a few.
One qualification I'm really proud to have in this industry is my canine first aid certification, which I refreshed at the beginning of 2025. It’s such a vital skill to possess, don’t you think? Additionally, I make sure I have insurance that covers all my activities, whether it's running classes, offering one-on-one sessions, or taking dogs out for walks. It gives me peace of mind knowing I'm fully covered while doing what I love!
If you're curious to learn more about my qualifications, feel free to check out my social media! I’d love to connect with you there!
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