Be Brilliant Dogs is run by Jen Smith.
With the help of Basil, Etta and East!
Below you will find an overview of Jen’s notable experiences and qualifications.
Jen is a firm believer that when it comes to dog training, extensive, practical experience should be backed up with formal qualifications. Recognised qualifications ensure that Jen is knowledgeable about the latest dog training techniques, in addition to giving you a way to feel confident that the training you and your dog receive is benchmarked to an exceptional level.
Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means that anyone can claim to be a “dog guru” without any knowledge or training. As a professional dog trainer, whose passion is to help dog owners and dogs lead better, more brilliant lives together, Jen strives to ensure that her knowledge is of the highest, professional quality.
Qualifications, MEMBERSHIPS & EXPERIENCE
IMDT
Jen is a fully qualified IMDT (Institute Of Modern Dog Trainers) trainer, passing her assessment in 2020 with Distinction. She has attended a number of courses with the IMDT including Canine Body Language, Puppy Development, Practical Instructor Training, Advanced Training Skills and numerous others. Jen has also studied a number of IMDT webinars in subjects including herding breeds, learning theory, the canine brain, loose lead walking, recall and many others.
The IMDT is the leading education provider for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists and all members commit to abiding by the IMDT code of ethics which ensure that training methods are force-free, professional and in the best interests of the dog and owner. If you would like to find out more, you can do so on the IMDT website here.
UK Behaviour and Training Charter
The IMDT is a signatory body for the UK Behaviour & Training Charter, an overseeing body that is focused on ways to promote the best standards of welfare, professional conduct, and accountability.
Jen is passionate about raising the standards within the dog training industry and proud to display the charter logo on this website.
Scentwork UK Instructor
Scentwork UK is one of the leading organisations in the UK that promotes and develops scentwork both as a training activity and as a dog sport.
Jen participated in her Train The Trainers Scentwork UK Part 1 course in May 2020 and her Train The Trainers Part 2 in 2022. Jen is a qualified Scentwork UK instructor up to L8.
In 2024, Jen became accredited as a Scentwork UK Trials Manager.
Jen is also successfully competing at Scentwork UK trials with her dog Basil, in 2022 they achieved their L1 EX title. Basil has also qualified up to L4.
Canine Hoopers UK Instructor
In February 2021, Jen passed her Accredited Canine Hoopers UK assessment. Hoopers is a fun, low impact, free flowing sport and Canine Hoopers UK is one of the leading organisations in this dog sport.
Jen is proud to be a part of the growing network of Accredited Canine Hoopers Instructors across the UK!
Craig Ogilvie Accredited Play Instructor
In August 2022, Jen attended a one day, in-depth look at interactive play skills. This course is led by Craig Ogilvie and aims to give attendees a unique look at how to use toys and play as a reinforcer. Jen uses these method in her Focus and Engagement workshops, puppy classes and various other group classes.
National Nosework Association
Jen is a certified ORT assessor for the National Nosework Association and offers ORT tests in one to one settings plus as part of her advanced scentwork classes.
The NNA aims to provide handlers and their dogs an opportunity to compete in the amazing sport of nosework in different and challenging environments. Jen loves the challenge of NNA trials and competes with her own dogs whenever she can! Basil has achieved his Entry ORT and Etta has achieved her Pre-Entry ORT.
OCN
In 2021, Jen was awarded her Open College Network Level III ‘Principles of Dog Training And Behaviour’ accredited certification.
In 2018 Jen worked towards and was awarded her OCN Level 3 qualification in Dog Grooming. Jen does not currently practice dog grooming but this qualification gave her hands on experience with a wide variety of breeds of dog. It also gives Jen first-hand experience and knowledge of how to prepare your dog or puppy for the groomers.
Heelwork To Music
Jen started in Heelwork to Music in 2016. She competed with her dog Basil up to Intermediate Heelwork having achieved their excellence title in Starters FS, HTM and Novice HTM before his retirement.
Jen now actively competes East – her young Border Collie. Jen and East are now actively competing in Intermediate Freestyle and Heelwork. They achieved 1st place at Dog Of The Year (HW Novice) and 2nd place at Dog Of The Year (FS Novice) for their 2023 season. Jen and East also attended Crufts 2024 as part of the HTM Activities Demo Team.
In 2024 Jen and East have also been selected for the Heelwork To Music Team GB Squad.
As well as competing, Jen has participated in Heelwork to Music Progress Awards and Move Development Schemes. Jen has also taken her Kennel Club judges qualification.
School of Canine Science
Jen has completed the Puppy Lab course with a score of 92% on her final exam. This course is an in-depth look at the development, needs and training of puppies. Puppy Lab informs a lot of Jen’s puppy one-to-one and puppy classes.
In 2023, Jen completed the Scent For Six course, passing the final exam enabling Jen to become a qualified WSDA Instructor.
UK Sniffer Dogs Bronze
In 2022, Jen attended a 3 day Bronze Instructor course with Sniffer Dogs UK to expand her scentwork knowledge.
UK Sniffer Dogs mission statement is ‘To improve dog’s lives through nosework’ which is something that Jen passionately agrees with!
Animal Star Awards 2023
In 2023, Be Brilliant Dogs was nominated for an Animal Star Award and then became a wildcard finalist!
Jen was honored to receive the nomination and overwhelmed when it was announced that she was a finalist. With over 500 nominations, to make it through to the final few is incredible!
The College Of Scent Dogs
In 2024, Jen attended the Handler course, run by The College Of Scent Dogs. This was a 5 day practical and theoretical course all about scentwork. To conclude this course, Jen is attending two more weeks with the College Of Scent Dogs in 2025.
Other Qualifications & Courses
Jen has participated in and completed courses with a number of other leading providers such as Canine Principles, Learning About Dogs, FDSA, Puppy Culture and many others.
Jen also has an extensive and active reading list to ensure she stays on top of the latest training techniques.
Jen can provide a full list of other professional development qualifications and courses upon request for anyone interested to learn more about her experiences. Just drop an email to Jen@BeBrilliantDogs.co.uk for more information.
Jane with Digby
“I have had so many bad experiences with trainers online, I was about ready to give up! I met Jen in-person and attended her group classes and WOW. It was like I was repairing my relationship with my dog. Highly recommended!”
Get in touch about your dog training needs with Be Brilliant Dogs.