With over 20 years’ experience in behaviour, training, and dog care, Tracy Winterton founded Canine HQ to create something different: not a daycare, but a family built on structure, calm leadership, and connection.

Tracy believes that dogs thrive when they’re guided with clarity and purpose. Her approach blends practical skill, behavioural science, and years of experience to create environments where dogs learn to coexist, think, and grow, not just follow commands.

A qualified Guide Dog Trainer with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour Science, Tracy has worked across grooming, kennel management, hydrotherapy, and behaviour coaching. She’s trained thousands of dogs, from first-time family pets to advanced working and competition levels.

At Canine HQ, she leads two flagship programmes:

The Dog Social Club — structured pack learning focused on social dynamics, balance, and coexistence.

The Advanced Dog Training School — for owners who’ve completed mainstream training and want to achieve a higher standard in a community of like-minded handlers.

Tracy is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the Guild of Dog Trainers (Master Trainer), and the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, and has demonstrated at the National Pet Show (NEC) and BBC Sport Relief.

Tracy Winterton
Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

The Dogs Behind the Trainer

Tracy shares her life with Lily, a Working Clumber Spaniel and certified Pets as Therapy dog, and Gus, a young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in training to follow in her footsteps.  Her dogs have performed at major national events in agility, obedience, and canine hoopers demonstrations - proof that learning can be both joyful and precise.

Professional Highlights

Over two decades of professional experience in dog training, behaviour, and care — blending practical expertise with scientific understanding.

• Qualified Guide Dog Trainer with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour Science, specialising in advanced obedience, behaviour modification, and canine social dynamics.Founder and Head Trainer at Canine HQ, delivering structured, results-driven programmes for both the Dog Social Club and Advanced Training School.
• Trained thousands of dogs across all breeds and ability levels — from family pets to competition and working dogs.
• Committed to professional development, completing more than 60 accredited courses and workshops with world-leading trainers, including:
  • Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT) with Dr. Iain Dunbar and Grisha Stewart
  • Advanced Agility and Hoopers Instructor Training with Kim Hunt and Shaun Hunt
  • Canine Cognition and Motivation with Susan Friedman and Ken Ramirez
  • Advanced Obedience, Scentwork and Focus Workshops with Di Martin (Crufts Champion)
  • Aggression, Reactivity & Impulse Control Workshops with Craig Ogilvie and Debbie Busby
  • Puppy Development and Instructional Coaching with the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers)
  • Seminars on Force-Free Training, Clicker Conditioning, and Canine Body Language with Chirag Patel
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• National Demonstrator & Speaker — performed and presented at events including the National Pet Show (NEC), Family Pet Show, and BBC Sport Relief.
• Professional Member of:
  • Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
  • Guild of Dog Trainers (Master Trainer)
  • British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers
  • Pet Professional Guild
• Creator of Composed K9, a successful canine calming supplement brand.
• Educator and Advocate, having taught over 16,000 school children about safe dog interactions through the Woody’s Way initiative.
• Featured Expert on BBC Manchester, Hits Radio, and in Edition Dog Magazine.