At the School for Dog Trainers, we have been proud to welcome students from around the world since opening our doors in 2006. The diverse mix of global dog trainers – many of whom have gone onto start their own dog training businesses, or embark on a successful career with an established company – constantly brings new perspectives to our programs.
As part of our global mission to raise the standards of dog training and empower trainers to improve the human-canine relationship, we introduced our International Scholarship back in 2019. The International Scholarship grants the recipient with a spot in our Master Dog Trainer program at our Main Campus in North Carolina. Previous recipients include Delfinin Basilio from Mexico and Christine Ho from Singapore, both of whom were great additions to their respective classes.
This year, the recipient of our International Scholarship is Mallie Welch from the United Kingdom. Mallie will be attending the January 2023 Master Dog Trainer program, where students will learn about all facets of dog training – from the fundamentals obedience and behavior, to service dog and working dog training.
To learn more about Mallie and her motivation for applying for the International Scholarship, we caught up with her for a Q&A session.
Congratulations on being awarded the International Scholarship, Mallie! Can you sum up your feelings when you found out about the award?
Thank you so much! When I first heard my name I was in complete shock. It actually took a few minutes for the news to sink in, but once it did, I was beyond excited and wanted to tell my family and friends straight away.
Please tell us a little bit about any dogs you/your family have owned who have made a difference to you growing up, and also tell us about the dog(s) you currently own.
I have been around dogs my whole life, as my parents have always had dogs.
My first dog was a Jack Russell terrier named Beanie that I had from the age of two. He grew up with me in Africa and protected me from many snakes over the years – he saved my life on many occasions. He had a huge impact on my decision to work with dogs.
My current dog is an eight-year-old Labrador Retriever called Charlie. She was actually the reason I fell in love with dog training, so I have her to thank for the opportunity I have now.
We’ve had Scholarship winners from Mexico, Kenya and Singapore, but you are the first recipient from Europe. Could you paint a picture of the place you live for our readers?
My family move around a lot so I’ve lived in many completely different places over my life. The house I live in now is in a small village in Dorset surrounded by fields and farms. There isn’t much in the village – a pub, a village hall, and a church – so I spend most of my time in nearby towns that have a bit more going on. Most of them are pretty stereotypical English towns with pubs and takeaways around every corner.
We live not too far from London and do occasionally get the train there for the weekend.
How did you find out about the International Scholarship, and what motivated you to apply?
My Dad was the one who found out about the International Scholarship after I had told him I wanted to work with dogs. My parents are the most supportive and driven people in my life and it was them who gave me the motivation to apply. I didn’t think I would’ve been able to win a Scholarship if it wasn’t for them giving me the confidence.
In your application video, you mentioned that you want to use the knowledge you gain at the School for Dog Trainers in conservation efforts moving forward. Can you tell our readers about your future career plans after you graduate from the School, and why you are so passionate about conservation?
Growing up in Africa, you are exposed to the devastation poaching causes and learn to admire both the animals and the people who fight to protect them.
It’s hard not to be passionate about conservation when you encounter animals like elephants and rhino, then learn the threat they are under. I would love to use the knowledge I gain from the school to join the fight against poaching by training dogs to be used to protect African wildlife.
Have you ever visited the United States? Are you excited about coming here for the Scholarship?
I’ve been to the United States once before with my Mum and I absolutely loved it. We visited New York for a few days for my birthday. I love traveling so I’m very excited to visit a part of the United States that is completely new and different.
—
Mallie will be joining her fellow Master Dog Trainer students at the Main Campus in January 2023. Keep up with us on social media (Like our Facebook page, or follow us on Instagram) for all the latest updates!