About The K9PT: my Passion and Purpose
The K9PT, founded in 2017, by Demi Powell, an experienced trainer living with disabilities, specialises in providing tailored training for pet dog owners with disabilities. Understanding the unique challenges faced by disabled and chronically ill individuals, I offer a compassionate and supportive approach, ensuring every dog-owner pair thrives and enjoys their time together.
At my business core, I understand that dog ownership is a journey filled with unique challenges and joys, especially for those who may experience health fluctuations. I recognise that not all dog owners identify as disabled; many of you face temporary setbacks such as illness, surgeries, or chronic conditions that require a fresh perspective on your needs as pet guardians. My services are tailored to support you in navigating these transitions while ensuring your canine companion continues to thrive. Whether you’re seeking adaptive solutions or specialised resources, I’m here to empower you every step of the way in this rewarding experience of dog ownership.
I have been working with dogs since 2014, when I met my now husband after I’d been told my future career would be on hold due to being diagnosed with a disability that meant the career I wanted was a no go. Disheartened I started volunteering for Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (where I am now a part of the Behavioural Team) and I haven’t looked back.
I attended many seminars as a part of the team, listening to other dog trainers, working, trying and finding I was having to adapt a lot of what I was being taught to suit my disabilities anyway. I came to realise, none of the dog trainers I loved to learn from actually had accessibility for the human on their mind.
So that’s why I started working predominantly with dog owners with disabilities, chronic illness or long term injury.
When I’m not helping other disabled dog owners, I’m usually with my own dogs and my family. I have 2 dogs, both Cocker Spaniels, Pepper and Clementine. They are some of my greatest sources of inspiration and they love to be filmed to create tailored training videos for others. When I’m not centred in something involving dogs I’m usually gaming, at the cinema or playing guitar; which I only took up as a hobby for physiotherapy on my hands to keep them strong.
I also help advocate on behalf of the Ehlers Danlos Society, as that is the main diagnosis that I have that effects my life, the diagnosis that took away my career in the Navy but did ultimately bring me to dog training.
