Keren’s appointment marks an important step forward for the charity as it continues to strengthen its welfare-led approach to assistance dog training and work towards full membership with Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

With a background in animal welfare, mental health, and clinical animal behaviour, Keren brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the role. Her journey into the sector began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she decided to pursue her passion for helping both dogs and people.

“I wanted to become a dog behaviourist not just to work with dogs and complex behaviours, but to work with families too, helping improve their lives,” said Keren. “I genuinely enjoy helping dogs and humans understand each other better.”

Keren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Welfare and Behaviour and recently completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour. Her master’s thesis explored the experiences of owner-trained assistance dog partnerships across the UK, research that has since shaped much of her work at Helpful Hounds.

Her new role focuses on embedding welfare-first practices throughout the organisation, supporting trainers, guiding families, assessing dogs for the charity’s community dog programme, and helping develop training standards aligned with ADI expectations.

“Welfare-first means focusing not just on trained responses, but on the dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing,” Keren explained. “If a dog’s needs aren’t being met, you can’t expect reliable, confident behaviour no matter how much training you put in.”

Under Keren’s guidance, Helpful Hounds has already introduced a more structured welfare-led framework, including the use of the Five Domains welfare model and the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training approach. She has also developed a new training handbook designed to create consistency across the organisation and better support trainers, volunteers, dogs and families.

Keren believes one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding assistance dogs is that they are “always working”. “In reality, a well-supported assistance dog should have opportunities to rest, play, socialise and simply enjoy being a dog,” she said. “Meeting those needs is exactly what enables them to work well.” One example of this approach involved two young assistance dogs struggling to focus during formal group sessions. By allowing the dogs time to socialise and play together, trainers saw a significant improvement in their concentration and training outcomes. “Training became easier once their basic social needs were met,” Keren added. “Now we actively encourage families to meet up regularly.”

Looking ahead, Keren hopes to continue raising welfare standards, develop further CPD opportunities for trainers, and help shape a more evidence-based future for assistance dog training. “To me, revolutionising training is about changing the mindset,” she said. “It’s moving away from asking, ‘Can the dog do the task?’ and instead asking, ‘Is this dog thriving while doing it?’”

Helpful Hounds supports families through assistance dog partnerships designed to improve independence, confidence and quality of life, while ensuring the welfare of the dogs remains central to every stage of training and support.

For more information about Helpful Hounds and how their assistance dogs make a difference, please visit www.helpfulhounds.org.uk or contact the team on 01202 591602 / admin@helpfulhounds.org.uk.

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Harry Williams (33, Weymouth) will be joined by Luis Parsons and Dean Parsons (both Wimborne) as they begin the challenge on 24 April, navigating lochs and exposed coastline around Fort William. The route will test their endurance as they paddle and trek through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking and unforgiving terrain.

The expedition carries deep personal meaning. The trio are undertaking the challenge in memory of a Jenson – a much-loved golden retriever closely connected to the Parsons family. Jenson accompanied Luis during years working in the outdoor industry, helping people of all ages access adventure activities.

“Jenson brought joy to everyone he met,” the team said. “He was never formally trained, but he showed exactly what an assistance dog can be – calm, supportive and instinctively in tune with people.”

The trio chose to support Helpful Hounds not only because of their shared love of dogs, but also due to a meaningful local link.

A dog named Charity, trained by the organisation, previously worked as a support dog at Weymouth College where all three men have worked at different points in their careers. Seeing that impact first-hand cemented their decision to fundraise for the charity.

Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs provides trained dogs that support individuals in gaining independence, confidence and an improved quality of life.

All three challengers bring extensive outdoor experience:
• Harry Williams – a dog walker, with 10 years in the outdoor industry
• Luis Parsons – skilled labourer with 15 years’ outdoor experience
• Dean Parsons – landscape architect with a strong background in outdoor work
Despite their experience, the team expects the biggest obstacle to be Scotland’s unpredictable conditions.

“This is going to be one of the toughest things we’ve ever done,” said Harry. “The weather will be the hardest part – some sections are very exposed, so we’ll be relying on the right conditions to travel safely.”

The group has already raised £500 and is encouraging the Dorset community to support their efforts and follow their journey.

“It’s for an incredible cause that makes a real difference to people’s lives,” Harry added. “It also means a lot to do this in memory of someone very special.”

Donations can be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/charitycanoeadventure

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Peter Rufus, from Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs, talks about the great things they achieve with their four legged helpers!

• Click here to listen to the podcast

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Peter Rufus, trustee and volunteer CEO at Helpful Hounds, said: “Hope & Hounds provides a great opportunity for people to come together to support two local charities whilst enjoying a great social event.”

The planned route will take participants from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier and back again. The event is open to all dog owners and will feature Easter egg prizes for the Best Dressed Dog and Most Sponsorship Money Raised, as well as a craft competition for children.

Entry is £5, and all participating dogs will receive a special medal.

The fundraiser is held in partnership with Hope Housing, Training & Support Ltd, a charity aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals in Bournemouth by providing supported housing for single people experiencing homelessness. Alongside accommodation, they offer training, education, and personal development opportunities to help residents move forward into independent living, non-supported accommodation, and employment.

Julie Berti, CEO of Hope, said: “Following successful sponsored walks in previous years, Hope & Hounds is back by popular demand, and we are hoping dog owners and their pets will join us for a fun walk in aid of two great causes carrying out vital work, helping vulnerable people in our community.”

Join the Hope & Hounds Beach Walk with your family

To register for the event, click here to head to the Eventbrite page.

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