Keith Mathews 'The Dog Guru' The term 'EXPERT' is freely used when the media, in particular, wish to garner the opinion of an informed individual on any given topic. It is therefore refreshing to find an individual for whom the term might have been invented. Keith Mathews is probably Ireland's most reputable dog trainer, famed for his practical refreshing teaching manner and his ability to rehabilitate dogs with extreme behavioural problems and 'Red Zone Aggression'. Gifted from a child Born and raised by a family of animal lovers, in the beautiful Co.Armagh countryside close to the town of Tandragee. From an early age Keith's parents both noticed that he had a natural and unique mystical connection with dogs. While growing up as a young boy Keith embraced his gift and passionately studied books on dog psychology and training. But it was through his own observation and awareness and first hand experience that Keith developed his own unique formula for dog training. Experimenting with his parents dogs first then his own it was clearly visible that Keith had the 'magic touch' when it came to training dogs. A Dog Trainer @ 12Years Old At the age of twelve Keith began holding obedience classes for wayward dogs and owners on Saturday mornings at the field in front of his parents home. Word, about this remarkable and gifted young dog trainer from Tandragee began to spread and people travelled from as far away as Monaghan, Belfast and from all over Co.Armagh to attend his Saturday morning obedience classes. Dogs owners were intrigued by this young twelve year old boy, who could help them overcome the problems they were experiencing with their dogs. Indeed his parents watched with pride, as their only son captivated an adult audience. School Boy Business Man Keith’s interest and involvement with dogs and their culture intensified as he grew older. By the time he was 16 years old he had built and was running a boarding kennel on his parents land. Keith did not allow his interest in dogs to interfere with his education. At his secondary school, where he was deputy head boy, he was found to have an aptitude for business & science related studies. However on completion of his ‘A’ levels he decided, much to the chagrin of his parents that a university education would narrow rather than broaden his avenues of opportunity. Dog Groomer & Pet Shop Owner Over the next few years Keith sampled and developed various business ventures designed to enhance his vision of a canine embracing future. Dog Kennelling, Pet Shop ownership, Pet Grooming. These were chosen deliberately to increase his knowledge of dogs and their unique world. By close observation of dogs in his care during these activities Keith was greater able to understand what ‘Made Them Tick’. At one time Keith was the youngest business man with high street premises in Tandragee (his home town). However one aspect of his business remained constant, Dog Obedience Classes. Initially in Tandragee and gradually throughout Belfast and Counties Armagh, Down, Tyrone, Antrim, Derry and Fermanagh. During the next few years Keith developed a marketing company ‘Copperbirch Marketing Ltd’ which eventually enabled him to finance his dream ‘Copperbirch Dogs’. After studying Canine Psychology and Behaviour and through his eclectic repertoire and experiences of working with animals, Keith pursued his passion of dog training & canine behaviour in a full time capacity. Keith’s careful study of behaviour patterns in puppy play and interaction in adolescent & early adulthood of canines has enabled him to deepen his understanding and so allow him to share his knowledge with others. His careful attention to detail in his study of all aspects of dogs upbringing and his fusion of ideas and practices taken from an eclectic range of sources have allowed him to develop a unique style of dog obedience training, his highly successful and acclaimed "Calmness Leads To Reward" Dog Training Formula’. Internationally Acclaimed Dog Breeder Copperbirch ‘The Dog People’ represents the many years of Keith’s dedication and involvement in the wonderful world of canine companions. His ‘Copperbirch’ breeding line of Labradors has gained him international acclaim because of his pioneering dedication to a rigorous breeding programme to try to minimise genetic abnormalities within the breed, a record which is probably unsurpassed throughout these islands and indeed Europe. His Labrador pups have found homes as far away as the USA, Iceland, Dubai, Japan and Europe. Breeders & Trainers of Champions Keith has bred several Champion and Field Trial Winning and Award Winning Labrador Retrievers which have gained their titles at both home and abroad. He also bred the Irish Kennel Clubs Top Winning Labrador Retriever a title which he also won himself in 2008 with his own FTCH Ernvale Maud of Copperbirch(Bo). The Doyen of Dog Trainers Keith Mathews is recognised internationally as a doyen amongst dog trainers, often referred to as the new ‘Barbara Woodhouse’ by the press and media. To date his ‘Copperbirch’ Dog Training Academy & Behaviour Centre has been responsible for training thousands of dogs. Keith’s success is characterised by his no nonsense hands on approach. Keith is often consulted when all other avenues have been explored and failed. He has that rare property and instant rapport and apparent mystical bond with dogs. It is because of this that he has been described as “Ireland’s Legendary Dog Whisperer”. Top TV Dog Trainer Keith has appeared as the canine expert on the BBC’s highly rated topical week day programme “The One Show”. As well as having his own hit dog training series “Good Dog Bad Dog” where he demonstrated the art of canine control and obedience, along side his usual enthusiasm and waspish humour. We hope that for many years to come this remarkable dog trainer will continue to delve into the beautiful and mystical world of man’s best friend and entertain us with his informative and entertaining television appearances and we as a pet loving nation will be all the richer for it. Keith Mathews truly is "Man’s best friends, best friend".