The Collapse of The Dog Training College
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- 22 minutes ago
- 11 min read
The Collapse of The Dog Training College
An Investigative Overview of Events, Leadership, and Community Impact
In late 2025 and early 2026, the collapse of The Dog Training College (DTC) left thousands of students, dog trainers, and professionals facing financial losses and unanswered questions.
The organisation presented itself as a professional education provider offering online certification programmes for aspiring dog trainers and continuing professional development (CPD) for established professionals. With a Facebook following of roughly 20,000 people, numerous online courses, and programmes advertised as CPD accredited, it appeared to many to be a legitimate and reputable training provider.
However, the collapse of the organisation raised serious concerns regarding:
• accreditation transparency
• company structure
• ongoing course sales during financial instability
• communication with students
This article examines the available public records, media reporting, and industry observations to understand how the situation unfolded.
The Corporate Structure Behind The Dog Training College
The Dog Training College name has been linked to multiple corporate entities, which complicates the timeline.
Dog Training College Limited
According to Companies House records:
Dog Training College Limited was incorporated on 21 May 2018.
The company was founded by Leanne Louisia McWade.
The company entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation on 13 July 2020.
It was formally dissolved on 28 November 2021.
This means the original corporate entity operating under the Dog Training College name had already collapsed several years before the later events that affected thousands of students.
Innovaze Limited
A second company later operated the Dog Training College brand.
According to Companies House filings:
Innovaze Limited was incorporated on 21 April 2020.
The company was initially incorporated by Sheree Carmen Townsend.
Townsend resigned on 6 October 2020.
Leanne McWade was appointed director on 6 October 2020.
Ben Nichols was appointed director on 1 August 2022.
Innovaze Ltd subsequently traded as Dog Training College and operated the training programmes sold to thousands of students.
Public Claims About the Organisation
The Dog Training College marketed itself as a professional education platform offering:
• online dog trainer certification
• mentoring and coaching calls
• specialist training courses
• flexible online learning
The company stated it had helped more than 16,000 people become dog trainers and had more than 20,000 students enrolled on its programmes.
Courses were commonly priced at around £2,000.
The training programmes were advertised as independently accredited through the CPD Standards Office, which gave many students confidence that the courses carried recognised professional value.
Loss of Accreditation
One of the most significant revelations after the collapse was that the organisation's accreditation had expired.
The CPD Standards Office accreditation used by the Dog Training College expired in August 2025, meaning courses completed after that date would not receive recognised CPD certification.
However, the organisation continued to advertise its courses as accredited.
Students later reported they were not informed when the accreditation ended, and many only discovered the issue after the collapse.
Financial Problems
Accounts filed by Innovaze Ltd showed the company had lost approximately £181,000 in the previous year, indicating significant financial strain.
In July 2025, Companies House filings show:
24 July 2025Notice to the Registrar of Companies that a voluntary arrangement was taking effect.
Despite these signs of financial difficulty, students reported that courses continued to be marketed and sold throughout 2025.
Leadership Changes
Leanne McWade
Leanne McWade had been publicly associated with the Dog Training College for many years.
According to Companies House filings:
30 September 2025Termination of appointment of Leanne McWade as director of Innovaze Ltd.
Around the same time, McWade publicly stated that the organisation:
“no longer aligns with my values or ethics.”
Her departure occurred shortly before the company entered liquidation.
Ben Nichols
After McWade's departure, Ben Nichols remained the sole director of Innovaze Ltd, which traded as the Dog Training College.
He oversaw the company during the period leading up to its liquidation.
The Collapse
By late 2025 the organisation had effectively ceased operating.
Students reported:
• loss of access to course platforms
• no response from support services• mentors leaving the organisation
• missing certificates and course materials
Thousands of students reported being unable to access training they had paid for.
Media reports described the company as having “disappeared”, with phone lines disconnected and emails unanswered.
Continued Payment Requests
After the liquidation process began, some students reported receiving messages asking them to resume course payments.
In messages seen by journalists, students were offered the option to:
• continue monthly payments
• settle outstanding balances at a discounted rate
However, when students asked who the new company owners were, they were reportedly told the details had not yet been announced.
This further increased confusion among students attempting to understand whether their courses would be honoured.
Student Community Concerns
The Dog Training College operated several private student groups online.
Following the collapse, students reported unusual moderation patterns within these communities.
These observations included claims that:
• critical posts were removed
• some users were removed from groups
• certain complaints remained visible
Some members reported that group settings changed at different points, including periods where posts required approval before appearing publicly.
Students suggested this created an environment where discussion appeared open while still being partially controlled.
These claims come from student reports and online discussions rather than verified official statements.
Developments in Early 2026
In January 2026, members of a former Dog Training College student group reported further developments.
According to members of the community:
• the group settings were changed to allow open posting
• discussion increased about a potential takeover of the organisation
• a new member, Chloe Whitehead, joined the group
Shortly after joining, Whitehead reportedly began promoting a new organisation called the British Canine Association (BCA).
Students reported that:
• the BCA website had been created in December 2025
• the platform appeared similar in structure to the previous DTC system• trainers were encouraged to join the organisation’s professional network
Some trainers also reported that representatives connected with the organisation had joined local training groups on social media to promote the network.
These developments have led to speculation within the community regarding potential links between former DTC networks and new organisations.
No formal public confirmation of such links has been made.
Personal Perspective
Many professionals joined the Dog Training College with legitimate intentions.
In my own case, I joined the programme to update my knowledge and maintain my continuing professional development after already working as a dog trainer for over 30 years.
From the outside, the organisation appeared credible:
• a large online community
• structured courses
• mentoring support
• claims of recognised accreditation
Like many others, I expected a professional educational experience.
The eventual collapse therefore came as a shock.
Wider Industry Implications
The Dog Training College collapse has raised broader concerns within the dog training industry.
The situation highlights the lack of regulation surrounding dog training education providers.
Anyone can currently establish an online training programme and market professional certifications, often without independent oversight.
As the industry continues to grow, many trainers believe stronger standards may be necessary to ensure:
• transparency in accreditation
• protection for students
• accountability for training providers
Timeline of Events
2018
21 May 2018Dog Training College Limited incorporated.
2020
13 July 2020Dog Training College Limited enters creditors’ voluntary liquidation.
21 April 2020Innovaze Limited incorporated.
6 October 2020 Sheree Carmen Townsend resigns as director.Leanne McWade appointed director.
2021
28 November 2021Dog Training College Limited dissolved.
2022
1 August 2022Ben Nichols appointed director of Innovaze Ltd.
2025
August 2025CPD Standards Office accreditation expires.
24 July 2025Notice filed that voluntary arrangement was taking effect.
30 September 2025Leanne McWade’s appointment as director terminated.
Late 2025Students report loss of course access and mentors leaving.
December 2025Innovaze Ltd enters liquidation.
2026
January 2026Student groups report new organisations approaching former DTC students.
Red Flags That Were Missed
In hindsight, several warning signs emerged in the months and years leading up to the collapse of The Dog Training College. While many students trusted the organisation based on its marketing, large online following, and professional appearance, later events have caused some members of the industry to reflect on potential red flags that may not have been obvious at the time.
Multiple Company Structures
One of the most notable structural features of the organisation was that the Dog Training College name was linked to more than one company over time.
The original company, Dog Training College Limited, was incorporated on 21 May 2018 and later dissolved on 28 November 2021.
A separate company, Innovaze Limited, was incorporated on 21 April 2020 and subsequently operated the Dog Training College brand.
This layered structure was not widely understood by students enrolling in courses.
For many participants, the assumption was that the Dog Training College was a single continuous organisation.
Corporate structures of this type are not unusual in business, but they can make it more difficult for consumers to understand the history and financial background of an organisation.
Accreditation Confusion
Another significant issue related to the CPD accreditation claims used in marketing.
Courses were advertised as CPD accredited through the CPD Standards Office,
which suggested that the programmes carried recognised professional development value.
However, the accreditation expired in August 2025.
Students later reported that they were not informed when the accreditation ended, and that marketing materials continued to reference CPD accreditation.
For many professionals who joined specifically to maintain continuing professional development, this was a key factor in their decision to enrol.
Continuing Enrolment During Financial Difficulty
Reports from students suggest that the organisation continued to accept new students and payments during the same period that financial problems were emerging.
Companies House filings show that a voluntary arrangement notice was filed on 24 July 2025, indicating financial restructuring was underway.
Despite this, students reported that:
new training cohorts were still being promoted
marketing activity continued
enrolments were still being accepted
Some students paid thousands of pounds in course fees during this period.
Communication Breakdown
As the collapse approached, students began reporting communication difficulties.
Common reports included:
emails going unanswered
phone numbers no longer working
mentors leaving the programme
course materials becoming inaccessible
Because many of the courses were delivered through an online learning platform, once access disappeared, students were left without the content they had paid for.
Corporate Network Overview
Understanding the companies involved helps clarify how the Dog Training College brand operated.
Dog Training College Limited
Incorporated: 21 May 2018
Founder: Leanne Louisia McWade
Dissolved: 28 November 2021
This appears to have been the original company using the Dog Training College name.
Innovaze Limited
Incorporated: 21 April 2020
Original director: Sheree Carmen Townsend
Director changes:
6 October 2020Townsend resigned Leanne McWade appointed director
1 August 2022 Ben Nichols appointed director
24 July 2025 Notice filed that a voluntary arrangement was taking effect
30 September 2025 Termination of appointment of Leanne McWade
Innovaze Limited subsequently entered liquidation in late 2025.
During this period, the company traded under the Dog Training College brand.
Forensic Timeline of Warning Signs
The following timeline combines official records, media reports, and student observations.
2018
21 May Dog Training College Limited incorporated.
The company begins offering dog training courses and building an online presence.
2020
21 April Innovaze Limited incorporated.
13 July Dog Training College Limited enters creditors’ voluntary liquidation.
6 October Sheree Townsend resigns from Innovaze Limited.
Leanne McWade becomes director of Innovaze Limited.
Innovaze later begins operating the Dog Training College training platform.
2021
28 November Dog Training College Limited formally dissolved.
2022
1 August Ben Nichols appointed director of Innovaze Limited.
The Dog Training College brand continues expanding its online course offerings and student community.
2023–2024
The Dog Training College grows its online presence.
Reported statistics from the organisation include:
more than 16,000 students trained
more than 20,000 Facebook followers
Courses priced around £2,000 become widely promoted to aspiring dog trainers and professionals seeking CPD.
Early 2025
Students continue enrolling in programmes and joining training cohorts.
The organisation continues promoting its courses as CPD accredited.
July 2025
24 July Companies House records show a notice to the registrar that a voluntary arrangement was taking effect.
This indicates the company was undergoing financial restructuring.
Students enrolling at this time were generally unaware of these developments.
August 2025
CPD Standards Office accreditation expires.
Students later report they were not informed of the expiration.
September 2025
30 September Termination of appointment of Leanne McWade as director of Innovaze Limited.
Public statements from McWade indicate she no longer felt the organisation aligned with her values.
Late 2025
Students begin reporting:
disappearing course materials
mentors leaving
lack of communication from the organisation
Eventually, the online systems stop functioning.
Thousands of students lose access to training they had paid for.
December 2025
Innovaze Limited enters liquidation.
Reports emerge of students being contacted and asked to continue payments for courses, with claims that a new owner had purchased the brand.
January 2026
Changes occur within a former Dog Training College student Facebook group.
Members report that posting restrictions are removed and discussion increases about possible replacement organisations.
A new member, Chloe Whitehead, joins the Private Facebook group DTC Community and begins promoting a new organisation called the British Canine Association.
The website for the organisation reportedly launched in December 2025, shortly after the collapse.
Some trainers report that representatives from this organisation had begun appearing in other dog training groups earlier in January.
These developments have led to speculation within the community, although no formal connection between organisations has been publicly confirmed.
Lessons for the Dog Training Industry
The events surrounding the collapse of the Dog Training College highlight several broader issues within the dog training sector.
Unlike many other professions, dog training education in the UK currently has limited regulation.
This means organisations can create training programmes, offer certifications, and market professional credentials without central oversight.
The situation has prompted many trainers to call for:
clearer accreditation standards
greater transparency from training providers
stronger consumer protections
For students and professionals alike, the experience has served as a reminder of the importance of researching training providers carefully before committing to significant financial investments.
Conclusion
The collapse of the Dog Training College has left thousands of students financially affected and has triggered widespread debate within the dog training profession.
While investigations and discussions continue within the community, the events highlight a key issue in the industry: the absence of clear regulation for dog training education providers.
Until stronger oversight exists, trainers and students alike must exercise caution and carefully verify accreditation, company history, and governance before committing to expensive training programmes.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. Before building my own dog walking company, I worked as a dog trainer and held corporate roles at Pizza Hut’s Head Office in London and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, based at Embankment Place. Business, structure, and people management have been part of my life for a very long time.
With full time, hands-on experience in the dog industry since 2007, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
Comments