Trainer Richard is top dog after travels to help pet animals

Now the 42-year-old from Leeds has gained a prestigious qualification that only 30 people in the world have achieved.

Mr Edge, who gave up his job 
as a printer just two years ago, 
will be presented with his certificate for the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour at the Crufts show next month.

He said: “Getting the qualification was an intense process. It acknowledges the hard work that I have put in over the years.”

The two-day assessment took into account obedience, agility and training owners and dogs.

Mr Edge is also doing a five-year degree in canine behaviour and training through the University of Hull.

He had previously worked as a printer in Leeds since the age of 16 but was inspired to go into dog training after taking on a chocolate labrador pup called Bentley.

He now lives in east Leeds with his wife Gail and their black labradors Guinness, 10, Drake, four, and Bentley, who is now 16.

He added: “It is a passion of mine.

“My dogs are my children, and Bentley is the reason everything changed for me.”

His work to train dogs has taken him across the world, and Mr Edge has even toured across America.

He added: “I’m a lad from Whitkirk and going to Taiwan to train people to help abandoned dogs was one of those occasions you never forget.”

More information about Mr Edge’s work is available at www.suburbandogtrainer.co.uk.