Welcome to M.A.D Dog Training Club
Welcome to the M.A.D Dog Club! We started back in 2006 as the Merone Academy for Dogs, and as a family-run club, we've evolved over the years. When Dominique took over, we became Maureen and Dominique's Training Club. Even though Maureen and Malcolm have stepped back a bit, they're still part of M.A.D.
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We founded this club because we saw a need for a fun dog training spot in Southport that was all about creating a great bond with your dog, rather than following the strict, robot-like obedience methods. Today, we’re excited to offer a variety of courses, covering everything from puppy training to adult life skills, and we have weekly classes in life skills and sports like agility. As a member, you get to enjoy support from fellow dog lovers, participate in workshops, and connect with like-minded people, all while strengthening the bond with your furry friend!
Dominique Fuentes
Dominique joined the club with her dog Beau, training regularly and taking part in demonstrations at the CSL Game Fairs. Her interest in dog training and behaviour quickly grew, leading her to begin assisting with classes and attending behavioural seminars. During this time, she also organised and supported fundraising initiatives for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Valgrays Border Collie Rescue, alongside fostering and rehoming Border Collies.​​
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First and foremost an experienced dog owner, Dominique strongly believes in a tailored, individual approach to training. She combines her educational background (PGCE) with modern, reward-based methodologies to support both dogs and their handlers effectively.
Dominique holds a Compass Higher Diploma in Canine Psychology and Behaviour (Distinction), is a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and is an accredited Separation Anxiety Trainer under Julie Naismith.
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Committed to continued professional development, Dominique regularly attends seminars and workshops across multiple disciplines. Most recently, she was selected as a North West trainer for Veterans with Dogs, supporting veterans with PTSD in developing secure, reliable working partnerships with their dogs.
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The Canine Family
She currently owns four Border Collies—Mia, Nessie, Connie, and Teal—alongside a Cavapoochon named Chilli and a Chihuahua, Mickey (aged 10 Years to 10 months).
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The Training
Dominique began competing in agility in 2012 with Luna, who retired at Grade 7 (Championship level). She became an Agility Club Instructor in 2016 and has since competed successfully with multiple dogs. Mia has now retired at Championship level, having qualified for the UKA Grand Finals for two consecutive years, and qualified for Crufts 2025.
Nessie currently competes at Grade 5 and is one win away from Grade 6, while Teal is just beginning his agility foundations.
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Alongside agility, Dominique began training Nessie in Competition Obedience in 2020. Nessie has won out of Pre-Beginners (2022), Beginners (2023), and Novice (2025), and now competes in Classes A and B.​​
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​​Connie has more recently begun learning to work sheep, having retired from competitive sports, allowing her natural breed instincts to be channelled appropriately and thoughtfully.
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Mia has also undertaken professional advertising and media work, including campaigns for Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Vets4Pets, and HSL Chairs, as well as appearing in Hollyoaks—all of which required exceptional levels of training, reliability, and environmental stability.
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With experience spanning pet training, competitive sport, behaviour work, and assistance-dog partnerships, Dominique brings a calm, knowledgeable, and highly individualised approach to every dog and handler she works with—always placing welfare, understanding, and long-term success at the centre of her training.