A Middlesbrough dog trainer who built his business around helping animals with challenging behaviour is celebrating recognition at the 2026 Prestige Awards.
Joe Beech, founder of Canine Connections Teesside, has been named Dog Training Company of the Year at the awards, according to the company's published announcement. The honour comes after Joe moved into running his own training business full-time.
Rescue dogs inspired the business
Joe says his interest in behaviour grew out of years of caring for rescue dogs. In a story sent to The Tees, described having rescued eight dogs over 13 years, with one French bulldog's separation anxiety prompting him to look much more closely at how dogs learn and respond to the world.
That experience eventually led him to create Canine Connections Teesside, a service particularly focused on reactive dogs and the people caring for them.
His approach uses controlled introductions with experienced dogs, alongside one-to-one support, so owners can practise responses to everyday situations without rushing their pets. Joe says the aim is to help people understand why behaviour occurs, rather than simply suppressing the signs of discomfort.
He works with four dogs that he has rescued or rehomed, Toby, Peggy, Rio and Winter, during some of his training and rehabilitation work.
The company also offers puppy classes, recall support and practical training in local outdoor environments. More information is available from Canine Connections Teesside.
For Joe, the award marks recognition of a small business shaped by his own experience of caring for animals that needed patience and support.