This month we introduced you to Team Ambassador Marita Ogilvie and her dogs Cicada & Cha Cha. Now it’s time to hear from her partner in both life and training — Craig Ogilvie. From working with police dogs as a child, to becoming the first Englishman to earn a Mondioring decoy licence, to developing the world-renowned Interactive Play System, Craig’s story is all about connection, passion, and play.
Tell us a bit about you and Zen – what’s he like to train and live with?
“I couldn’t ask for a better buddy. He’s super tenacious and outgoing, and he just wants to do anything I’m doing — whether it’s cardio in the early hours, training, sleeping in the office, or curling up on the sofa. He’s lovely to train, very motivated to work, but just as happy to relax with me. He definitely wouldn’t be for everyone, but I love him.”
What are you currently working on – training goals, travels, any exciting projects?
Craig and Zen spend their training time chipping away at challenging behaviours — keeping things sharp and interesting.
Outside the field, Craig’s schedule is packed:
Running BIG BARK MEDIA and business consultancy programmes
Growing the Ogilvie Dogs Training Centre
Launching the updated digital Interactive Play Guide
International trips to Norway and Australia later this year
What’s it been like settling into Spain?
“The main reason for the move was the weather, which is incredible. I love Spain and feel very lucky to be
here. Apart from training times changing because of the heat — and not getting soaked on walks between work blocks — my routine is basically the same as it was in the UK.”
Any behind-the-scenes scoops from Ogilvie Dogs HQ in Spain?
“Marita will forever be trying to catch up with my tan!"
How do your early days with your Grandad and mentors still shape your training today?
Craig credits three people who shaped him:
Grandad: introduced him to police dogs, showed kindness and toy play.
John: gave him opportunities with Malinois and Mondioring, developing his ability to read and adjust to strong dogs.
Mike: helped him connect theory to practice, digging beneath the surface of behaviour to understand the bigger picture.
What does interactive play mean to you right now – and one tip for building connection?
“Interactive play will always hold a special place in my heart. I took everything I learned from teaching working dogs to bite and adapted it into a system that has helped thousands of people and dogs. It introduced me to the mainstream training world, led me to travel, and so much more.”
Craig’s top tip: “Adjust to your dog’s needs. Think about what they find reinforcing, and remember — the toy is just the bridge to the experience you create.”
You’ve worked with handlers from all walks – what’s one trait you see in people who succeed?
“They all understand and respect the work and learning it takes to achieve their desired results.”
As a Pawstrading Team Ambassador, Craig’s young Malinois Zen is all about the Chuck It! Bungee Tuggee.
“We use it during training sessions, play sessions, and even out on walks.”
With Craig and Marita both part of our Pawstrading Team Ambassador family, we’re proud to share their journeys — two world-class trainers who remind us that success is about love, play, and connection.