Local dog trainer wins Animal star award 2025 for working dog of the year category
A local Dog trainer of Dewsbury won the ‘working dog of the year’ category for the North region awarded to her by the Animal star awards UK.t.
Inspired by devoted clients that Mariah has helped with their dogs over the years and her dedication and passion for working dogs she was nominated for the award and not only made it to the finals but then went on to win. Mariah won the category on the 8th November 2025 after very recently losing her beloved working Doberman Saxon two days prior to the even
A Dewsbury-based dog trainer has been recognized with a prestigious national honor, winning the Working Dog of the Year North Region award at the Animal Star Awards UK.
Mariah, of MK9 Protection Dogs, was nominated for her unwavering dedication to working dogs and the countless clients she has helped throughout her career. Having worked all over the UK and Europe, Mariah has devoted her life to training and supporting working dogs, but the rehabilitation of rescue dogs remains especially close to her heart a passion inspired by her beloved Doberman, Saxon, who was himself a rescue dog once set to be put to sleep before she gave him a second chance.
The award, announced on November 8, 2025, came at an emotional time, just two days after Saxon’s passing. Despite her grief, Mariah found the strength to attend the ceremony with the encouragement of her husband and mother, both key members of the MK9 team. Overwhelmed as her name was called, she described the moment as “a sign from her boy,” dedicating the award to Saxon’s memory in a heartfelt tribute that deeply moved the audience.