Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Zena Cooper

Cornwall

Summary

Passionate results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in animal health and handling. Successfully owned and managed private equine physiotherapy business for two decades. Achieved 18+ titles in working dog sports through the American Kennel Club and the United Schutzhund Club of America. Expertise in interpreting animal body language and managing high-drive breeds. Enthusiastic to learn new skills and committed to delivering immediate value to the Global K9 team through a proven history of performance and integrity.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Explosive Detection Dog Handler, Internship

K9 Detection School-South Germany
Kehl am Rhein, Baden Württemberg, Germany
2025.07 - 2026.04

Comprehensive internship covering the development and training of my working line German Shepherd puppy in explosive detection work as well as the private sector of security detail. In addition to proper working dog development, I am also learning how to improve and find tune my own skills as a handler trainer with a high drive dog while practicing and growing my German language proficiency.

Owner/Director

North Night Equine
San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
2003.08 - 2024.10

Founded and scaled a successful specialist practice providing rehabilitative care and physiological support for high-performance equine athletes. Managed all aspects of business operations, client relations, and animal welfare standards for over two decades.

Key Accomplishments & Responsibilities:

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Worked in close partnership with veterinary surgeons, chiropractors, and osteopaths to develop and execute complex recovery and maintenance plans.
  • Board Leadership: Served on Board of Directors for The California Dressage Society, contributing to the governance and strategic direction of one of the largest dressage organizations in the US.
  • Industry Recognition: Awarded the prestigious Gifted Grant by the United States Dressage Foundation, recognising exceptional commitment to the sport and professional excellence.
  • Media & Public Relations: Featured in multiple industry publications and articles highlighting equestrian lifestyle and professional standards in Southern California.
  • High-Stakes Handling: Developed expert-level physical handling skills and safety protocols while working with powerful, high-value animals in high-pressure environments.

Education

Ecological / Conservation Detection, Shadowing -

NHU Ecology and Detection Dogs
Cornwall, United Kingdom
2026.05 -

Detection Handlers / Instructors Seminar -

Precision K9/Tobias Gustavsson
Devon, United Kingdom
2026.05 -

Spürhund Module 3, Advanced Seminar -

K9 Detection Dog School - South Germany
Karlsruhe, Germany
2026.02 -

Skills

  • Animal Handling & Training
  • Event Security & Area Patrol
  • Team Coordination & Leadership
  • Management & Business Operations
  • Enhanced Communication Skills across multiple industries and languages

Certification

Valid driver licences in UK, Continental Europe, & USA

Languages

English
Native
German
Intermediate

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Ecological / Conservation Detection, Shadowing -

NHU Ecology and Detection Dogs
2026.05 -

Detection Handlers / Instructors Seminar -

Precision K9/Tobias Gustavsson
2026.05 -

Spürhund Module 3, Advanced Seminar -

K9 Detection Dog School - South Germany
2026.02 -

Explosive Detection Dog Handler, Internship

K9 Detection School-South Germany
2025.07 - 2026.04

Owner/Director

North Night Equine
2003.08 - 2024.10
Zena Cooper