A local dog trainer has expanded her skills by training monkeys and baboons at a zoo.

Karen Boyce, who runs Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services in Froncysyllte, was given the chance to work behind the scenes at Paignton Zoo in Devon.

This opportunity was part of a team-building exercise by the Puppy School UK Regional Managers.

The group spent two days learning about zoo animal training from Jo Mason of Educating Animals.

They got the chance to learn about different animals   (Image: Supplied)

Ms Boyce said: "The zoo-keepers were extremely welcoming and allowed us access across the two days to conduct training sessions with both the Diane monkeys and the Hamadryas baboons, and to practice teaching behaviours that would be beneficial to them."

The trainers were tasked with teaching the baboons a new behaviour, encouraging the animals to put their arms into a plastic sleeve with holes for potential vaccination and blood testing.

The baboons were rewarded with peanuts and raisins for their cooperation.

Ms Boyce said: "I was so surprised as to how quickly the baboons learnt the steps towards the behaviour we wanted; all for a few peanuts and raisins."

The trainers also worked with the Diane monkeys, teaching them to distinguish between pictures of a car and a tree.

Reflecting on her experience, Ms Boyce said: "Seeing animals, including the gorilla, at the zoo being cooperative for handling, examination and inspection purposes when they are the other side of a mesh fence or barrier makes me as a dog trainer realise that I rely far too much on being able to restrain a dog."