ABOUT
My interest in canine behaviour came about when my own dream dog, Alfie, turned nightmare nine years ago. He went nuts at other dogs, nipped my husband and the vet, and regularly refused his food.
I remember vividly feeling so confused and upset by his behaviour. He was labelled ‘a nasty dog’; I was labelled a ‘hapless owner’ who let her dog get away with everything. But my gut told me it wasn’t true and that he needed my help.
Through working with a wide range of canine experts, training dogs myself using positive methods, and completing accredited qualifications and courses, I developed my knowledge of canine behaviour. I learnt along the way that Alfie was having a hard time too, and we created a calmer life together.
I’ve always been into behaviour – what makes us humans tick. Graduating from Cambridge University I went into advertising initially, managing some of the biggest ‘behaviour change’ campaigns in modern society. I also studied NLP to Master Practitioner level. It helps that I understand the human half of the equation when it comes to tackling entrenched behaviour.
Your dog’s physical and emotional health and welfare influence their behaviour. In Alfie’s case, the main cause of his challenging behaviour turned out to be pain from a gastric disease. But it took me a long time to discover it was medicine – not training – that he needed most.
Because of my experiences and that of my clients, I have additionally qualified in how to assess a dog’s level of physical comfort and to communicate effectively with vets as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Even though I now work professionally with dogs, I will always remember what it feels like to be at the other end of the leash when it’s all going wrong. My ability to empathise with your situation, combined with scientific knowledge and ongoing learning, help me to provide practical guidance and support.
Showing you better ways to be with your dog – ways that also work for you and the people you live with – is what makes me tick.
ACCREDITATIONS
Full member of the APDT - assessed according to a strict criteria and code of conduct which ensures all members have appropriate skills to teach dog training.
Dynamic Dog Practitioner - qualified to ascertain a dog’s physical comfort by providing observations to inform a veterinary diagnosis or behaviour modification plan.
Full member of the IMDTB - assessed for appropriate knowledge in canine behaviour analysis and management.
SA Pro Approved Trainer for separation related distress in dogs.
Member Organisation UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter 2023.
Registered ATI with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council