I am a qualified behaviourist and have a Level 5 Diploma in Canine Behaviour with Distinction through the International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP) and I am an approved Dog Trainer with the Dog Training College.
I was born into a house with dogs so I have lived with them for most of my life. When we were growing up my Mum always had Cairn Terriers which is why I think I am still in love with the cheekiness of terriers and their playful inquisitive minds. We also had a Dachshund and I still have a soft spot for the lovely sausage dog!
When I left home to go to University, I felt lost without a dog so I started fostering them to fill that void and as soon as I bought my own home I adopted a dog.....and never stopped! I have always had rescue dogs including lurchers, greyhounds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, various terriers and German Shepherds. Being brought up in a family where we always had dogs from puppies it was strange adopting an adult dog. You don't truly know what you are getting or what their issues are until they have settled in - but it is a joy to work with them and see them gain in confidence or come out of their shell and blossom.
I promote positive, kind methods in order to enhance the quality of life for owners and dogs which is essential to me in my work. My training methods are cruelty free with no punishments or forcing of behaviours - which is completely unnecessary in my view.
I ran a dog walking business for many years and worked with a variety of breeds. Little Jazz the staffie cross was fantastic with other dogs on a "work walk" whether they were regulars or new to the group. However as soon as we were out of work mode, she was really unpredictable with new dogs and had to be introduced carefully. It just shows how dogs are constantly watching us and our behaviour so we have to start learning about theirs!
I also ran a pet sitting business before we moved to Pembrokeshire which is where I learnt so much about dog body language - just through observation of how they interact with one another. Izzy the greyhound was my dog and she was known as the Duchess. If any dog staying got too over excitable just one "woof" from her calmed it all down and the whole situation was resolved.
Woody the bull lurcher is the reason I do what I do today. He was such an adorable rogue and came to us as a rescue dog with many scars and untold stories of what had happened to him in the past. He was the perfect dog in the house but as soon as we went outside it was a different story. He was such a troubled soul and no one was able to help him - or wanted to help me as they wrote him off as a lost cause - but he taught me so much! He was one of those special dogs that gets to the centre of your heart and I still miss him today. If only I knew what I know now I could have helped him so much more than I did - but his legacy will help me to help many more dogs that need extra support and guidance.
