About
I am a qualified Canine Behaviourist and Dog Trainer, covering North Cambridgeshire,West Norfolk and South Lincolnshire.
-
Level 6 qualification in Canine Behaviour Management with distinction
-
Diploma in Canine Behaviour
-
Certificate of Dog Training
-
Certificate of Canine Behaviour problems
-
Higher certificate in Cynology
-
Diploma in Canine Aggression also with distinction
-
Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy
-
Canine Scent detection
-
Certified fear free animal trainer
-
Raw dog food nutrition specialist
-
Animal Behaviour and Welfare level 4
-
Diploma in Evolution
-
Diploma in early puppy development
I have worked as an external behaviourist for Dog's Trust and I work with a number of different rescues including:
-
Terrier SOS
-
Stokenchurch dog rescue
-
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, Wisbech
-
Dog's Trust
-
Bedlington Terrier - appointed behaviourist for this area
-
Brunos Animal Haven
-
RSPCA East Lincolnshire
-
Greenpeace Boarding Kennels
and I take behaviour referrals from Vets 1 and Sutterton Vets and other vet practices in the area.
I have three rescue dogs of my own, having recently adopted a GSD and integrated her with my other two. If you are wanting to introduce a new dog to your family you might like to read about the progress on my blog website .
I have worked with dogs for over 30 years and have a great deal of experience with all breeds.
I have delivered a number of seminars and am Head Behaviourist and course tutor for a well known Canine Behaviour course provider, also running practical assessments and seminars.
I have also been asked to provide assessments for court purposes as an expert witness.
I also carry out assessments for animal assisted therapy dogs.
I use force free methods and motivational training, providing the owner with effective management and training skills.
I undertake veterinary referrals as the cost of the service can often be claimed through the owners pet insurance.
I do not use cruel or harsh methods. I believe in relationship centred training and being aware of what the dog is saying to us through his body language.
I do not support the use of aversives such as squirting water, citronella spray collars, anti bark collars, choke chains, gentle leaders or slip leads etc. No Pain, No Force, No Fear.
As a full accredited member of The Association of INTODogs (www.intodogs.org) I am able to display this symbol. Please check out the charter website to see what assurances this symbol brings www.ukdogcharter.org
Area covered
I am a proud member of the following professional bodies:
-
Member of the Institute for Animal Care Education
-
Full Member of INTOdogs - Association of Intuitive Natural Training for Owners and Dogs.
-
Professional member of the Dog Welfare Alliance.
-
Professional full member of The Pet Professional Guild
-
Certified Animal behaviourist and trainer with ICAN
To learn about Pet Professional Guild please download a leaflet here Pet Professional Guild
A number of people contact me for careers advice and to ask which courses they should do. Please remember, it is a profession and lots of study and hard work is needed!
I highly recommend that people wanting to work with dogs have a look at the courses found on this link- Courses.
Please remember, you need theory and practical experience.
If you have any questions or would like further advice please don't hesitate to contact me.
Accreditation
Sadly the dog behaviour and training industry is largely unregulated, leaving dog owners confused as to who is qualified and who isn't.
Always ask before engaging a behaviourist:
What "tools" do you use?
How will you train my dog?
What happens when my dog does not respond the way you want him to?
Aversive tools and punishment are not necessary and have no place in dog training/behaviour. If the person you are going to employ mentions shock collars, citronella or water sprays, halti's etc please look for someone else who does not use force or coercion.
You can also check to see if they are accredited.