HOW IT BEGAN
I love dogs. I love everything about them. I have done since I was a child (a little while ago now). Back then, I thought all dogs were either born good or bad, and of course they were the good dogs who ‘suddenly turned bad’……. how little did I know!
A few years have passed now and my love for dogs drove me to learn more and more about them. But the real trigger was a beautiful German Shepherd in my late teens, who ‘turned bad’ and sadly was put to sleep. I never stopped thinking I should have been able to do something to fix him but dog training wasn’t as readily available as it is now, and my knowledge so limited. I promised myself then that if I could help one dog from being rehomed or worse it might in some way lessen my guilt for failing to help him.
I have been lucky enough to be involved in many aspects of dog training over the last 3 decades, from socialising guide dog puppies to working in Vietnam on a conservation project teaching dogs to locate endangered turtles in the jungle. I have met some incredibly talented trainers and behaviourists along the way and it has enabled me to design my own training style using effective proven methods. I have a lot of experience with rescue dogs and working gundogs and at least one or two of our dogs tag along during classes.
Whether you own a Chihuahua, a Great Dane or anything in between, there is much fun to be had with your dog and some of life essential skills can be taught in a much more fun way than you might think.
THEN THE TEAM GREW
Nat joined me in 2017, having trained with me almost 10 year earlier with her cheeky Boxer Roxy. After being asked to leave an indoor class because of Roxy's barking, Nat enrolled in my outdoor classes and soon discovered that not only she was a natural at dog handling, she also loved teaching. She honed her skills as a trainer for a few years (Roxy was indeed a great teacher) and added 2 beautiful Labradors to her family. Nat can often be seen training other people's dogs on her 'walk and train' sessions and is also a qualified scentwork instructor.
Lucy joined my classes a few years ago when she was just 13 years old with a somewhat cranky but sweet Labrador. She then got her first puppy Cockapoo Daisy and stayed with me ever since, becoming my trusted assistant for a couple of years before going to University to study animal behaviour. Lucy is particularly skilled at teaching tricks!
Isla was into dogs from an early age and started training our family dogs really young. She then chose Elsa, one of our rescue Labs to become her partner as she proudly joined the Kennel Club Young Handler Scheme. Isla loves agility, hoopers and obedience.
