top of page

Who's Millie??

back and white cocker spaniel, millie and sue training together

“What’s the difference between a know-it-all and a true expert?
An expert is someone who never stops learning.”
— Susan Garrett, world-class dog trainer & agility champion

​

Millie was the true inspiration for my journey into dog training—and for my transformation into a full-on dog geek! She was my first spaniel: fabulous in so many ways, but she had her challenges too, particularly with loud noises and some general anxiety.

​

In my search for ways to help her, I discovered Tellington TTouch. I was amazed—after just a few sessions of gentle bodywork, Millie slept peacefully through fireworks night for the very first time! That experience inspired me to train as a TTouch practitioner and start teaching others this gentle, no-force approach to training and handling. It blends beautifully with other positive dog training methods and is especially useful for dogs struggling with:

  • Reactivity on lead

  • Handling and grooming worries

  • Recovery from injury or surgery

  • Age-related issues such as arthritis

In 2019, I became an accredited member of the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) after extensive in-person and online training with both the IMDT and the Dog Training College (DTC). Since then, I’ve completed the Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer Programme and the Pro Dog Trainer Geek Programme, which dives deeper into canine behaviour and the latest canine neuroscience. I also hold lifetime membership to DTC’s online programmes, ensuring I can keep expanding my knowledge and skills.

In 2022–23, I had the privilege of supporting PAWSABLE, a charity that helps dog owners train their dogs as assistance animals for autistic children and adults—a role I found deeply rewarding.

My real passion since completing the Pro Dog Trainer Programme has been growing awareness of concept-based dog training. This approach helps owners understand their dog’s behaviour and communication on a deeper level, building stronger partnerships and overcoming behaviour challenges through fun, rewarding, and effective training.

My CV so far!
 

2008- 2010- Practitioner Training Tellington Touch  level P1 

​

2017- IMDT Career as a Dog Trainer in person course

​

2018- The Human- Dog Relationship and Separation anxiety- Daniel Mills BVSc- one day workshop

            Canine Wellness and balanced behaviours- Dr Isla Fishburn- one day workshop

            Reactivity in dogs- Dr Helen Zulch- one day workshop

             IMDT - 4 Day practical Instructors Course 

​

2019- Reactive Rascals- Dog Training College one day workshop

            IMDT Happy Recallers one day workshop

            IMDT Loose Leaders one day workshop

            IMDT Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation one day workshop

            IMDT Perfect Puppy Foundations one day workshop

            Holistic Veterinary Medicine for Sporting and Working Dogs- Dr Nick Thompson                  one day workshop

            Canine Body Language- Dog Training College one day workshop

​

Passed IMDT membership Assessment with Merit.

​

2020- Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer and Pro Dog Trainer Geek ( behaviour course) started.

             

             Dog Training College- online training workshops attended- 

​

                                                             Your end of the lead- Janet Finlay

                                                             Understanding back-chaining- Linda Ryan

                                                             The 'f' word- understanding frustration- Susan Garrett 

                                                             Anticipatory behaviour skills- Kay Attwood

​

                Susan Garrett's Home school the Dog- Games based online course.

​

2021- Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer completed and Assessment Passed

2022-Absolute Dogs Pro Dog trainer Geek completed and assessment passed

2023- Behavet Separation Related Behaviours- group consults

            Pet Summits Out of control dogs reactivity workshop

            Helping dogs in difficulties- Dr Clive Wynne (DTC)

            Blind dog awareness- Jade Brooks (DTC)

            Recall Masters- Kay Atwood

            Early recognition of pain- Hannah Capon (Canine Arthritis Management) 

            Real Dog Yoga- Toni Shelbourne (DTC)

​

2024- Member of Help! My dog Learning Hub- concept training and behaviour shaping                    games and strategies taught by  Dr Tom Mitchell Of Behavet vet behaviour clinic

​

            Movement Puzzles Academy Membership- Taught by Canine fitness Instructor                        Mari Valgma Online course on canine fitness, proprioceptive movement                                    exercises and core fitness training

​

            IMDT Breed and Predatory Motor patterns- online course

            IMDT Learning Theory Explained- Online course

             

 

​

             

            

© 2019 Sue Valler. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page