What makes a great trainer?

How do you know that a trainer is right for you?
I have been working with dogs and their owners for over 17 years and have found the most important tool in getting results is taking a very individual approach to each partnership. A training plan has to work for you- fitting into daily life and enabling you to progress your skills in a fun and engaging way. When behaviour problems and struggles arise we can easily get swayed by popular opinion, advice on social media and 'googleing' our way out of a problem. All too often this can set us up for more problems rather than solving them.
We all have busy lives and training needs to be effective, we all want to get to our goals as quickly as possible but sadly 'quick fixes' found on social media or web surfing rarely help in the long run and often create other problems.
Good dog training should centre around each partnerships individual needs, careful observation and great communication between dog and owner. I hope to facilitate this through thoughtful education, mindful action and support of both dog and owner.

“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- This statement really sums up my approach to my job and passion for dog training- we should never think we know it all, advances in scientific research are teaching us more about the amazing workings of our dog's brains every day.
When we know better- we do better!

WHO'S MILLIE???

Millie, my gorgeous black and white cocker spaniel, 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 T Touch. I was amazed—after just a few sessions of gentle bodywork, Millie slept peacefully through fireworks night for the very first time! I was hooked!
That experience inspired me to train as a Tellington T Touch 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,
Anxious, over-aroused and nervous dogs
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 concept training, canine behaviour and the latest advances in 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.
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.
I am thrilled to be currently working on an 18 month Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Canine Behaviour being taught by the fabulous Dr Tom Mitchell at Canine Behaviour College. He and his team at BEHAVET are sharing the wealth of their knowledge and experience gained helping hundreds of dogs each month at the UK's biggest vet behaviour practice.
I am so excited for the journey, delving even deeper into canine behaviour, adding even more skills and in-depth case knowledge into my toolkit to help my clients get real results with
their dog's behaviour struggles.