About Me
I grew up with dogs and as a teenager I volunteered at our local RSPCA, cleaning out kennels every Saturday morning. The highlight of this was being able to walk the dogs!
I trained in a veterinary practice in Bath and qualified as a veterinary nurse at Bicton College of Agriculture in Devon. After this I worked in a veterinary practice in Cardiff for seven years where I progressed to become their head veterinary nurse.
My work as a veterinary nurse continued in Bedfordshire, where I went on to work in an animal rescue centre. It was here that my interest in animal behaviour really developed and I was fortunate enough to work and learn from a vet and animal behaviourist who gave me inspiration to study Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy.
I went on to obtain my COAPE diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy. I am fortunate to have been able to observe and learn from animals (and owners) in various settings; in veterinary practice, in animal rescue and of course from my own cats and dogs over the years.
Since 2016 I have been living in the Golden Valley in Herefordshire with my husband and two children. We enjoy keeping an assortment of animals including chickens, geese, ducks, cats, sheep and our Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla called Olive.
I have worked with dog and cat behaviour problems now for over 15 years and keep up to date regularly with the latest training and behavioural knowledge. I am a member of Sarah Whiteheads Inner Circle: The UK’s only on line mentoring and CPD platform bringing together and supporting trainers, behaviourists and canine professionals.
It is very rewarding to help owners to understand their dog or cat and I particularly enjoy either building or repairing the relationship between them.
A happy, stress-free pet = A happy, stress-free family!
If you would like to get in touch about a behaviour problem, please contact me via my contact page and I will get back to you promptly.
Please Note:
I do not practice any ‘old fashioned’ dominance reduction programs or use punishment based techniques including the use of choke chains (Follow the link for further information from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers) or other ‘quick fix’ gadgets. There are still many numbers of dog trainers and ‘whisperers’ who practise punitive training techniques and will still use choke chains, electric shock collars, correcting jerks and punishment. They are bullying dogs to get them to do what they want, often calling it the ‘pack hierarchy’.
These trainers haven’t moved on to the kinder, modern age of dog training. Behaviour and dog training has changed dramatically over the years. Positive reinforcement techniques are far more rewarding and are now widely known and applied all over the World. I would encourage you to select dog trainers and behaviourists who only practice positive reward based techniques.
Recent References from Clients