About ME
If you’re anything like me, then your dog is your life and you want to make sure that you’re choosing the right person to help both them and you.
On this page you can find out more about me, my qualifications and the reason I started working with dogs.
Who am i?
Hi, I’m Heather, a proudly neurodivergent dog trainer and behaviour specialist.
I’ve spent most of my life living with dogs of all different breeds, natures and backgrounds, and one of my biggest beliefs is that all dogs deserve to be loved, safe, respected, and given the opportunites to enjoy life to the fullest.
Why I wAnt To Help You
There’s no such thing as a perfectly behaved dog, but there’s definitely dogs out there who struggle more than others, whether it be because of breeding, age, previous experiences, health related issues or more. I happen to share my life with two dogs who fit into that ‘struggle more’ category.
Because of this I understand just how hard it can be, when all of the ‘advice’ you come across online doesn’t seem to work for you or your dog and how finding the right professional - one who not only understands your dog, but understands you too - can be like finding a needle in a haystack. I’ve been the one at my wits end, I’ve been the one in tears, I’ve been the one filled with self-doubt and feeling like a failure, and it’s something I don’t want anyone else to feel trapped in, with no hope or solutions.
That’s why I want to be the help that I needed at that time, and why I want to be that person for you!
What makes me the right fit for you?
Just like our dogs, us humans thrive best when we work with someone who understands us, who listens to us and who we can feel safe and supported with.
I know that I might not be the right person for everyone - and that’s okay - but how do you know that I will be the best person for you? Simple - because you’re here, reading these very words, which means that you care deeply about your dog and want the best for them, and that’s exactly what I want too. But if you’re still on the fence, or you want to know what sets me apart from the other trainers you might be considering, take a look below:
I am…
Fully Accredited - as an Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) and Animal Training Instructor (ATI) with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC), a full ABT member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), and a full member of the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), meaning that I’m accountable to reputable industry organisations and adhere to their strict codes of conduct.
Assessed & Qualified - I have Level 5 (Diploma/Foundation Degree Equivelent) and Level 4 (CertHE equivelent) qualifications in canine behaviour and training from an ABTC regulated organisation, meaning that my knowledge, understanding and practical skills have been assessed to a high industry standard.
Commited To CPD - I love learning and I’m always striving to level up my skills and knowledge, in order to better help you and your dog! That’s why I’m dedicated to my Continuous Professional Development, and currently studying my Level 6 qualification in Clinical Animal Behaviour!
Fully Insured & DBS Checked - giving you peace of mind & reassurance when it comes to us working together.
Pet First Aid Trained - meaning that, should the worst happen, I have been trained to know what to do and how to help.
Working Together With You
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Meeting you where you're at
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Working Together With You ~ Meeting you where you're at ~
MY Values
I think it’s important to be as transparent as possible about my values and ethics, to help you get a better idea of whether we could work well together.
I believe…
Dogs should be respected as the intelligient, sentient creatures they are, who are influenced by all kinds of emotions, bonds, and experiences.
Pain and intimidation have no place in training and can often make things worse and/or have dangerous consequences for both you and your dog.
When we know better, we do better which is why knowing and understanding our dogs can make such a difference when it comes to changing behaviour.
Dogs should be allowed to be dogs, meaning that we should respect the fact that they are a separate species from us, their evolution, what they were built for, and what they need to be fulfilled as dogs.
But also that…
It’s okay to let your dog have nice things! You can let them on the sofa, and have them sleep on your bed. You can buy them tons of toys, or set them up a dig-pit in the garden. They can have dog friendly cake on their birthdays, or a ‘puppachino’ when you get your coffee. None of this is going to ‘break’ them, or make their behaviour terrible, especially if you have your training foundations in place, so you never have to worry about judgement from me when it comes to how much you ‘spoil’ your dog!
Do you feel like we would make a good team?
Meet My Dogs
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Kyber
Golden Retreiver - 6.5 Years Old
Nicknames: Kybs, Kybiepup, Lord Borkington, Buttnugget, Puppybutt, Goldiewonk, Dipshit
Occupation: Stick Finder, Carrot Quality Control Tester
Loves: Playing, getting treats, sniffing, fun gundog training, scentwork, muddy puddles, butt scritches, more treats, birthday steak, the cheese tax and the ham tax.
Quirks: Has big boy emotions, usually accompanied by a big boy bark. Has yet to retrieve a single piece of gold.
What We’re Currently Working On:
- Confidence with being handled (especially post surgery)
- Emotional regulation and frustration tolerance -
Bandit
Border Collie - 2.5 Years Old
Nicknames: Bandito, Bandytoes, Buttmunch, Colliebobs, Mr. Squeaky, Nubbucket, Knobjockey
Occupation: Turbo Badger, Motion Regulator
Loves: Sheepballs, chewing his chews, toys being thrown, sniffing, frolicking through meadows, playing in water, investigating the shopping bags, evening snuggles on the sofa.
Quirks: Sheep aren’t just creatures, sheep are a state of mind. If in doubt; stare. Then bounce like everyone is watching
What We’re Currently Working On:
- Reactions to other dogs
- Squirrels & Cats
- Polishing up Recall & Lead Walking
- General Teenage Knobdog Stuff
LEt’s Get Started.
Interested in working together? The best way for us to start is by taking a look at my services, choosing the one that best suits your needs and following the booking link provided there!
Have a question, or not sure which option to choose? That’s okay, below you can find the best ways to get in touch with me directly. I use Whatsapp as my main point of contact, but you’re welcome to fill out my form, email me or book in a free call - whichever best suits you!