MY STORY
I'm a pet owner, dog guardian and animal lover first and foremost, and then I'm a Certified Dog Trainer. I've had the privilege of growing up with animals most of my life. I've used dog training methods and tools in the past I'm not proud of, and let others use force and put fear into my dogs, all in the name of training. I didn't know any better then, but I do now. I'm not proud of some of the decisions I made with my dogs and still feel guilty about some, but they led me here.
I offer scientific backed reward-based training methods using kindness and compassion; I do not correct your dog or use inappropriate punishment techniques and tools such as slip leads, e-collars or prong collars. I work with the dog in front of me taking a holistic viewpoint and begin with understanding them and the underlying reasons for their behaviour. If you have used any these in the past, or are using them now, that's OK; you were probably advised by someone you trusted that 'it doesn't hurt if you use it right' or told you that you needed XY and Z in order to walk your dog or stop your dog from barking. I can show you how to work with your dog, prevent and manage undesirable behaviours and introduce new ones, all while building your relationship without using anything old skool (other than maybe some 90's classics!).
I'm confident I can help and support you with the struggles and frustrations, and the highs and lows that come with being a good and responsible dog owner. I'm just like you and have been where you are, or if not, have worked with clients who have been there, or are now. There will of course be some dogs I've not worked with, certain situations I've not been in, or undesirable behaviours I've not come across; in these situations I would seek guidance or refer you to a trainer or behaviourist better equipped to help and support you. If anyone tells you they can work with any dog, any breed, any age, or can fix, or cure or stop any behaviour problem, don't even think about it, JUST RUN ...
It would be so good to talk and get to know you, hear about your animals, and let you know how I can help.