MY STORY

Before becoming a dog trainer, I led a very different life, spending the majority of my career in the field of fraud as an Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist for both public and private sectors. I encountered people at their lowest points—individuals who found themselves in dire situations and made poor choices, as well as those who had perfected the art of fraud, deception, and manipulation, showing little regard for others. The work environment had become quite toxic, prompting my desire for a change. I enrolled in the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) in 2016 and graduated in 2017 as a VSA-Certified Dog Trainer (CDT). Now, I have the privilege of helping dogs and their families view the world in a new light.

 

I learnt from the best, including the amazing Victoria Stilwell herself, who is best known for her television programmes, 'It's Me or the Dog' and more recently, 'The Bad Dog Academy'. She works tirelessly to not only bring an end to backyard breeders and puppy farms, but to educate not only dog owners, so they can make better and more informed choices, but pet professionals as well. Victoria shows clearly that there is no requirement to use punishment, fear or intimidation to train or work with dogs, all that is needed, is kindness and compassion, and an understanding of canine behaviour and psychology. 

 

While I am a qualified dog trainer, at my core, I am a pet parent, a guardian of both dogs and cats, and a passionate animal lover, just like you. Having grown up with animals, I recognised their special nature from a young age. Becoming a dog trainer was always a dream of mine, but it was my firsthand experience with the harm caused by aversive methods and so-called 'training' tools that instilled fear and discomfort in my dogs that truly fuelled my passion. Witnessing the negative changes in their personalities and the deterioration of their behavior deepened my commitment to advocating for kind and ethical dog training, which continues to inspire me every day.

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Training your dog should not revolve around tough love, establishing who is in charge, or adhering to the outdated Alpha theory (which has been thoroughly debunked). Instead, it should emphasise kindness, compassion, and understanding, all while ensuring that you and your dog have fun together using modern, scientifically-backed methods that benefit both of you.

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I can show you how to work with your dog, prevent and manage behaviours that you find undesirable, but that your dog probably loves and we'll introduce new and preferred ones, all while building your relationship without using any out dated or old school training methods or tools.​ Not only am I confident I can help and support you with the struggles and frustrations, the highs and lows that come with being a good and responsible dog owner, but I'm just like you; I've been where you are and I've worked with and helped clients just like you too.

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