About Me
“Training & Pet-Sitting, with a difference!”
What’s the difference? ME! I have Asperger Syndrome (AS is an autism spectrum neurological disorder) and I love animals and people! Over the years I’ve worked hard to function in neuro typical society; with vocations in gymnastics coaching, finance, customer service, hospitality and civil service sectors and was a school govenor for 6 years. Animals pulled me away from all that, (literally) and so I began my journey into animal behaviour.
I’m working toward Kennel Club Accreditation and I’m being mentored by Jean Donaldson, one of the worlds’ top dog trainers, what an honour and privilege! I’m also studying for DipCABT (Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training) with COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology).
Many animals including birds, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, dogs and fish have shared my life; most of which were rescued and had behaviour issues of one type or another. Except the fish. My pets, life as a pet-sitter and working with Holly Hedge have given me such wonderful experience of animal (and human) behaviour; as Dr Susan Friedman says ‘Behaviour works’. Being a mother keeps me very aware of the importance of keeping children safe around dogs. I am also delighted to be the behaviour advisor for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in Bristol.
Click here to listen to a recent radio interview with Nando Brown about puppy socialisation. Here’s another I did with him on dressing dogs up, click here to listen! Another interview, this time about Bull Terriers!
My webinar presentation on training Bull Terriers went brilliantly. Click here for the link!
Qualifications, Memberships, CDP:
Gold level Instructor Diploma in Dog Training and Behaviour with ADTB
(Academy of Dog Training & Behaviour)
Dip.Dog.Psy. (Open College)
Diploma Canine Science (Oxford College)
Canine First Responder Instructor #12 (CFRI)
ADT (Academy for Dog Trainers)
PPG (Pet Professional Guild full member)
AABP (Association of Animal Behavior Professionals)
BVBA (British Veterinary Behaviour Association)
BIPDT (British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers Associate member 168/11)
KCAI (Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training & Canine Behaviour-member working toward accreditation)
Doggone Safe member# 7281307
I attend and host seminars, lectures, talks, webinars and courses including Behaviour Analysis with Dr Susan Friedman, Sirius Dog Training with Dr Ian Dunbar, TTouch with Sarah Fisher, Zoopharmacognosy with Caroline Ingraham, Clicker Training with Kay Laurence, Stress in Dogs with Jez Rose etc when I can to enrich my education.