ABOUT ME
If there’s one thing I love more than dogs themselves, it’s being able to make a real difference to people’s lives.
I think we all have an idea in mind of what life will be like when we get a dog, but even those of us who have had them for years can find ourselves surprised, confused or just plain lost when things don’t feel like they’re going to plan.
I certainly know from my own experience just how challenging it can be when your dog starts behaving in ways you don’t understand, and I know how valuable it is when you find the right person to help guide you on your journey.
I share my life with a dog who has very Big Feelings about the world, and when I’m not working with clients I’m doing everything I can to support him and help his confidence grow. It’s not easy, but the bond we’ve developed over the years is truly special, and has been the catalyst for me wanting to support other guardians in any way I can.
The dog training industry is vast and unregulated, but that shouldn’t be the case.
When people reach out for support they should be able to trust that the advice they’re getting is appropriate, and that the person giving it is fully qualified. We shouldn’t be living in a world where the physical and emotional health of our dogs is put at risk by people who don’t really know what they’re doing.
On the bright side though, there are organisations who are working to promote ethical, science-based training and develop registers of qualified trainers so that dog guardians can be confident that they’re choosing the right person to help them.
I am proud to be a registered Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) and an accredited member of PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers). Being a member of these organisations means that I have been thoroughly assessed to ensure that I have the right level of knowledge, skills and experience required to do this job ethically and effectively. All members of PACT and the ABTC follow strict codes of conduct, and are committed to continuous learning to ensure our knowledge and skills remain relevant and up to date.
Training isn’t all there is though.
Aside from running One Paw Before the Other I also work with my wonderful friend and colleague Alyssa Ralph, the owner of Holistic Pet Services.
As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist Alyssa helps dogs who struggle with significant emotional and behavioural issues, and it’s a privilege to be able to see the difference she makes in people’s lives. I offer training support to any clients who need help working on the basics, helping them feel confident in their skills so that they can focus on the bigger things.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to continue learning, and my goal is to work towards becoming an Animal Behaviour Technician so that I can do even more to help the dogs and people who need it.
Dogs are the best, and they deserve the best.
My aim is to support all of my clients to raise, train and connect with their dogs in a way which helps them live the very best lives they can.
If you think I sound like the right fit for you and you pup then please do get in touch - I’m here to help you reach your goals one step at a time - one paw before the other.
