About

My qualifications and professional development

• PhD Biology, animal behavioural ecology (University of Leeds)
• PgDip (Distinction) Clinical Animal Behaviour (University of Edinburgh)
• Multiple courses, conferences and seminars on canine behaviour and training, including Dog training instuctors course (APDT), Dogs Trust International Dog Training (Dogs Trust, London), Aggression in Dogs, Master Course for Trainers and Behaviour Consultants.
• Provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, APBC (the leading pet behavioural organisation in the UK)
• Supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, IAABC

My Story

I am a professional animal behaviourist and marine mammal researcher with over 20 years of experience working with animals. 

I started my career working as a zookeeper responsible for the care and training of primates. After studying zoology I specialised in marine mammal behavioural ecology and spent nine years working on the Caspian Seal Project at the University of Leeds where I gained my PhD.

Throughout my career I have always been passionate about canine behaviour and welfare. In the early days I paid my way through university by running my own dog grooming business, working as a security dog handler and working as a veterinary assistant in my sister's practice.

In addition to my degrees in Biology I have received a PgDip in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh.

I regularly attend cutting-edge dog training and behaviour conferences and I am very keen to promote science based knowledge and increase public awareness of animal behaviour and welfare.  

I live in Stainland with my husband, two Jack Russell's adopted from the RSPCA and a rescued cat. My aim is to help you to create a well-mannered, happy family pet and to build the bond between you so that you can really enjoy life with your dog.