A bit of background....

​It began with Lola, my Hungarian Vizsla...  I was excitedly waiting for the day I could collect my new puppy and devoured puppy books, wanting to learn all I could before the big day.  Having researched puppy classes in the local area, I thought I had found a gem; the trainer assured me that she was experienced and that up-to-date, positive training methods were used.  I eagerly snapped up my place and was full of enthusiasm.  

​However, this soon faded when I realised that some of the methods used in the class were not only upsetting to watch, they were also out-of-date, aversive and downright dangerous (see below).  Not one to enjoy confrontation, I waited for the session to end and never went back.  From that moment, I vowed to do things differently - to do things better.  My journey to become a dog trainer and behaviourist began....

With my Hungarian Vizsla, Lola

With my working cocker spaniel, Pedro

Years (and many courses, dogs and qualifications) later, I set up my business (A Different Dog) in St Albans and have enjoyed helping thousands of dogs and owners over the years.  Some of my training sessions have even featured on TV ('The Dog Rescuers').  When I relocated (back 'home') to North Yorkshire at the end of 2020, I left the business to my colleague, Claire.   

I'm proud to have achieved a post graduate in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the world-famous Royal School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh and had a research paper published in a  scientific journal of animal behaviour.  As a result of multiple rigorous assessments, I am delighted to be a member of the most highly respected professional bodies in the industry (the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and have been awarded the status of Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist.  It's been quite a journey so far and I have loved (pretty much!) every minute of it! 

Methods and Ethos

I take a holistic, pragmatic and positive approach to training and behaviour; whatever we teach our dogs has got to set them up for success in the real world. My aim is to help you to create a well-mannered, well-adjusted family pet and to build the bond between you so that you can really enjoy life with your dog.  My specialism in working with pet dogs and puppies means that you can be reassured that I'm experienced in helping people just like you!
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I believe that it’s essential that all dogs and their owners work with professionals who are properly qualified and experienced to do the job.  Sadly dog training and behaviour is not a formally regulated industry (see below).  Unfortunately, following advice from unqualified (even if well-meaning) people  can make things worse, rather than better.  I pride myself on my skills and knowledge which have been rigorously and independency assessed to the highest possible standards by various professional accrediting bodies - see 'Accreditations and Memberships' below.
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​In addition, I would argue that a lack of professionalism, poor customer service or someone that loves dogs but is terrible with people is also just not good enough!   However, I will never give you the hard-sell: I simply let my expertise, client testimonials and vet recommendations speak for themselves.  I blush at my glowing reviews but am never complacent and constantly strive to improve.  Of course, I love dogs (that goes without saying) but you should expect more than just that from any dog trainer or behaviourist; both you and your dog deserve it. ​​ ​​
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​I use only kind, force-free methods, often called ‘reward-based’ or ‘positive’ dog training.  Positive reinforcement dog training is a modern, science-based approach which uses the principles of behavioural science to teach and communicate with dogs, in order to build lasting bonds based on mutual understanding, trust and respect.  This doesn't mean that you should let your dogs do whatever they want - 'positive' does not mean 'permissive'. However, there is never any need to intimidate or hurt a dog to train them; learning should be fun, not fear-inducing.
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Positive reinforcement training is not only kind, it is proven to be the most effective way of training dogs.  This method is used to train assistance dogs (eg. Guide Dogs/ Hearing Dogs), medical detection dogs, sniffer dogs, search and rescue dogs..... the results speak for themselves!  And if you're wondering if these methods only work on 'easy' dogs or puppies, don't worry.... these methods work with all dogs; they are founded in science and apply to all animals (yes, everything from lions to chickens can be trained in this way!).  You can read more about this method of training in an article here.

Unfortunately, old-fashioned, 'discipline-based' methods are proven to make dogs significantly more likely to be stressed (see research), unpredictable (read more) and aggressive (see article).  ​Why take the risk?  Modern, well-educated trainers and behaviourists do not use dominance based, aversive methods.  There is a very thorough academic review paper on the effect of different methods of training and behaviour change from the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour which you can read here.

Did you know?

​Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist as it is legally an unregulated industry. This makes choosing a dog trainer or behaviourist quite a challenge!  Some impressive-sounding 'titles', qualifications and memberships actually mean very little.  Fortunately, the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) was established in 2010 as a voluntary regulatory body for animal trainers and behaviourists in the UK, working in association with the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA, Dogs Trust and many more leading charities and professional organisations, with the aim of ‘setting, overseeing and monitoring standards of professional competence in the practice of behaviour therapy and training of animals’.  You can search for ABTC registered professionals here.

Because of my commitment to ethical methods and the drive for professional standards within the industry, I will always be happy to recommend other suitably qualified and experienced trainers and behaviour professionals to you - just ask!  I want you and your dog to get the help you need, whether this is with me or another highly-skilled, properly-qualified colleague. 

Accreditations & Memberships