Why I Understand What You’re Going Through
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I grew up in Zambia and South Africa where the family dogs were my constant companions, but it wasn't until I moved to the UK that I finally got a dog of my own.
I inherited my first boy, a retired racing Greyhound called Radley. I was living in a flat at the time and wasn't allowed to keep a dog.
No way was I letting this beautiful dog go back to kennels, so I moved house and haven't been without a hound since.
When Radley had to be put to sleep in 2014 I adopted the gorgeous Yogi, another ex-racer.
Yogi was a handful but, like many people, I believed that, because I didn't get him as a puppy, he would be very hard to train.
Long story short, I lived with his quirks for five years before he too had to be put to sleep.
The Dog Who Changed Everything
If I thought Yogi was a handful, Sunny made him look like he'd just dropped from the heavens.
He pulled like the 8.35 out of Gainsborough Central, believed anything small and furry qualified as a snack, and anything big and furry was a challenge.
If an un-neutered male came within a city block, he turned into the hound from hell.
The final straw came when he declared an all-out vendetta against the local Husky.
I needed help, and I needed it fast, so I had a look online and found Doggy Dan's course on dog reactivity. I studied the lessons carefully and then put them into action. I confess I wasn't expecting much because we've all heard the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."
Well, that's a myth for sure. Within days Sunny was a different dog. I was so impressed with the results that I joined the Dog Trainer Academy to learn as much as I could.
Learning to Really Listen
I was fascinated by the psychology side of the training with the DTA, so when the opportunity to study with The School For Professional Dog Listeners came up I jumped at the chance and I loved minute of it.
Sadly, Sunny is no longer with me, but he left behind a legacy, one that will live on in every client I help and every dog I meet.
In February 2025, I adopted the beautiful Peter. He’s a lovely boy and has responded beautifully to the principles I now teach. It's easy to think he's my easiest ex-racer so far, but I suspect his behaviour has more to do with the framework we've put in place.
Because I’ve Been Where You Are
I'm passionate about helping people connect with their dogs in a way that makes both their lives better, because I’ve been there. I know the guilt, the frustration, the tears, and the overwhelming love that makes you keep trying.
And I also know the joy of finally getting it, and seeing your dog relax because you’re speaking their language.
I’m here to help you see your dog for who he is. He's not broken, and you're not a failure, you're just speaking different languages. Whatever the problem, we can work out a solution together. Get in touch and we'll figure it out.
Because when you understand your dog, everything changes.
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