Professional Credentials

Choosing the right trainer and behaviour specialist is a big decision, often made harder because currently in the UK the industry is unregulated. This means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist even without any skills or experience, so it's really important to do your research before letting anyone work with your dog.

I have studied and worked with animals for most of my working life but for me the learning never stops. To stay at the cutting edge of behavioural science, I am continually ‘skilling up’ by ensuring a minimum of 40 hours CPD (Continued Professional Development) every year through reputable industry-leading organisations such as ICB, APBC, PDT Club and IAABC.

I have a honours degree in Zoology specialising in animal behaviour from the University of Bristol. For more information on my experience, please click here.

I am a certified Canine Behaviourist (CAB) and Board Member of International Canine Behaviourists (ICB), and as such I fully commit to their ethos ‘Welfare Never Compromised’. ICB is a progressive and dynamic global canine behaviour organisation committed to improving best practice within the industry and supporting professional and student behaviourists. ICB prides itself on promoting the highest standards of ethics, competency and accountability and every member of ICB happily commits to force-free and scientifically proven approaches to canine behaviour. ICB is also a founding member of the UK Behaviour and Training Charter, raising minimum standards of animal welfare and professional conduct and ensuring that practitioners only use the most up to date and humane methodologies and tools.

As a full member of ICB, I am proud to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter logo. The Charter is a code of conduct, ethics and methodology developed in collaboration with other leading organisations to help develop robust regulation within the industry. At present, dog training and behaviour in the UK is unregulated and dog owners often struggle to find a suitably accredited and experienced professional to help them and their dog. Moreover, there has been a recent rise in the number of ‘professional’ dog trainers (particularly on social media) using outdated and aversive methods without any oversight or recourse.

UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter signatory organisations and their members adhere to the most modern, scientifically-proven, positive methodology and demonstrate transparent working practices, codes of conduct and robust complaints procedures. This provides the public with full confidence that by choosing a professional under the Charter umbrella, they will never use any equipment designed to cause pain, fear or a startle response.

Through my ICB membership, I am also part of the Pet Industry Advocacy International. This organisation is the coalition of a number of like-minded animal organisations who all share the same goals for the mental and physical welfare of animals in our care. In addition, the PIAI represents the 'Gold Standard' in professional conduct, supported by all its members in honesty, transparency and professional ethics.

I am a certified Pro Dog Trainer (+ Geek Advanced Behaviour Programme), having completed my rigorous training and written assessments.

I am a proud to be a Fellow of the International Society of Animal Professionals (ISAP), which supports qualified individuals who work with any species of animal. ISAP’s goal is to improve animal welfare around the world by uniting professionals from all aspects of animal care in a common standard of good practice.

I am a Professional Member of the Pet Professional Network (PPN) having undergone a personal assessment to ensure I meet their high standards and force and fear free philosophy. PPN is the first international business support organisation and educational platform for kind, ethical and trusted pet professionals. Working in collaboration with world class training and behavioural institutes, business, and mindset coaches, they help raise the standards of animal welfare, providing members with a safe community to grow or expand their business and connect with like-minded professionals.

As a member, I am committed to giving my clients the best and most effective long-term support and encourage other professionals to reach out and help support each other, in a safe coaching environment.

I am fully insured with Pet Business Insurance and DBS checked, providing peace of mind to all my clients.