Yes. I hold a degree in Animal Behaviour, a Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour, and a certified Diploma in Dog Training. I’m committed to ongoing professional development (CPD) and regularly update my knowledge through study, mentoring, and research to ensure my practice remains current and evidence based. I’m also a proud member of the International Institute for Canine Ethics (IICE) and listed on their professional register for ethical and highly educated behaviourists and trainers.

Yes. I work with all breeds, ages, and backgrounds, from puppies to seniors. Whether your dog is a lively working breed or a nervous rescue, the plan will always be tailored to their individual needs and temperament.

Yes. I offer in-person consultations in and around South Shields and online sessions for clients further afield. Both options allow me to observe your dog’s behaviour, discuss your goals, and create a plan that’s right for you.

My ethos is based on kindness, understanding, and working together for the welfare of the dog. I believe every dog is an individual with their own personality, needs, and emotions. My goal is to help guardians build stronger relationships with their dogs through trust, communication, and compassion.

I work with a wide range of behaviours, including fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, separation-related issues, and overarousal. I also help with more general challenges such as building confidence, improving focus, and supporting rescue dogs as they settle into new homes. Every case is approached individually, with empathy and understanding.

Yes, absolutely. I use kind, ethical, and science-based methods that focus on understanding the emotions behind behaviour. My aim is to help your dog feel safe, supported, and able to make better choices.

Training focuses on teaching specific skills, while behaviour work looks deeper at why your dog behaves a certain way. My role is to identify the emotional reasons behind the behaviour and help you and your dog work through them at a pace that feels safe and achievable.

A behaviour consultation looks at the whole picture, your dog’s history, environment, daily routine, and emotional wellbeing. It’s a bit like putting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together. During the consultation, I’ll analyse the background information and look at what happens before, during, and after the behaviour (known as the ABC process). This helps me understand what’s driving the behaviour so we can make lasting, positive changes. From there, I’ll work with you to create a tailored, realistic plan to help your dog feel calmer, more confident, and better understood, while gradually changing their behaviour through kind, evidence-based methods.

Before we meet, I’ll ask you to complete a detailed behaviour history form so I can learn more about your dog and their background. Consultations usually take place in your home, where your dog feels most comfortable and where I can observe their behaviour in their normal environment. During the consultation, we’ll discuss what’s been happening, explore possible causes, and look at ways to support change. You’ll be fully involved throughout, and we’ll work together to create a plan that fits both your lifestyle and your dog’s needs.

You’ll receive a detailed written plan that includes practical steps, management advice, and ongoing support. I also offer follow-up sessions to review progress and adjust the plan as your dog improves.

Every dog is different. Some progress can be seen quite quickly, while other cases, especially those involving fear or anxiety, take more time and patience. Consistency and daily practice from the guardian play a huge part in creating lasting change, as progress depends on regular, calm repetition and clear communication. My focus is always on steady, sustainable change rather than quick fixes. I’ll support you throughout the process and adjust the plan as your dog improves.

Yes. Follow-up sessions are an important part of the process and give us the chance to review progress, make adjustments, and keep building on what your dog has learned. I’ll also be available between sessions for advice and support.

Yes. I offer 1-2-1 Puppy Foundation Sessions and Puppy Packs designed to help you and your puppy get off to the best possible start. These sessions focus on building strong foundations and supporting you through those important early months. We’ll cover everything from bringing your puppy home, setting up routines, and creating the right environment, to understanding fear periods and how to approach socialisation and habituation the right way. I’ll also give practical guidance on toilet training, managing puppy biting, and introducing basic training such as loose lead walking and recall. Each session is tailored to your puppy’s individual needs, helping you build confidence, encourage calm behaviour, and create a positive relationship based on trust and understanding.

Yes. I offer 1-2-1 training sessions for you and your dog, focusing on building clear communication and understanding between you both. These sessions cover everyday skills such as loose lead walking, recall, settling, impulse control, and focus around distractions. Each session is tailored to your goals and your dog’s individual needs, helping you both work together calmly and confidently. My approach is kind, positive, and reward-based, making training enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Yes. I offer individual and carefully selected paired walks, depending on what best suits each dog. I don’t offer large group walks, as these can often create anxiety and stress for many dogs. Smaller, more personal walks allow me to focus fully on the dogs in my care, ensuring their safety, comfort, and emotional wellbeing. During walks, I allow dogs to be dogs, giving them time to sniff, explore, and practise natural behaviours, which is so important for their overall wellbeing. My walks are calm, relaxed, and designed around each dog’s needs, age, and personality. For dogs who need a little extra support, I also offer 1-2-1 behavioural walks to gently work on training goals such as loose lead walking, recall, and focus around distractions.