I have had a life-long interest in animals, their behaviour and well-being. I also have an M.A in Education and have been involved in teaching and training for many years. In 1981 I gained an Honours degree in Zoology from Nottingham University. Much of my work is with dogs, but I can also help with cats and other small animals.

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Qualifications:
I completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the University of Southampton in 2006. This 4 year course covers learning theory and application,ethology, neurophysiology, psychology, welfare and ethics. It also gives the opportunity to apply the theory to practical case studies. This is the only course, at this advanced level, which is specific to the behaviour counselling profession. At  present I am completing my M.Sc in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the same university. I am a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and the APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors).
Experience:
I live in a multi animal household with 2 cats, 13 dogs (11 of them from rescue), rabbits and guinea pigs. I have had an interest in horses for many years. I have run a tortoise sanctuary for over 20 years and deliver workshops and lectures to tortoise owners and veterinary professionals. I have written articles and other materials on dog behaviour and psychology. I have delivered presentations to veterinary staff and dog owners with regard to dog and cat behaviour and firework phobias.
I have run dog training classes for over 12 years and have been involved in developing courses for others in this field. I have an interest in agility, Rally-O and the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme. I work with my dogs in the Pets as Therapy (PAT dogs) field, visiting old age people’s homes, and am a PAT dog assessor. I visit schools with my dogs helping to teach children how to stay safe around dogs. I am also a DogAid trainer, working with disabled adults who would like to train their own dogs as assistance dogs. I am the practice behaviourist for Black Notley Vets and work as a behaviourist and trainer for the local branch of a well known national rescue organisation. I have been involved in assessing dogs and writing reports for solicitors working on legal cases.
In 2006 I took a team of dogs to Crufts to demonstrate the Good Citizen Scheme, and in 2011 demonstrated Rally-O at the London Pet Show at Olympia and will do so at Discover Dogs at Earls Court. In 2011 I launched Agility-0, a new dog sport which combines agility with rally obedience.
In 2011 I became a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Affiliated Dog Trainer. I am only the third Victoria Stilwell approved dog trainer in Britain, and the only one living and working in the south of England.