“Did I cause my dog’s issues?”

Plenty of people come to me carrying guilt, shame, or worry that they caused their dog’s reactivity, anxiety or unwanted behaviours. I just want to reassure those people that behaviour is shaped by a mix of genetics, environment, and experience – not just a guardian’s choices.

I know exactly what it feels like to be embarrassed by my dog’s outbursts and to take exception to people’s unsolicited and usually unhelpful advice.

Seeking support when you feel in over your head is a huge step. By focusing on small wins and working as a team, you’re already giving your dog their best life.

What is positive reinforcement training?

Positive reinforcement training is a proven, kind and effective way to teach any dog while strengthening your bond.

We’ll set you up for success by taking your dog’s life experiences into account and considering how we can manage their environment, delving into your dog’s breed, background and personality to create a personalised plan. Together, we’ll set out a management plan, teach your dog desirable behaviours, reinforce them with rewards, and gently redirect away from unwanted ones.

Whether you’ve got an energetic puppy, a nervous rescue, or a cheeky teenager, positive reinforcement helps dogs learn in a way that’s clear, fair, and fun.

What it’s not

Positive reinforcement training doesn’t mean letting your dog run wild. It means showing your dog what to do instead of just punishing what not to do. Clear boundaries still exist – they’re just taught without inciting fear or inflicting pain.

Do you work with all dogs?

While I won’t deny that I have a soft spot for sensitive rescue dogs – after all, it’s where my dog training journey began – the beauty of positive reinforcement training techniques is that they’re applicable to all dogs, regardless of age, breed or background.

In certain instances, if I feel that another trainer might be a better match – due to their location or expertise – I may refer you on after an initial discovery call.

How long will it take to ‘fix’ my dog?

When it comes to an animal’s learning and behaviour, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed training outcome. No one can predict a dog’s (or anyone’s) behaviour without fail – there are simply too many variables.

However, I do promise to set you and your dog up for success, providing tailored plans and ongoing support throughout the training process to bring out the best in your pet.

With patience and consistency, most families see positive changes within weeks.