My love of dogs started from a very young age within my family. I then met my first working police dog Sultan, well that was it. I knew from that point on that I would work with them in some way for the rest of my life. I started a dog walking business at 12 years old. Since then I have followed my passion. I was lucky that it took me all around the UK to work within different areas of this industry. I have now worked with dogs for over twenty-five years. 

I am a professional member of the DWA (Dog Welfare Alliance) ICAN and PPG which means I work hard to promote up to date positive methods of training.  I started my career at Elmwood college in Cupar, where I studied in Animal Care which covered lots of different types of animals and we had assessments in dog handling and training too. I then completed the Introduction to Canine Physiology with the Animal Care College Ascot, Berkshire. I have successfully completed the Canine Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy course with COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) I am currently completing a Diploma in Canine Behaviour with the (ISCP) International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour. I have completed a dog trainer course and a four-day instructor course with the IMDT (Institute of modern Dog Trainers) 

As dog science is constantly developing, I want to keep my knowledge and education up to date. I will continue to attend courses, workshops, seminars and webinars, as you can never stop learning and improving! 

I have gained many practical skills whilst working in various boarding and Breeding kennels both in Scotland and England. I have worked with a wide range of dog breeds and had the opportunity to learn about raising litters, grooming, preparing dogs for shows and working trials.  I then worked for seven years at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue in Buckinghamshire. My job as Dog Welfare Manager involved the day to day running of all the staff and volunteers and all of the kennel blocks. One of my main roles was to oversee all the training programmes and rehabilitation of the rescue dogs prior to their re- homing. Those years gave me an invaluable experience of working with hundreds of dogs with various behaviour issues, teaching me patience which has extended my knowledge of techniques to help deal with the problems. I have also learnt about the impact of health and diet on a dog’s behaviour, all the while improving my communication and human skills. ​

Through the work at the dog rescue I was lucky to meet and work with many trainers and behaviourists and vets within the industry.  One of which was Pauline Whittaker who is a very successful dog trainer and behaviourist whom I worked with for many years.  She taught me a range of skills to help and rehabilitate rescue dogs. I was one of her trainee Instructors at her puppy and advanced training classes.  

My own canine family, past and present, who have been my greatest teachers. I have been lucky to own three rescue dogs in the past, all herding breeds. A rescue German Shepherd male named Kyle, Angus who was a retired working collie and Ciara a female German Shepherd. They all had a history and had suffered traumatic experiences before coming into the rescue, where I was able to help them. My home for seven years was on the site of the rescue, so I would care for dogs after operations in my home. I also fostered many puppies and adult dogs over my time there. My dogs would help me using calm social skills and through their canine body language, helped them to learn. For years I did obedience, agility and tracking with my German Shepherds. 

My next journey with a canine partner was to experience my very own puppy, so that I could learn more, living with a dog through every life stage. This brings me to my larger than life Golden Retriever bitch ‘Amelie Sweet Sue’ who is a very sociable young lady. She has experienced a lot so far in her young life. Gundog training and scent work which she loves! And the biggest life experience so far for her is living with a young baby.  She has been on this journey with me from the actual moment I found out I was pregnant. She has been amazing with my son, has shown calmness and manners. They adore each other. 

I have lots of plans for Miss Amelie so watch this space!