About Me
I am an ex-scientist with a seriously strong passion for animal training. My academic background has trained me for critical thinking and problem solving on the fly, which equips me well for dog training. I am able to deconstruct complex issues and design bespoke training solutions to suit most situations. I strive to remain open minded in my approach, and use only up-to-date, compassionate training methods.
I hold the CPDT-KA from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers
I am a Certified Karen Pryor Academy Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
I have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry
I am a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) with Do More With Your Dog
For my background in more detail, read on.
Out of Academia…
My passion for animals lead me to study Biology at school, and eventually Biochemistry. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2011 (St Andrews University, 2:1 Hons), my Masters in 2012 (Newcastle University, MRes Distinction) and my Ph.D. in 2015 (Newcastle University) before moving to Canada to work at the University of Victoria. I spent many years in the lab studying enzyme kinetics, x-ray crystallography, and the foraging behaviour of micro-organisms in the human gut. Though I was fascinated by science and loved my work I lived for the quiet moments out in nature with somebody furry by my side.
Photo by Louis Reed (Unsplash)
…Into the Saddle
The first animal I formally trained was a horse named Tehya. I began riding horses in 2013, at Firtree Farm Stables in Newcastle. It wasn’t until 2016 that I met this volatile chestnut mare who would kindle my passion for animal training. Tehya had problems that couldn’t be solved with the traditional solutions: a stronger bit, extra straps, or using more leg. Under the expert tutelage of Laura Foxgord I studied riding from the ground up and began training Teh at liberty (without the use of ropes or reins) and under saddle. I found a love for compassionate training and took several clinics and seminars aimed at furthering my horsemanship knowledge. I had to say goodbye to Tehya in my move to the city, but I am still an avid equestrian. You can find me at the barn with Echo, usually riding in my bitless or bridleless set up.
Tehya, 2016
Training in the City
Our dogs truly are an animal trainer’s best friend. They live with us, bond with us and they’re exceptionally quick learners. When I moved to Toronto in 2017 I decided I wanted to become an animal trainer. My first dog, Percy, came soon after my move and cemented this aspiration. Together we have earned titles in tricks and Rally-Obedience, appeared on TV and have even gone viral once or twice. In 2022 Eleanor joined our family. Her training journey is just beginning, but I am excited to share her progress.
In order to re-train as a dog trainer I began volunteering at When Hounds Fly in January 2018. I completed an intensive 4 week clicker training course with Andre Yeu (April, 2018) and under the mentorship of Rachael Johnston I went on to teach several “Instructor in Training” classes (October/November 2018). I was a full time instructor from 2018 onwards, teaching basic and advanced group classes to hundreds of dogs and helping many clients through one-on-one private sessions.
Throughout 2018 I worked as a Dog Walker for They Walk Dogs Inc. I was able to gain valuable hands-on experience during this time and formed close working relationships with many dogs and their owners. It was during this time that I learned how to manage and train reactive dogs, as well as fine-tuning my leash skills.
We relocated to Vancouver after the pandemic. Under the guidance of Andre Yeu, I was able to establish a branch of When Hounds Fly and begin seeing dogs in the rain city from 2021. I now lead a small team of trainers, helping dogs and their people out here on the west coast.
Training dogs in the busy, stimulating city environment is hard for a number of reasons. In the city, we often live in close quarters with other people and have to share our space carefully. There is no reprieve from the constant stimulation of city life. City pet parents must develop quick reflexes and an uncanny sixth sense for potential threats (skateboards, anybody?). If you find yourself struggling to relate to standard issue advice from our suburban and rural friends, you are in the right place.
