The natdogs ethos

I am an Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist, an Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor and a full member of both the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians. I am also a Director of the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT). I have been working professionally in the companion animal sector since 2006 and have graduated from Southampton University with a Zoology BSc (2:1) and Newcastle University in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare PGDip (Distinction). 

My aim as a behaviourist and trainer is to provide my clients with the understanding, knowledge and practical skills to confidently identify, manage and reinforce behaviours in order to have a safe and happy life with their dog.

I believe that by focussing on the dog/human relationship and encouraging effective and appropriate communication, we can live with our dogs more successfully. 

Methods i use

  • Working in collaboration with your vet to ensure that there are no medical causes for behaviour.

  • Gathering accurate information before we start any behaviour modification.

  • Listening, learning, being empathetic and realistic about achievable goals.

  • Identifying your dog's wants, likes and needs so that we can use them to reward and reinforce desired behaviours.

  • Play, fun & choice.

Methods I don't Use

  • Making my clients feel judged, ashamed or useless.

  • Deliberate physical/verbal intimidation or force in order to stop or reduce behaviours.

  • Equipment that causes pain or fear; shock collars, spray collars, prong collars.

  • Putting you or your dog in situations that you have not been given the skills to cope with.

  • A ‘one size fits all’ approach to training and behaviour challenges.

nat's knowledge & skills

  • I uphold the professional standards set out by the Animal Behaviour & Training Council, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians.

  • I adhere to the Code of Conduct for Clinical Animal Behaviour professionals as set out by ASAB (found here).

  • I hold full public liability, professional indemnity and employer’s liability insurance.

  • I have a full DBS check .

  • I am both a qualified human and canine first aider.

  • Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to claim fees for my services back from your insurance company.

  • All fees are payable in advance of the training or behaviour session. Fees are non-refundable except under extenuating circumstances. Please give 48-hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments can only be rescheduled once before the full charge will apply.

  • As a client of Natdogs, you will be asked to refrain from using equipment, methods or behaviour deemed aversive and inappropriate. Failure to do so may result in the client/behaviourist relationship being terminated and you may be asked to leave.