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 Will use to help

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

  • Having expert knowledge of how to observe, analyse and interpret dog behaviour.

  • Gathering accurate information about you and your dog before undertaking any behaviour/training plans.

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

  • Identifying your dog's wants, likes and needs.

  • Encouraging happiness through play, fun & choice.

Methods I won't Use

  • Promising results that are unrealistic or unachievable.

  • Making my clients feel judged, ashamed or useless.

  • Deliberate physical/verbal intimidation, coercion or force in order to stop or reduce unwanted 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 Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC), Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC).

  • I adhere to the Code of Conduct for Clinical Animal Behaviour professionals as set out by the ABTC, CCAB Ltd, APBC, PACT & FABC.

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

  • 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 or training methods that use fear, pain or intimidation that fall outside of the code of conduct of the professional organisations I align myself with. Failure to do so may result in the client/behaviourist relationship being terminated and you may be asked to leave.