Helping dogs live happy lives drives everything I do and I’m so grateful that I get to spend every day supporting dogs and owners to live contented, harmonious lives together.
Having seen first hand the stress that behavioural problems can cause a family, I understand how the right support can be the path to enjoying your life with your dog. I look at your dog’s whole life to ensure that we are getting to the root cause of any behavioural issues, which ensures success with your training plan.
I have a PhD in Zoology and have worked in multiple Universities as a lecturer and researcher in animal behaviour. Currently, I run the Canine Learning and Training module in the Dog Behaviour and Training degree at Wrexham University. I am passionate about promoting science-based, positive reinforcement training and behaviour techniques. Through my coaching I ensure that everyone, owners and future trainers, are using the most up to date methods informed by dog psychology and the highest welfare standards.
I am an assessed and accredited Dog Behaviourist and Trainer with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDTB) and I am a member of the UK Dog Training and Behaviour Charter. I hold a Canine First Aid qualification, I am DBS checked and fully insured. I also hold a postgraduate certificate in teaching and learning – so I know how to train people as well as dogs!
Helping dogs live happy lives drives everything I do and I’m so grateful that I get to spend every day supporting dogs and owners to live contented, harmonious lives together. Having seen first hand the stress that behavioural problems can cause a family, I understand how the right support can be the path to enjoying your life with your dog. I look at your dog’s whole life to ensure that we are getting to the root cause of any behavioural issues, which ensures success with your training plan.
My own dog, Islay, came to me as a puppy having missed out on seeing the world during her crucial socialisation period. She was very fearful of people. At first, she would cower away from people or try to run away, but that soon developed into barking and lunging whenever a person walked towards us. It was embarrassing, it was stressful trying to predict when we might encounter someone that would trigger her, and it made cafe visits with her impossible. This wasn’t the life I had hoped to share with my dog!
I learnt to work with, rather than against, Islay. I learnt how to read when she was uncomfortable and to support her. I learnt to listen to her and to avoid situations that she wouldn’t enjoy. I learnt how to help her see that people weren’t scary.
Islay turned four recently and I’m so proud of the happy, confident dog that she’s become. She no longer barks and lunges at people as they walk past, I can take her to a cafe and I know what to do to ensure that she’s comfortable. I know how to easily avoid situations that she would rather not be in. Most of all, I’ve built a strong relationship with her that allows us to fully enjoy our lives together.
Having a reactive dog isn’t a life sentence. It takes commitment but with the right support you can achieve a happy life for you and your dog.
I live in beautiful, rural North Wales with my two dogs, Islay (Fox Red Labrador x Golden Retriever) and Bella (black Labrador), my two sons and my husband. My home as well as my professional experiences inform my work, particularly with regards to supporting families with both dogs and children, and dogs who live in rural areas who may struggle with issues like high prey drive, lack of exposure to other dogs and people, and noise sensitivity (due to living mostly very quiet lives!).
I established Forests & Fetch four years ago to help as many dogs and their families as possible and so far I’ve worked with over a thousand dogs, I’ve set up my own Training Centre, I’m recommended by multiple local vets, I’m a recognised reactivity expert, and I won “Best Dog Training and Behaviour Expert” in the Welsh Enterprise Awards 2023 and my book “Dog Enrichment: Family Friendly Games and Activities for You and Your Dog” is out now.
I can’t wait to help you and your dog too!
I look forward to welcoming you at our Forests & Fetch Training Centre in the quiet countryside of Nercwys, just outside Mold in Flintshire, North Wales.
The centre includes a peaceful consultation room perfect for behavioural consultations and first session chats, alongside our training studio with non-slip floor and full height doors that allows us to work inside and out on sunny days, and is where our training sessions and classes are held. There is ample free parking in the car park.
Once you have booked your session with us, you can find us here: Forests & Fetch Training Centre, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 4EW.
We can also hold sessions at your home, just get in touch with us. Find out more about my online services.
Giving back to the community, supporting charitable work and caring for the environment is key to our ethos at Forests and Fetch.
We are a climate positive company, committed to offsetting significantly more carbon than we create through both our personal and business operations.
You can see our virtual forest as it grows and find out more about the impact this climate positive initiative will have both here in the UK and restoring and protecting tropical forests.
Offsetting is only part of the solution though and we’ll be aiming to reduce our impact at every step of the way: only using compostable dog bags and plastic-free treats. We use eco-friendly cleaning products to ensure our van is sparkly clean.
We strive to support local businesses for all our supplies and setup, prioritising UK made sustainable and eco-friendly products at all times. Helping small businesses thrive, putting our local community first.
Forests and Fetch also support the Guide Dogs charity.
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