Hello!

In 2020 I rescued Hector, a lurcher with pretty serious dog aggression/reactivity issues and it has been a very steep learning curve. Hector set me on the path to starting this business, as I quickly learned how hard it was going to be for me to find anyone I could trust to dog-sit or walk him if I had to go away or got injured.

I’ve spent the last two years learning everything I could about management, enrichment and counter conditioning to make Hector’s life as easy, enjoyable and full as possible - now, I’m very good at it.

 

I’m an advocate for training with kindness, using ethical force-free methods. Basically, I train using positive reinforcement and I never punish a dog for getting things wrong. Many people are surprised by just how effective this is, but it really is possible to work with even the most troublesome dog without using corrections or aversive tools (e.g. prong collars, slip leads, e-collars), it just takes time and patience. I’ve been practicing these methods with Hector for 2 years now. It’s been challenging at times but always rewarding and it has resulted in a happy, healthy, calmer and more trusting dog.

 

This is the ethos I bring to my professional dog-walking: plan for the dog you have, reward good and neutral behaviour and set the dog up for success. 

 

I’m a keen photographer, so you can expect Instagram worthy pictures of your pups while they’re in my care, as well as regular videos and updates if you require. You can see some of the wonderful dogs I’ve worked with so far on Instagram or Facebook by searching for WalkingWondersNW. 

 

I’m currently studying CPD training accreditations through Canine Principles, specialising in canine reactivity, fear and anxiety. I look forward to becoming a fully accredited trainer and offering a wide range of training services in the future. 

 

I am DPS checked, insured through PetPlan and currently working toward my Canine First Aid Certificate.