fbpx

find out about me

About

 

 

The Mission

Er, so mission sounds kind of big, but it’s probably important to tell you where I’m coming from

Attitude is everything

This is one of those phrases that has many meanings (for me anyway). For sure I’m talking about our own attitudes, but believe me I’m not into the whole unicorns and rainbows everything is awesome regardless, type of attitude. But…….I am going to tell you to look for the positives, to focus on those, on where you want to be going, or if we are going to take this back to living with your dog – what exactly is it that you want your dog to do when X happens? Your attitude to training and living with your dog counts, probably way more than you realise, and I’m making it my mission to show people how and why.

To me though Attitude is everything really comes into its own when we consider the dog and ask the question – how is my dog feeling about this? Yep, dogs have emotions, and they matter.

We’ve all seen that ploddy dog who is well behaved but frankly that’s just because he doesn’t do much. He basically lives to stay out of trouble, he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying his life much. I don’t know about you but I didn’t get a dog with the idea that he would live life with me as a series of successful avoidance missions and drag himself through life looking miserable the whole time. I love seeing a dog live his life with joy and enthusiasm and spark and yeah ok, I admit it, I love those dogs that are just a teeny bit naughty. I love to see some attitude! That absolute confidence and swagger as they go about their daily lives – who wouldn’t want to have one of those dogs in their life?

Confidence, enthusiasm and joy are precious commodities and I do everything I can when working with a dog to increase and preserve them.

Attitude is everything, anything else comes after.

And you know what? That doesn’t mean you can’t have a confident joyful companion that is also well behaved. It is absolutely possible to get the whole package and I can show you how.

My Life Story

Or a brief synopsis anyway. I’m actually a qualified engineer with a MEng (Hons) in aeronautical engineering – so trust me when I say that the science of dog training is important to me. Back in the day I was working in my first proper job out of university, had got married, we’d moved from a flat to a house with a garden and so it meant it was time we got a dog.

We went and got a German Shepherd puppy, and then my life took a random turn. Just like when you’re driving and decide to take the scenic route but without actually bothering to look at the map because you think you know the general direction to head in. And then you end up in this beautiful place with no freaking idea of how the hell you got there? Yeah, like that.

Khanu sitting in front of Petworth House

The puppy got me hooked on training and when he developed a problem with other dogs, I decided to go back to university to learn how to solve it. So I went and completed a BSc(Hons) in canine behaviour and training while still working as an engineer. I was just interested in learning more and helping my own dog. I never thought I’d end up teaching other people how to train their dogs, let alone be solving their behaviour problems.

I started Tails We Win after finishing my foundation degree in 2009. I continued studying and graduated with the BSc in 2011. There’s been many dogs and too many courses to count since Khanu, that GSD puppy, walked into my life, way too many to talk about here. The important bit is that I continue to study and learn – see below for the list of formal qualifications and memberships.

Research into dogs, their emotions, the way they learn, how they live with us and have co-evolved with us is an extremely fast-growing research area and new things are being discovered all the time. So I make sure I stay current with the science – good job I’m a geek at heart and love all that.

Problem Solving

At its core engineering is about problem solving using science and that’s what I do with dogs. It’s remarkably similar. But more than that I’ve discovered I have a love not just for learning – because really that’s a given if you keep going back to university – but for distilling that theoretical knowledge down then designing and implementing practical applications of all that theory, and then sharing it with others – which after all is the important bit.

Qualifications

Tellington Touch Companion Animal Practitioner, P1, 2012

BSc (Hons) Canine Behaviour and Training, Hull University, 2011  

   – Awarded Best Student

FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training, Hull University, 2009 

MEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering, Imperial College, 2000

Memberships

Full Member of Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist & Animal Training Instructor

Spaniels in the woods

More?

If you’re still reading I’m guessing you’re hoping for some more personal details.

I live in beautiful Petworth, West Sussex with my husband and three spaniels (Breckin, Flint and Fraggle, that’s them on the left).

Together the dogs and I dabble in many dog sports including agility, hoopers, scentwork, tracking and obedience, but we are masters of none – I take the blame as it is human handler limitation rather than canine.

Outside of dog training I enjoy reading (mainly fantasy), watching action movies and I’m addicted to buying beautiful notebooks that then take me ages to actually write in because they are too pretty to spoil. Oh and I hate hot drinks, always have, so don’t be offended when I never take you up on your offer of a cup of tea.

EstablishmentLogo 1 ABTCbehavourist
APBCwhite
KPAwhite
My dog is really reactive around other dogs—will positive reinforcement methods really work for them?

Yes, absolutely! Positive reinforcement focuses on teaching your dog new, more appropriate behaviours without causing fear or stress.

It’s scientifically proven to help change the emotional response behind the reactivity, not just the behaviour itself.

While it may take time and consistency, the results are lasting and promote a stronger bond between you and your dog.

What if my dog doesn’t take treats during walks when they’re reactive?

This is a common concern, and we’ll address it in our training.

If your dog is too stressed to take treats, we’ll work at a distance where they feel more comfortable, gradually reducing that stress over time.

We’ll also explore other forms of reinforcement, like play, naturally occurring reinforcers, or even just distance from what’s making them uncomfortable.

How long will it take to see results?

Every dog is different, so the timeline for results will vary. However, many clients start to see small improvements within the first few weeks as we begin implementing changes.

Full behaviour modification can take several months, depending on the severity of the reactivity, but my packages are designed to support you throughout the process.

Will I need to avoid other dogs forever?

No! The goal of our training is to help your dog become more comfortable around other dogs so that you can enjoy your walks again without the need for avoidance.

At first, you may need to manage your walks to set your dog up for success, but as training progresses, your dog will be able to handle more encounters calmly.

I’ve been told my dog’s behaviour is my fault—am I to blame?

It’s easy to feel guilty, but it’s important to understand that your dog’s behaviour is not about blame.

Dogs can become reactive for many reasons, and while your relationship with your dog plays a role in their training, it’s not about being "alpha".

I focus on working together with your dog to create positive change, without judgement.

Can I claim this service on my pet insurance?

Many pet insurance providers will cover behaviour consultations from qualified professionals.

As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, my services are often covered by insurance, but I recommend checking with your provider to confirm whether you are covered and for what amount.

What happens if I can’t attend all of the sessions?

I offer flexibility with scheduling to accommodate your needs.

If you need to reschedule a session, just let me know with as much notice as possible, and we’ll find a time that works.

Plus, you’ll have access to resources and materials between sessions to keep your training on track.

I’m really busy—how will I fit training into my daily life?

We’ll work together to create a plan that fits into your lifestyle.

Training doesn’t have to take hours out of your day—short, regular sessions are often more effective.

I’ll give you practical strategies that you can easily integrate into your routine.

What if my dog doesn’t improve?

While results can’t be guaranteed, I tailor the training to suit your dog’s individual needs. If something isn’t working, we’ll adjust the plan to find what does.

My goal is to support you and your dog every step of the way, ensuring that progress is made at a pace your dog is comfortable with.

I’ve tried training before, and it didn’t work. How is this different?

Many clients come to me after feeling let down by previous training attempts. What sets my approach apart is the tailored, step-by-step plan specifically designed for your dog and their emotional needs.

I focus on helping you understand the root cause of your dog’s behaviour, not just managing symptoms. We work together to ensure the methods are practical, sustainable, and suited to your lifestyle.

My dog has been reactive for years—can they really change now?

Absolutely! While it may take time, older dogs can learn new behaviours and respond well to positive reinforcement training. The key is consistency and addressing the underlying emotions driving the behaviour.

With the right approach, even long-standing reactivity can be improved, leading to calmer, more peaceful walks.

I’ve heard positive reinforcement takes too long to work—will I be stuck in training forever?

Positive reinforcement is a gradual process, but it leads to long-term, sustainable results. We’ll celebrate small wins along the way, and many clients notice improvements early on.

My goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to manage your dog’s behaviour confidently, without needing endless sessions.

I don’t have time for constant training.

Training doesn’t have to dominate your day! We focus on integrating training into your everyday routine. Short, consistent sessions—sometimes just a few minutes at a time—are often the most effective.

I’ll help you create a plan that works within the time you have, so training feels doable, not overwhelming.

What if I don’t see progress fast enough?

It’s natural to want quick results, but behaviour change takes time, especially with reactivity. I’ll be with you throughout the journey, offering support and adjustments to the plan as needed.

We focus on building real, lasting change rather than short-term fixes, and we’ll monitor progress to ensure we’re moving in the right direction.

My dog’s behaviour is too extreme—will this really help them?

Even dogs with severe reactivity can benefit from a well-planned, positive approach. We take things at your dog’s pace, making sure they feel safe and understood.

By addressing the emotions behind the behaviour, we can help your dog start to feel more comfortable and less reactive over time, no matter how challenging their behaviour seems right now.

I’m worried about the cost—what if it’s not worth the investment?

I understand that committing to a package can feel like a big decision. The investment you make now will help improve your quality of life with your dog for years to come. Think of it as investing in your dog’s emotional well-being and your own peace of mind.

Plus, many clients find they save money in the long run by avoiding repeated short-term fixes and addressing the root cause of the problem.

I’m not confident about my training skills—what if I can’t do it?

That’s exactly why I’m here! I’ll coach you step by step, giving you the confidence and knowledge to succeed. You won’t be left to figure it out alone.

I provide ongoing support, feedback, and adjustments to ensure you and your dog can both thrive. Training is a team effort, and I’ll be right there to guide you.

Why do I need a veterinary referral before starting behaviour training?

A veterinary referral ensures that your dog’s behaviour isn’t being influenced by an underlying medical condition. Sometimes, pain, illness, or discomfort can contribute to reactive behaviour, and it’s important to rule out or address any physical health issues before beginning behaviour modification.

Working closely with your vet means we can create a comprehensive plan that considers both your dog’s physical and emotional well-being.

Why is it important to work with a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist?

Choosing to work with a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist ensures you’re getting expert advice grounded in the latest scientific research. I have the experience and credentials to create a personalised plan that is both effective and kind to your dog.

Unqualified trainers may rely on outdated or harmful methods, whereas I’m committed to using positive, force-free techniques that focus on improving your dog’s emotional state as well as their behaviour.

Can you guarantee results?

While I can’t guarantee specific results—because every dog is unique, and progress depends on various factors such as consistency, environment, and individual temperament—I can guarantee the way I will work with you.

I promise a non-judgemental, compassionate approach, providing personalised support that meets you and your dog where you are. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan, adjust as needed, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.

You’ll never be made to feel judged or blamed; instead, I’m here to support and empower you to help your dog in the best way possible.

EstablishmentLogo 6 ABTCINSTRUCTOR