Holistic dog behaviour support for overseas rescues
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About Me
I have always been passionate about dogs, and particularly interested in the welfare of dogs who find themselves in the rescue system or on their way to a new home. I first began working with dogs in a volunteer capacity, with rescues in Italy and Spain, before moving back to south east London, where I joined an English charity as a Rehoming and Welfare Assistant. Through my work with rescued dogs, I have spent time around many different temperaments and personalities, from very shy and anxious dogs, to the big bouncy ones who don't know their own strength. I have experience training for basic obedience, recall and general manners, as well in the behaviour modification of more complex issues, such as separation anxiety, noise phobias and reactivity.
I have been involved with overseas rescue dogs from Spain, Italy, Greece and Romania to date, and currently volunteer with a Spanish rescue group, carrying out pre-adoption home assessments for potential adopters looking to welcome a new dog into their family.
I have fostered and adopted a number of dogs over the years, including a very bouncy scenthound who came to me with no recall and a love for running off into the distance whenever the opportunity presented itself, an adorable but equally grumpy Dachshund mix who suffered noise phobias and reactivity, a Podenco cross with separation anxiety, and most recently, Gioia, a partially sighted puppy with some very big (and loud) feelings about everything unfamiliar.
Trying to better understand and help her has lead me to a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma and the dysregulation of the nervous system on the behaviour and welfare of dogs.
Fearful rescue dogs require sensitivity and understanding, helping them grow in confidence and build trust with their guardians. While this can be challenging at times, I believe there is no greater joy than watching a once fearful, insecure dog learn to trust and settle into their new life in a family. Overseas rescue dogs can often struggle with conventional training methods due to their innate sensitivity, intelligence and independence. Highly aware of their environment and their place in it, they need to feel understood, listened to and supported as they navigate life in very unfamiliar surroundings.
I believe in a compassionate, relationship-centred approach that looks at offering choice, and building connection, strengthening the bond between guardian and dog. Desirable behaviours can be reinforced through varied forms of reward (including play), without any need for fear or the use of painful equipment.
I am committed to the use of scientifically-proven, force free methods, to help you and your dog find joy in your lives together.
I am a full training professional with the Pet Professional Guild, an association of force-free pet professionals, and an associate member of Pet Dog Trainers of Europe, committed to ongoing CPD each year. I am also a member of the Dog Welfare Alliance, and a full member of the association of International Canine Behaviourists.
If you feel I'm the right person for you and your dog, I look forward to
hearing from you!
Education
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Romanian Rescue Pro Course, The Dogs Point of View - January 2025 - Present
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Trauma Informed Certificate for Coaches, Centre For Healing - 2024
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Animal Assisted Therapy Practitioner, BSY - 2020 to present
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Trap, Neuter, Release For Feral Population Control, Level 3, Animal Courses Direct, 2020
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Masters in Animal Law and Society, Universitat Autonomo de Barcelona - 2017
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BSc. Applied Animal Behaviour, University of Portsmouth - 2015
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Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management (Distinction), Compass Education & Training - 2013
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Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma, British College of Canine Studies - 2012
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Diploma in Animal Behaviour (Distinction), Level 3 - 2011
