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Meet the Team
Sarah Stonehouse
Head Dog Behaviourist & Trainer
Sarah is a Level 5 Qualified Dog Trainer and Behaviourist under the IMDTB with over 9 years experience working closely with dogs as a dog walker, dog trainer and dog behaviourist. She is also a qualified Dynamic Dog Practitioner, UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor and Canine Hoopers UK Instructor.
Dedicated to helping pet dogs and their families thrive in a fast-paced society not designed for our four legged companions, Sarah is trained professionally to help one to one with behavioural issues including reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety and resource guarding. She also enjoys the lighter side of dog training and obedience and runs weekly puppy, lifeskills, scentwork, hoopers and neutrality classes for all breeds and ages.
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With over 200 genuine 5 star reviews online, you are safe in the knowledge that you are booking a trainer that genuinely has your dog's best interests at heart.
Laura Russell
Assistant Dog Trainer
Laura is a huge dog lover who came to me initially simply for the joy of training her little Chihuahua, Olive. Over time, she stayed to help out and now is a regular and friendly addition to classes where she helps out, greets clients, gives out training advice and takes most of the wonderful photos you see dominating the business Instagram feed.
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Laura has a keen interest in dog behaviour, training and also canine nutrition. In her spare time, she enjoys improving her canine knowledge by listening to behaviour podcasts and attending various workshops and seminars. She has also attended the 2 day theory IMDT course and intends to continue in future. Her dedication to her dog and repping the small breeds is apparent and a joy to watch.
In an unregulated industry, choose knowledge
Qualified
Feel secure and reassured about your choice
Insured
Choose kindness and understanding for your dog
Ethical
Feel welcome and supported in your training journey
Friendly
Statement of Ethics
"I like to impart positive and clear training advice that works realistically for that particular client and dog. Reward-based training is my main style alongside clear body language and effective boundaries. I do not condone the use of dominance-based alpha-handling which is out-dated and unethical. You can be strict without being forceful, and you can have boundaries without being abusive. Positive reinforcement training does not just mean the dog can do what they want when they want; this is a common misconception. It is about being rewarded for a good job whilst developing a solid relationship built on good communication and trust. Consequences are a natural part of life and training, but I only choose ethical consequences. Rewards are not bribery in the same way that punishment isn't respect.
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My ideal clientele are those who want to work WITH their dog, not against them, to understand their behaviour and emotions and to truly address the deeper issues causing the problem. This normally means that overnight fixes don't happen, regardless of what TikTok or Channel 4 has you believe. Commitment and consistency in between sessions and after they are finished are what will garner results. I relate this often to weight loss - diet pills you see on TV don't work, only hard work and dedication does. If humans get 18 years at the very minimum to become a knowledgeable member of society, why do we expect our dogs to do this in 6 weeks?"
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If you need help with your dog and you are willing to employ patience and dedication towards your dog in the same way you would help a child with anxiety or a friend through trauma or a student through college, I'm the trainer for you."
