ABOUT
Dawn and her Dogs
Meet Dawn ....
Hello,
Working with animals has always been a passion of mine with dogs being a part of my everyday life.
My path crossed with Indy my Labrador who always went against the textbook of dog training and behaviour. Indy was fearful and reacted in difficult situations for her.
With Indy's influence No Longer in the Doghouse was born and I took the step from student to trainer over 16 years ago.
Today I'am a experienced and qualified behaviourist with a degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training, specialising in canine behaviour. This includes various breeds and I also work with rescue dogs.
Currently I'am a member of the KCAI - Kennel Club Scheme for Accredited Dog Trainers. This ensures I follow a code of conduct for services.
My other passion is understanding the health and wellbeing of our dogs with working within the Veterinary Industry for over 10 years ensures I can give you up to date knowledge on how health and diet are key factors in your dogs’ behaviour.
In addition, I have also provided dog behaviour studies for True Animal Plan (TAP) students with Dr Sue Armstrong.
Experience includes:
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Balanced Being/Wharfedale Veterinary Centre (8 years working as part of the medical team and the resident Dog Behaviourist).
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Running the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy - Gold Level and tailored life skills classes.
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Vet's Puppy Development Scheme to encourage positive development of junior dogs especially after neutering, with a notable effect on behaviour into adulthood coming back into the practice.
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Behavioural Clinic “Be Brave” which helped dogs become at ease in their vets for health checks with medical handling.
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Designed bespoke training plans to help dogs new to the U.K. environment and challenges of every day life here.
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Working with Philippa Williams - Castleman’s Gundogs - ‘Are Dogs for Life’ as her assistant. Progressing from her student to her “right hand person”. Puppy development & training from birth (including Whelping) to adolescence. Working with Field Trial Champion gundogs and boarding kennel onsite Trainer.
Indiana
Indiana (Indy) taught me so much about going against the textbook of training and in return increased my thirst for knowledge and new skills in dog training.
When she was younger, I found it hard to find the right classroom environment for my fearful Labrador. Many classes would consist of us sitting at the back on our own with no real help or support or being one of 10 in a class.
When Indy was at her worst I was the 5:30am and 10pm walker just hoping not to bump into anyone. I know that living with a reactive dog is a 24/7 role.
Back then my goal with Indy was to complete the Kennel Club Good Citizen Silver Award for her to be handled by a stranger.
I can proudly say that Indy achieved her Gold Standard in the Good Citizen Scheme.
Indy was always by my side constantly teaching me how to change and adapt my dog training practice to maintain my dog’s individuality.
Dexter
Meet Dexter – ‘Adventure Begins’
He brings new challenges and fresh ideas to the training field once again going against the textbook of dog training. All with lots of laughter along the way.
We are currently focusing on our puppy life skills in the comfort of our own home and daily walks.
We both look forward to you joining us with your training following the adventures of Dexter.
Poppy
Poppy is a happy go lucky Labrador who loves life! She is a constant reminder that our dogs are not robots.
As a young dog, Poppy brings me back down to earth with her high energy and enthusiasm to learn.
We are currently working through the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme Gold Level.
Recall has been our biggest challenge as she loves to run fast!