Now 42 years young, I have enjoyed careers working in farming, sales, as a Policeman and as a crisis counsellor for a well-known organisation.
I have always enjoyed working closely with people, and my role as a dog behaviourist allows this daily.
I have been working in my own full time practice resolving dog behaviour problems for six years, and training dogs for over 15 years.
I undertake ongoing behaviour courses to maintain my knowledge base, and I am currently studying for a Masters degree in dog behaviour with Middlesex University.
My partner, Sara and I have a eleven-year-old daughter Katie, and our dogs Max and Pip. We have lived in
Bewdley, Worcestershire for the past fifteen years.
I have always enjoyed working closely with people, and my role as a dog behaviourist allows this daily.
I have been working in my own full time practice resolving dog behaviour problems for six years, and training dogs for over 15 years.
I undertake ongoing behaviour courses to maintain my knowledge base, and I am currently studying for a Masters degree in dog behaviour with Middlesex University.
My partner, Sara and I have a eleven-year-old daughter Katie, and our dogs Max and Pip. We have lived in
Bewdley, Worcestershire for the past fifteen years.
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Alpha Dog Behaviour provides me with the opportunity to bring my enjoyment of working with both people and dogs together, and to provide others with a service whereby dogs and their families or individuals can lead happier lives together. This then leads to a greater understanding of each other's needs based on mutual respect, and calm leadership.
I don't give myself a lofty title such as dog whisperer or dog listener, I'm a regular chap that has a close affinity with dogs and people, and am driven to bring both together in harmony.
My beginnings in the dog world were with Amber back in the early 90's my Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla. At nine months we won our first competition together for a working test, after quietly training and reading all I could from dusty books in the library. From that point onwards I was totally hooked, and laid some quiet plans to work with dogs full time in the field of dog training and resolving dog behaviour problems.
Amber passed away in September '08 after a short illness and will be forever missed. I was privileged to have Amber as my first dog, and offer my on-going thanks to Donna Holman for placing us together as she gave so much to many around her. Amber was my learning partner. She taught me a great deal, and helped me with many an aggressive / nervous dog.
Little Pip my Border terrier is now over four years of age, and is stable enough to help other nervous dogs regain composure. She is (like Amber) a past master at showing calming signals. Pip is a very high-energy dog, which will for example stop and turn on a dime to come back when called. Everything she does has an air of acrobatic finesse that leaves me constantly impressed! She is in fact impossible to wear out.
October 2009 sees the arrival of a new Wire-Haired Vizsla Max! (see main picture) I hope to bring Max up to light competition standard for gun dog tests, but in the main to be a well-balanced pet dog that can accompany me in my work with other people and their dogs. Check out my video blogs at YouTube to see his development and previous videos.
As an aside, we also have 'Oscar' a Maine Coon cat. He settled in immediately, Border terriers can live in harmony with cats! It's all about early socialisation, control and reward for calm behaviour. Oscar is stunning and we are delighted with him. Thanks to Helen and Brenda the breeders!
My work typically involves firstly a telephone conversation to establish the dog's history, current problems and home set up. This is an important opportunity for you to ask me whatever you like to ensure you'll be happy working with me to resolve your dog behaviour concerns. Feel free to ask for recent testimonials and so on.
I then make a home visit to assess the dog's behaviour and the relationship with your dog. This is followed by agreeing an easy to follow plan to address your concerns, complete with demonstrations and coaching of the relevant behavioural techniques and training. Free email and telephone support is ongoing and essential to a best outcome.
I follow up the home visit with a report on my findings and the agreed plan. This report is key to help you implement the simple behavioural techniques that need to become routine for you to achieve a positive outcome. Over time this report has developed into a 'Positive leadership Plan'...
Over the years of my working in this field, I have found that a number of small things can be done on a regular basis to gain a calm dog and to show that you are leading and in control, and all the dog has to do is simply follow. I have come to call this a 'Positive Leadership Plan' (PLP). This serves most dogs very well. It can bolster the nervous dog, and regain control of the pushy ones. Invariably people have additional concerns that we shall need to address, but the vast majority still follow the PLP along side with great results! You will receive your own free copy of the PLP. Each and every dog along with its owner will receive a unique plan and advice to resolve dog behaviour problems.
I don't give myself a lofty title such as dog whisperer or dog listener, I'm a regular chap that has a close affinity with dogs and people, and am driven to bring both together in harmony.
My beginnings in the dog world were with Amber back in the early 90's my Hungarian Wire-Haired Vizsla. At nine months we won our first competition together for a working test, after quietly training and reading all I could from dusty books in the library. From that point onwards I was totally hooked, and laid some quiet plans to work with dogs full time in the field of dog training and resolving dog behaviour problems.
Amber passed away in September '08 after a short illness and will be forever missed. I was privileged to have Amber as my first dog, and offer my on-going thanks to Donna Holman for placing us together as she gave so much to many around her. Amber was my learning partner. She taught me a great deal, and helped me with many an aggressive / nervous dog.
Little Pip my Border terrier is now over four years of age, and is stable enough to help other nervous dogs regain composure. She is (like Amber) a past master at showing calming signals. Pip is a very high-energy dog, which will for example stop and turn on a dime to come back when called. Everything she does has an air of acrobatic finesse that leaves me constantly impressed! She is in fact impossible to wear out.
October 2009 sees the arrival of a new Wire-Haired Vizsla Max! (see main picture) I hope to bring Max up to light competition standard for gun dog tests, but in the main to be a well-balanced pet dog that can accompany me in my work with other people and their dogs. Check out my video blogs at YouTube to see his development and previous videos.
As an aside, we also have 'Oscar' a Maine Coon cat. He settled in immediately, Border terriers can live in harmony with cats! It's all about early socialisation, control and reward for calm behaviour. Oscar is stunning and we are delighted with him. Thanks to Helen and Brenda the breeders!
My work typically involves firstly a telephone conversation to establish the dog's history, current problems and home set up. This is an important opportunity for you to ask me whatever you like to ensure you'll be happy working with me to resolve your dog behaviour concerns. Feel free to ask for recent testimonials and so on.
I then make a home visit to assess the dog's behaviour and the relationship with your dog. This is followed by agreeing an easy to follow plan to address your concerns, complete with demonstrations and coaching of the relevant behavioural techniques and training. Free email and telephone support is ongoing and essential to a best outcome.
I follow up the home visit with a report on my findings and the agreed plan. This report is key to help you implement the simple behavioural techniques that need to become routine for you to achieve a positive outcome. Over time this report has developed into a 'Positive leadership Plan'...
Over the years of my working in this field, I have found that a number of small things can be done on a regular basis to gain a calm dog and to show that you are leading and in control, and all the dog has to do is simply follow. I have come to call this a 'Positive Leadership Plan' (PLP). This serves most dogs very well. It can bolster the nervous dog, and regain control of the pushy ones. Invariably people have additional concerns that we shall need to address, but the vast majority still follow the PLP along side with great results! You will receive your own free copy of the PLP. Each and every dog along with its owner will receive a unique plan and advice to resolve dog behaviour problems.
I have a sincere desire to help people truly enjoy the experience of owning a dog. My work to me is far from a 9-5, get home and switch off. I am passionate about my role, and my love of working with owners and their dogs to see what can often be miraculous changes taking place under our very noses. Dogs can change behaviours (that have in some cases been perpetuated for many years) in minutes for the better.
This proves the point I have long held that the change will need to start with the owner, and then over time we can see it flow along to the dog. I will fully support you through those changes!
My approach is sympathetic and non-aggressive, with an emphasis on positive leadership, and reward based dog training techniques.
It is important that we don't just look at the behaviour problems you are concerned with, but a number of underlying factors that may be contributing to the overall situation. For example, I will want to address areas such as diet, and other factors that may be adding unwanted stress to your dog. My methods will allow you to make the improvements you desire free from shouting or feeling exasperated with your dog and as a result all parties remain calm and collected. This often restores harmony to a home that may be at breaking point due to the dog's behaviour. Yes, things really can get better, and yes I really can help!
This proves the point I have long held that the change will need to start with the owner, and then over time we can see it flow along to the dog. I will fully support you through those changes!
My approach is sympathetic and non-aggressive, with an emphasis on positive leadership, and reward based dog training techniques.
It is important that we don't just look at the behaviour problems you are concerned with, but a number of underlying factors that may be contributing to the overall situation. For example, I will want to address areas such as diet, and other factors that may be adding unwanted stress to your dog. My methods will allow you to make the improvements you desire free from shouting or feeling exasperated with your dog and as a result all parties remain calm and collected. This often restores harmony to a home that may be at breaking point due to the dog's behaviour. Yes, things really can get better, and yes I really can help!
Vale Veterinary group recommend Alpha Dog Behaviour, as do many others, and I am a full member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association UK. This simply means to you that I have had to work hard to fulfill a number of strict criteria to be able to gain their support, thus further ensuring a professional practice, and best outcome for you and your dog.
Current thinking and approaches to canine behaviour problems and dog training are always on the move, and any trainer that thinks he or she knows it all is sadly mistaken. I have I feel a 'duty' to ensure that I come to you as well informed as I can be, and am able to think about the behaviour problems you are experiencing in as many different ways as possible. Every dog and its behaviour is different (even within a set breed), the owners and home set ups vary too of course, so this leads to an infinite variety of situations that I might find myself in.
Each year I take on new courses to further my own level of understanding and ability, and this year is no exception. I have undertaken three new courses all connected to the CIDBT. Two are aggression related - both are advanced courses one with aggression to dogs, the other aggression to people. The other is an advanced behaviour course using genuine video footage which is then discussed in depth with other behaviour practitioners.
These are run by the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, and are accredited by the Middlesex University. The good thing with these courses is that a high percentage is based upon practical work as well as theory ensuring a capable practitioner. You can talk all you like about dog behaviour, but unless you can take the lead (literally) and demonstrate what it is that you are wishing to put over to the client and dog, you may as well go home. Nothing substitutes experience, and with over 1,000 home visits under my belt I have plenty of that.
In 2010 I am embarking on a full Masters degree in dog behaviour with the Middlesex University.
I am proud to be an independent practitioner and self employed; not bound to follow methods and practices dictated by a franchisor for example. I have of course agreed to codes of practice in my profession, and I can provide these if you so wish.
Please see sample of testimonials for your reassurance.
Finally, for your full peace of mind, I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Current thinking and approaches to canine behaviour problems and dog training are always on the move, and any trainer that thinks he or she knows it all is sadly mistaken. I have I feel a 'duty' to ensure that I come to you as well informed as I can be, and am able to think about the behaviour problems you are experiencing in as many different ways as possible. Every dog and its behaviour is different (even within a set breed), the owners and home set ups vary too of course, so this leads to an infinite variety of situations that I might find myself in.
Each year I take on new courses to further my own level of understanding and ability, and this year is no exception. I have undertaken three new courses all connected to the CIDBT. Two are aggression related - both are advanced courses one with aggression to dogs, the other aggression to people. The other is an advanced behaviour course using genuine video footage which is then discussed in depth with other behaviour practitioners.
These are run by the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training, and are accredited by the Middlesex University. The good thing with these courses is that a high percentage is based upon practical work as well as theory ensuring a capable practitioner. You can talk all you like about dog behaviour, but unless you can take the lead (literally) and demonstrate what it is that you are wishing to put over to the client and dog, you may as well go home. Nothing substitutes experience, and with over 1,000 home visits under my belt I have plenty of that.
In 2010 I am embarking on a full Masters degree in dog behaviour with the Middlesex University.
I am proud to be an independent practitioner and self employed; not bound to follow methods and practices dictated by a franchisor for example. I have of course agreed to codes of practice in my profession, and I can provide these if you so wish.
Please see sample of testimonials for your reassurance.
Finally, for your full peace of mind, I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
