About Me: Dog Trainer, Behaviourist and Lifelong Animal Lover.

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Dog Matters is owned and run by Claire, Aylesbury based dog trainer and behaviourist with a vast array of experience working with animals over the last 22 years. 17 of those years have been dedicated to working with (human) clients and their dogs: teaching life skills; supporting behavioural needs; selecting and training assistance dogs; selecting and handling dogs in animal assisted intervention and producing activities and games that help to bring children and dogs together in a safe and harmonious way.

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Having first achieved my National Diploma in Animal Management, I have since completed a wide variety of courses and qualifications in animal behaviour and achieved a Distinction for my level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour. As well as qualifications relating to animals, I have studied human psychology and learning disabilities of children and young adults.

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Due to their ethics, I am proud to be a member of INTO Dogs which is a founding member organisation of the UK Behaviour and Training Charter, promoting high standards in the industry to ensure high levels of kind, compassionate service to our human and dog clients.

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My professional experience has been influenced by a variety of different job roles:

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• Farm Hand at an open farm. 

• Volunteer at a local Wildlife Hospital.

• Dog Grooming assistant. 

• Dog Hydrotherapy assistant.

• Hospitality Industry. 

• Assistance Dog Puppy Co-ordinator and then Instructor.

• School Dog Handler across two SEN schools - Animal Assisted Education and Animal Assisted Therapy. 

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While my personal experiences have helped shape my professional choices:

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Having cared for two German Shepherds who suffered with joint degeneration and pain, I am passionate about educating dog ‘caregivers’ on how to observe their dogs’ behaviour to determine subtle changes which could indicate pain or health changes, working closely with vets and other local professionals to help clients. As a result of learning how much a dog’s pain can affect their behaviour, I have taken the opportunity to complete training with Canine Arthritis Management and am currently undertaking my level one CAM Advocate course. Due to my interest and passion for identifying pain in dogs, my chosen dissertation project for my advanced diploma was: “A Critical Analysis of the Influence of Pain on Dog Behaviour and Wellbeing”.

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I currently share my life with 8-year-old working sheepdog Kizzy, who enjoys woodland walks, scent-work, water-based fun, and sofa cuddles! Kizzy was a rescue puppy and I have worked with her over the years to build her confidence around traffic, loud noises, people, children and other dogs, continuing to support her needs and trying to give her the best life she deserves. Kizzy features regularly in my training videos showing off what she’s learnt and helping to demonstrate various techniques for my clients to follow!