About Happyplacedogs.co.uk
About me
After working for 25 years in education, first as a primary school teacher then as a Senco, I am now lucky enough to be following my dream of working with dogs and their families as trainer and dog walker.
Having grown up with dogs all my life and then having my own dogs, first my beloved and much missed Mac the border collie and now Margot my beautiful cocker spaniel, I understand the joy and companionship that a dog brings into your life. My 'happy place' has always been being out with my dog in the beautiful countryside or just cuddling up with them at home.
In April 2023 I started studying for a Level 4 diploma in canine, welfare, behaviour and training which I completed in April 2024. In January 2024, I took the leap and became a Dog Walker full time and began my journey to become a Puppy School Tutor, proudly becoming fully qualified in September 2024. I am passionate about using only positive reinforcement and reward based training methods to help teach and develop the skills for life that your puppy needs to enable them to grow into the happy, confident and well mannered dog that they deserve to be. I have recently been on the crazy journey of puppy ownership with my own puppy Margot so I understand the highs and lows of this exciting time. Margot is now 1 year old and I am so proud of the progress that she has made over the last year of training using the Puppy School techniques. All the hard work is so worth it!
I live with my husband and beautiful daughter Ava along with Margot and our two much loved guinea pigs, Pixie & Maple.
'Better than all of the gold in the world, better than diamonds, better than pearls, better than any material thing, is the love of a dog and the joy that it brings.' Laura Jaworski
WHAT HAPPY PLACE DOGS CAN OFFER
Puppy School
In much the same way as children, a dog's brain experiences rapid changes and development throughout their early years. Most lasting behaviour is formed during the first three years of a dog's life.
It is therefore vital that we understand and support our puppy and adolescent dog through these stages to ensure that they grow up to be the confident, happy and well balanced dog that thrives in your family. Puppy School provide comprehensive puppy training programmes which have been created to help families and their puppies develop the foundation for a successful training partnership that will last a lifetime. Since qualifying as a tutor I am working as an Associate Tutor to Catherine Pleasance. Catherine currently runs classes in Ide Hill Village Hall on a Tuesday evening. I run additional classes on Saturday afternoon in Weald Scout Hut. Click on the button below for more information and booking.
Preparing children for a new puppy workshop.
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for the whole family. Children can have a wonderful bond and relationship with a dog which can enrich each other's lives. However, it is essential that this relationship is based on mutual understanding and trust from the very start.
I can help teach your child/children the skills and knowledge they need to form the best bond with your new puppy and help them to have the confidence and understanding needed to be a responsible and caring young pet owner.
The one hour workshop covers topics such as understanding puppy's body language, what puppy needs, common puppy behaviours such as mouthing and jumping up and what to do, how to play with puppy and simple tricks to work on together.
Having been a class teacher of KS1 and KS2 children I can make the learning fun and interactive giving young owners and their puppies the best possible start to their relationship.
One to One Puppy Training Visits
If you would like some one to one support as well as attending a group class or would prefer training advice and support on a one to one basis I can offer one off visits or a block of visits to your own home. Covering either general puppy life skills and training or support for a particular behaviour, I would be happy to help.
Preparing to welcome a new puppy into your home? I can offer a home visit with practical advice to help you prepare your home for your new family member.
Including:
-an introduction to reward based training and positive reinforcement training methods
- the importance of enrichment activities for your puppy
- support with common puppy behaviours such as mouthing, chewing, jumping up
- advice on toilet training
- information about understanding your puppy's body language.
Dog Walking
I offer small group walks, no more than four in a group, so that I can give each dog the attention they need.
Dogs are carefully matched to ensure that they are happy and relaxed in each other's company.
Pick up and drop off back to your house with a drink and wipe down once we get back.
I also offer 1:1 walks which can include training of skills such as lose lead walking and recall.
