Meet The Team
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Cat
Pretending to be in charge, Cat is the human behind Valley Dogs.
“It’s been a bit of a journey but I’m glad to be here bringing a genuine passion to make a better job of dog training to life with Valley Dogs, from a Military career to running an international award winning dog photography studio I fell into dog training during Covid and haven’t looked back. I’m here to help you make the best life with your dog a reality”
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Elvis
In many ways the reason behind it all, Elvis is a Border Terrier, born July 2020 he is the dog that teaches me how to be a better dog trainer on a daily basis. He’s a naturally excitable, high drive full on Terrier who lives life to the max. We’ve faced training, medical and behaviour challenges together and our tale is not yet over.
High prey drive, occasionally unpredictable and always looking to push the boundaries, he is also an incredibly loyal and loving wee guy who knows a good deal when it’s come his way. The best big brother to his sister and an absolute star to have around the house, he is my daily reminder to do a better job.
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Beattie
Sharing the same Dad as Elvis Beattie, also a full Border Terrier, born March 2022, is the dog that (usually) makes me look like a hero dog trainer. Naturally a calmer character then her brother and brought up with games based training she is my saviour on a tough day.
She loves a shoe, she’ll nick your bobble hat and steal a sock given the chance and she lives for food in all its forms. Don’t leave your dinner unattended around this wee lady! She’s an absolute love who’ll sleep under the covers with you given half the chance and like most Terriers when she works she gives 100% and more.
My pledge to you and your dog.
Training a dog, especially one with behaviour issues, is about so much more than sit, down and come. It’s vital to consider the whole dog, health and wellness are equally important to your success. It’s about meeting everyones needs and finding the right compromises so that both the human and dog half of the team are living a happy life together.
Training itself can be fun and rewarding for everyone when we get it right, I have a wide range of training techniques to draw on and always aim to find something that works for both you and your dog. Although you will never find me using any form of intentionally aversive tool, pain or intimidation when training dogs.
It can take time, commitment and like most things we undertake that really matter to us there can be ups and downs - but ultimately when the journey itself is fun, rewarding and all about building a team that loves life, the downs just become the information we need to keep on moving forward.
It’s my mission to take into account all the factors that can make life with your dog better, to work with other professionals where necessary and to make sure that you and your dog enjoy the journey as much as the end result.
Testimonials
My Qualifications and CPD
While it should be, it’s not the case that every dog trainer has relevant qualifications and continues with ongoing CPD.
Here is mine.
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Training Qualifications
Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer
Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer Geek
Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer Genius
(I no longer display the badges from these courses due to the activities of the company directors outside of training activities - I don’t want to support the brand. The learning from the courses is still with me though!)
Dog Training College Reactivity Specialist
Dog Training College Body Language Specialist
Dog Training College Scentwork Specialist
Predation Substitute Training Instructor
LEGS Family Dog Mediator
World Scent Dog Association Blue Level Instructor + Judge
Annual approval by Dog Training College to include interview and client testimonials to prove competency
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Continued Professional Development
In progress - School of Canine Science Behaviour Bible 3 year course
In progress - Click to Calm with Karen Pryor Academy
In person - Scentwork camp at Devon Dogs
In person - Film Days with Absolute Dogs
In person - PDT Development days with Devon Dogs
In person - Interactive Play workshop with Craig Ogilivie
In Person - Shaping workshop with Kamal Fernandez
In Person - Leash Handling skills with Grisha Stewart
In Person - Play Instructors Course with Craig Ogilvie
Online - Reactivity Group Consults with Behavet
Online - Role of Nutrition on the Behaviour of Dogs with Dr Conor Brady
Online - The Neuroscience of Frustration in Dogs with Daniel Shaw
Online - The Play Way with
Online - Fearful Fido with Dr Amber Batson
Online - Absolute Dogs badges to include Scent Work, Adolescence, Tricks, First Aid and Fitness
Online - Recallers with Susan Garett
Online - Social rehabilitation in Dogs with Roz Pooley