I have been training dogs since I was old enough to hold a lead - I grew up in a household with Briards (large, hairy French sheepdogs) - at once point we had 9! - My mother was secretary of the British Briard Club and I handled in the showring from the age of 6. Dogs have always been a massive part of my life and I got my 'own' rescue dog two weeks after I got my first home after completing a degree in English Literature at Lancaster University - the first foster dog, a lovely 9yr old GSD x staffie named Roxy, wasn't long after that!
I started fostering rescues in around 2003 and that led to me working with a number of charities helping to rehabilitate long-stayers and carrying out home-checks. I volunteered at a large dog training centre for a number of years before returning to university to do a second degree in Applied Animal Behavioural Science and Welfare BSc through Greenwich University.
I enjoy learning and do went on to do further courses in teaching skills, 'Pet Dog Training; Basic Obedience, Agility and Control' as well as courses on canine complementary therapies, scent work and canine first aid.
To date I have been teaching dog training classes for 20 years: at two clubs and a previous dog training centre prior to setting up 'Be Good Dog Training' in 2011. I have experience in a large number of different breeds but my forte is with gundog, working and pastoral dogs.
I live in Ryarsh with my dog friendly husband, Mark, and our three children. We share our home with four dogs; Phoenix and Ember (Australian Working Kelpies), Sapper (Rescue Huntaway x Collie), and Biscuit (Working Cocker Spaniel) we also have two guinea pigs, some chickens and a cockerel called Steve who you may hear during classes!
Husband, Mark, and 18 month old Phoenix finishing a 14k Maverick Cani-cross trail run... (2016)
Sapper (2023)
Sapper (6) Phoenix (9) Ember (7) and Biscuit (9 months) 2024
Bertie, Ember and Phoenix (2017)
Bertie and foster-girl Pumpkin (2010)
Phoenix and Bertie (2015 - Bertie sadly died in 2017)