I first worked with dog,s when i was in the forces. I passed the protection dog handlers course in the summer of 1991, later that year i passed the practical training assistant and kennel management courses. After serving in the UK and abroad as a handler i left the forces in 1999. After leaving the forces i attended the National Association of Security Dog Users security dog handler course to gain my civilian security dog qualification. In the summer i attended the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers instructors course where i passed the course and gained a second grade instructors certificate and became an affiliate member of the institute. It was at this time that i stated instructing pet dog owners in training clubs in the Eden Valley area of Cumbria. In 2000 i attended the Cumbria campus of the University of Central Lancashire where i gained a Higher National Diploma in Animal Science and qualifications in animal care. After a couple of years i decided to take the plunge and apply for membership of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, thankfully i passed the assessment. I am a rehabilitation trainer for Carrie Evans of Pet Behaviour Referrals who is an assessor and member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and a member of The Association of Pet Behaviour Councillors. I am an approved assessor for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme at Bronze and Silver levels, a companion dog trainer for the charity Dog Aid (Assistance in Disability) and a dog temperament assessor for the charity Pets as Therapy.
