Me and My Dogs

I'm Anna, and while I love working with dogs, the real reason I train is because I love coaching owners to get the best out of their relationship with their dogs. There's nothing better than seeing the moment something clicks, and the owner just 'gets it.'

My love of coaching and sports started out when I worked at a children's riding school, and then continued in to coaching kids football, before taking a random turn into football refereeing! I've been working with animals since 2010, as a rescue centre manager for two different national charities, and as a trainer and clinical massage therapist.

Like many people, it was my first dog Poppy, a typical Springer Spaniel, that led to my interest in training. At 3 years old she was that cliche problem dog, no recall, pulled on a lead, barked for attention and launched herself at everyone for fuss. I needed to do something, but was worried we'd be kicked out of an obedience class! We tried agility instead, Poppy's behaviour quickly improved and I was hooked on training.

Like most people with the agility bug, dogs 2 and 3 followed shortly after. Fly is a Collie cross rescue, still with me at about 16 years old. She was my intro to the world of behaviour problems, with high anxiety levels and a bite first, ask questions later attitude to most things! I worked through dog and people aggression, and she became the easiest dog to live with, although she never quite grasped the idea of sports. Finn is a 12 year old Springer cross, he's had health problems to overcome, but despite not being a natural at all he was my main sporting dog for several years. He's enjoying a happy active retirement now, although does play at hoopers when he's in the mood, and is working at Scentwork UK Level 5.

Florrie is my 4 year old Border Collie who is an absolute dream to train and compete with. Not because she's easy or successful, but because she loves it so much. She's a massive challenge, with heaps of potential but she thinks and moves far quicker than I do, and loses her mind quickly so our training is very much about me getting my timing right, while working on her arousal levels. I've also been working through severe noise phobia and hormonal issues with her which have affected her ability to train and even to enjoy walks at times. But even when we go through long spells with no results to shout about she is still so much fun to work with. Florrie is Grade 4 in agility and made the Agility 4 All and the FAB finals in 2024, she's novice in CHUK hoopers, and is working at Level 8 in Scentwork UK. 

My introduction to canine massage also came thanks to Poppy, who not long after she started competing in agility had problems jumping. X rays found Spondylosis, and wanting something beyond just short walks and medication I discovered the Canine Massage Guild. Poppy received regular treatments and went from uncomfortable and unable to sleep properly or enjoy walks, to being able to run across the hills and enjoy hoopers right up until she died at the age of 12. After seeing how effective it was I trained with the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, passing my 2 year course in 2018. I've treated a huge range of breeds, ages and conditions over the last 7 years, but will always have a soft spot for the oldies.

What Do I Do?

I love working with 'naughty' dogs. The spaniels who are ruled by their nose, the collies who obsessively stalk, the lab who thinks the world is their friend, the terrier who barks all day. I want to make training accessible and simple for owners who would like to change their dogs behaviour and make them a little easier to live with, but without having to become hugely skilled themselves and without resorting to punishment to do it.

My favourite owners to work with are those that enjoy a laugh, don't take everything too seriously and help to create a supportive atmosphere in a group. Age, ability and background are unimportant as long as you are kind to your dog and want to learn. As my enthusiasm and knowledge are higher than my natural skill levels, and coordination is not something that comes naturally to me, I can appreciate the challenges that owners face when learning something new, and will always tailor my training to help the team in front of me.

I teach hoopers and Scentwork because that's what I'm passionate about, and people learn best when the trainer loves what they are doing. I also offer 121 lessons and some group classes that are focussed more towards life skills and some behaviour issues, and can work on your dogs individual needs during these.