My journey into the world of behaviour first began with a big, brown stray dog, who turned up uninvited and decided he was home. Extremely fearful of everyone and everything, the trust he showed me has stayed with me ever since, sparking a love for sensitive souls in need of a bit of extra help. ​

 

In the years following his arrival, I volunteered with rescue groups across Italy, Spain and the Caribbean, before returning to the U.K. to complete an advanced diploma in canine behaviour management and a BSc. (Hons) in applied animal behaviour. I then took a role as a rehoming and welfare assistant for an English charity, which involved carrying out regular behaviour observations and implementing training programs for the dogs in the rescue's care.

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In my more recent work as a behaviour consultant, I've supported dogs from Spain, Italy, Romania, Greece and England., helping them adapt to life in a home.  I've also carried out pre-adoption home assessments for a Spanish rescue since 2020, and I currently offer post-adoption advice for a charity rehoming from Italy to the U.K. ​

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I've been lucky enough to share my life with some wonderful foster dogs and foster fails along the way, who have all taught me lessons in empathy and understanding.  From reactivity to dogs, visitors, noise phobias and separation anxiety, I know what it feels like to navigate life with a "difficult dog". I I know that building connection and understanding can be a lengthy and challenging process- but I also believe there is no greater joy than watching a once fearful, insecure dog learn to trust and settle into their new life in a family.

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Having had the privilege of living alongside some pretty special canine teachers, I felt relatively prepared when I adopted Gioia, a partially sighted adolescent who had been found on the streets of southern Italy. But traumatised by a complicated start in life and by her injury, she quickly taught me I had plenty more to learn. She was  fearful of touch, of changes in the environment, household noise, humans, dogs, traffic - you name it. She had some very big (and loud) feelings, that needed to be addressed in the right way. It was in looking to support her that I developed a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma and the dysregulation of the nervous system on behaviour. 

 

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Overseas rescue dogs can often struggle with conventional training methods due to their innate sensitivity, intelligence and independence. Highly aware of their environment and their place in it, they need to feel understood, listened to and supported as they navigate life in very unfamiliar surroundings. 

 

I believe in a compassionate, relationship-centred approach that looks at offering choice and building connection, strengthening the bond between guardian and dog. I am committed to the use of scientifically-proven, force free methods, to help you and your dog find joy in your lives together.

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I am a member of the Dog Welfare Alliance, and a certified canine behaviourist with the association of International Canine Behaviourists. I am committed to ongoing CPD each year and am fully insured.​​​​​​​​