Meet the Team!

Lauren (Human)

I have wanted to work with dogs since I was three years old, when my best friend was a Corgi called Sandy. As a teenager, I would be out walking and training dogs for various neighbours and friends, and working with 3 Cypriot rescues.

I am a qualified Behaviourist and Trainer, graduating from the University of Chester in 2023 with a BSc (Hons) degree (Grade - 1st). I also hold many other qualifications and CPD surrounding dog training, disabilities and working with vulnerable individuals. 

I originally trained as a primary school teacher before switching to a career in dog training, so I have 8+ years experience working with children and young people. 

I am a published author, with my dissertation being published in the Reinvention Journal at the end of 2024. I have also attended multiple canine conferences sharing my research. More on this below.

 

Tucker (Hound)

Tucker is my 4-year-old Northern Inuit mix. He was a successful assistance dog, passing his public access test with a prior ADUK assessor back in 2022, and attending University with me. 

Tucker is now retired after being diagnosed with Idiopathic Epilepsy back in September 2023. He is still used for puppy socialisation, and likes to task around the house. 

Tucker taught me so much about the importance of 'training the dog in front of you'. Training him was such a challenge in some aspects, yet so easy in others. He has taught valuable lessons about adapting training to suit dogs with specific needs, and training dogs with low food and toy drives. 

Nowadays, Tucker spends his days sleeping on the sofa and completing various trick training titles, as well as being a great demo dog for young assistance dog prospects. 

My Education and Qualifications

Qualifications and education are very important to me. With the industry being unregulated, I have strived to educagte myself and gain a variety of qualifications in different aspects of canine care in order to continually grow my knowledge. Alongside this, I have gained a wide range of experience with different breeds, owners and training goals to become a well-rounded, confident canine professional. Having ADHD, I enjoy putting my focus into education, so am always completing mini-courses and CPD in my spare time. 

I have my BSc degree in Clinical Canine Behaviour and Training, as well as a Level 5 in Canine Nutrition and Health with the ISCP. I also have an A-Level in Psychology, so I have a good understanding of how the mind works, and how to work with people. Belos is a list of various CPD and mini-courses I have completed:

 

  • Animal Welfare
  • Canine Anatomy & Physiology
  • Canine Behaviour Training
  • Canine Business
  • Canine Communication
  • Canine First Aid
  • Canine Holistic Health & Therapy
  • Canine Hydrotherapy
  • Canine Nutrition
  • Care of the Elderly Dog
  • Grooming
  • Puppy Training
  • Raw Feeding for Dogs and Cats
  • Understanding Canine Anxiety
  • Canine Bonding & Play
  • Canine Enrichment
  • Canine Fear
  • Care and Coaching of Sensory Impaired Dogs
  • Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning
  • Dog Loss and Bereavement
  • Dogs and Children
  • Interactive Play
  • Recall
  • Scentwork for Highly Aroused Dogs
  • Senior Dog Care
  • Specialist Canine Reactivity Expert
  • Specialist Canine Nutrition & Wellness Expert
  • Veterinary Assistant

 

NCFE Cache Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems

TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health

VTCT Skills Level 2 Certificate in LGBT Inclusion in the Workplace

A-Level (Level 3) Psychology (A) 

Level 3 Certificate in Assistance Dog Training (Distinction, ISCP)

Certificate of Higher Education in Primary Studies with QTS (University of South Wales)

Level 5 Canine Behaviour and Health (Distinction, ISCP)

FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training (Distinction, University of Chester)

BSc (Hons) Canine Clinical Behaviour (First Class, University of Chester)

Accreditation

Currently completing my ABTC/APDT, Kennel Club (KCAI) Assistance Dog Specialist, and PACT Accreditations.

My Published Research

After 2 years of work, I finally perfected and published my dissertation! I am over the moon - publishing a paper has been my dream since college. My study is titled "The Influence of Harness Design on Forelimb Biomechanics in Pet Dogs" and was published in November 2024. You can read this here. If you would like me to attend a conference/college and present my findings, please do get in touch. I have attended many conferences including The British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) and the Reaseheath Canine Conference. 

You can access of my paper here. 

My aim is to take my study further, including a larger range of harnesses, and a larger sample size. I hope to do this for my PhD over the next few years. 

I'm Writing My First Book!

 

This will be a guide to training your own assistance dog! I've been working on this for over eighteen months now, and I cannot wait to share it! I have a fantastic illustrator on board and we are excited to share out work! Publication is currently targeted for Winter 2025.