About Sophie
Hi, I'm Sophie! 🐾
My love for working with dogs began long before I became a trainer. After completing my work experience, I started working in a dog day care centre, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience with different breeds, personalities and play styles. It was there that I developed a deeper understanding of canine body language and just how differently every dog experiences the world.
Although I loved being surrounded by dogs every day, I knew I wanted to take my passion further. I wanted to help dogs learn, build confidence and navigate the world around them, while supporting their owners to better understand their four-legged companions. That passion led me into dog training, and it's what continues to drive me today.
I'm accredited with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild, and hold a Diploma in Animal Management. I'm committed to continually developing my knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development. Our understanding of dogs and their behaviour is constantly evolving as science advances, and I believe it's important to stay up to date with the latest research and evidence-based practices. This allows me to continue learning and ensure that the care and training I provide reflects our growing understanding of dogs and their needs.
My approach is centred around positive, force-free training, with a genuine consideration for the dogs overall wellbeing. Every dog deserves to feel safe, understood and respected. In fact they need to feel these things in order to learn! Rather than simply focusing on behaviours we want to change, I look at the bigger picture: how a dog is feeling, what they need, and how we can help them thrive both physically and emotionally.
Outside of work, my partner and I have a dachshund of our own, Elfo, who has certainly put my training skills to the test! He has reinforced my belief that every dog is an individual and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to training. Every dog learns differently, and understanding their unique personality, needs and motivations is key to helping them succeed. Elfo has been a wonderful reminder of just how important it is to adapt our approach to the dog in front of us, and I wouldn't change him for the world! ❤️
Whether I'm helping you work through training or behavioural challenges, or giving your dog the opportunity to enjoy a fun, enriching walk, my aim is always the same: to make sure they feel safe, happy and understood, while helping you build a stronger bond together.
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Further studies include...
- Food Rewards 101 – Mike Newland
- Tellington TTouch – Make Walks Fun Again: Loose Leash Dog Walking Mini Module
- JRH Intermediate Fundamentals
- Understanding Reactivity – Mike Newland
- Dog Tired Webinar – Toni Shelbourne
- Rehabilitation in Dogs – Emily Thomas
- Dog Aggression – Jo Pay
- Wild or Worried – Suzanne Clothier
- The Anxiety Pendulum – Jean Donaldson
- Dog Socialisation: Striking the Balance – Mike Newland
- Surviving Adolescence – Mike Newland
- Rethinking Reactivity: A New Way of Working with Reactive Dogs – Victoria Stilwell
- The Puppy Lab – School of Canine Science
- Building Your Dog’s Confidence – Victoria Stilwell Academy
- Beyond Counterconditioning: Modern Reactivity Work – Jo-Rosie Haffenden (JRH Academy)
- How Dogs Learn – Mary R. Burch and Jon S. Bailey



