About me
My name is Averil and I live in the beautiful North Wales countryside in a village called Penrhyn Bay, surrounded by mountains and coastlines.
I am currently owned by Charley who is a 4 year old cheeky (and insanely clever!) Tibetan Terrier. We compete in heelwork to music (you might be more familiar with the term "dog dancing"), we also like to do scentwork and mantrailing as and when I get the time. I regularly attend training days and workshops across the country, working with some of the most talented and knowledgeable trainers in the country.
I also attend various online and in person seminars/webinars, ensuring my knowledge and understanding are kept up to date.
Education
I am an Animal Training Instructor accredited with the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC). My accreditation means that not only have I undergone rigorous practical assessments, but that I have also undertaken assessments on the theory and evidence behind how animals learn most effectively.
The ABTC regulates and oversees animal welfare in the dog training industry and my accreditation means that I adhere to their code of ethics: https://abtc.org.uk
My accreditation also means that I am obliged to undergo significant Continued Professional Development (CPD) every year if I am to remain on their register. I am committed to this, and invest a significant amount of time and money into continued study.
I am fully insured and hold an OFQUAL level 3 qualification in canine first aid.
I hold a L3 Diploma in Dog Boarding. I do not currently offer this service, although I may do so in the future.
Qualifications
L4 Canine Training Instructor-PACT
L3 Canine First Aid
WDSA scent Instructor
Certified Trick Trainer
I have also studied extensively with the School of Canine Science.
What is my method of training?
My training methods are based on rewarding those behaviours we want the dog to keep doing, and teaching appropriate behaviours in place of those we don’t like. My training advice will not include any use of intentionally aversive (painful , scary or unpleasant) consequences, and the welfare of both you and the dog will always my priority.
What can I do for you?
My goal is to build your skills, motivation and self-belief whilst showing compassion for you and your dog and meeting both your needs. This involves enhancing your knowledge and understanding of what motivates your dog and how to use that knowledge and understanding to help your dog fit into our often complicated world.
I understand there are different personality types in both dogs and people, and I will work with the team in front of me to get the best out of you both.
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This is a reasonable, and very common question. All animals (including humans) need to eat, and the biological drive for food is a powerful one. Simply put, eating something tasty makes us feel good and means that for the vast majority of dogs, food rewards are a very effective motivator. If you’re teaching a sit, it’s relatively simple to pop a bite of hot dog sausage into your dog’s mouth at the instant his rear end touches the floor. This is how dogs learn. It’s much more difficult to time your reward correctly with something like petting, or play…which could translate to confusion on your dog’s part, and a slower learning process.
It is entirely possible to motivate a dog through praise, play or activities they love, and this can be developed over time as you get to understand what really motivates your dog .
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I don’t use an online booking system as I want to make sure that I am able to meet both your needs and your dogs prior to you parting with any money. To do this, Ineed to obtain a history of the issue you are seeking help for, and to that end I ask that you contact me via email or telephone for us to have a chat and establish the most suitable way forward. I look forward to hearing from you .
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The simple answer to this is that there is no simple answer! The answer depends on that dog, in that moment and in that particular set of circumstances .