Qualifications

Professional experience and training you can trust

I continually update my skills and knowledge to give you the best guidance for your dog. These qualifications reflect my training, professional development, and dedication to understanding dogs of all ages and breeds.

My Code of Ethics

Your dog’s wellbeing is always my top priority. Training is based on rewards your dog finds motivating, whether that’s food, toys, or play. If we wouldn’t work for free, why should our dogs?

Every dog is unique, so I’ll help you discover what works best for your individual dog. There are no quick fixes, but I will give you the tools, understanding, and confidence to train your dog day by day and reach your goals together.

Special Focus Areas

  • Puppy behaviour and development
  • Nervous or fearful dogs
  • Multi-species households
  • Practical, day-to-day training solutions
  • Children and dogs

Volunteer & Practical Experience

Alongside formal training, I’ve spent over 15 years fostering, volunteering, and caring for animals in shelters. I’ve also worked with pets of families moving internationally, helping them adjust to new routines and environments.

Over the last 15 years, our family has fostered more than 250 animals in Ireland and Spain, from newborn puppies and kittens to senior rescues. We’ve worked with blind, injured, and other special-needs dogs and cats. I have also spent years volunteering in animal shelters, enjoy helping to take care of friends’ horses, and have looked after everything from a tortoise to a pig. I run a Facebook community called Madrid Pet Lovers to help other animal lovers connect, and I work with WEPETS Travel to support families moving internationally with their pets.

Professional Certification

Certificado de Profesionalidad SEAD0412: Basic Dog Training and Education (Level 2)

Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE), Gobierno de España
Madrid, December 2024

This nationally recognised certification (RD 548/2014) demonstrates my professional competence in dog training and behaviour modification. To achieve this certification, I successfully completed a structured assessment programme, which included written exams, multiple interviews, and practical demonstrations of skills and experience.

Key areas covered include:

  • Canine learning theory and behaviour
  • Practical training techniques for dogs of all ages and breeds
  • Assessment and development of training plans
  • Canine welfare and safety standards
  • Basic first aid for dogs
  • Foundational canine nutrition


Earning this certification confirms that I have the formal knowledge and practical skills required to work safely and effectively with dogs, from puppies to adults, including those with special needs or behavioural challenges.

Certifications

Under ‘Certifications’ I have included courses that involved an assessment, in all of which I achieved Distinction.

  • Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour, Level III
    Open College Network, July 2018
  • The Real Dog Yoga Instructors’ Course
    Jo-Rosie Haffenden, Battersea Dog’s Home, UK, December 2017
  • 2 Day Assessment
    The Institute of Modern Dog Training (IMDT), Pat’s Rescue Retreat, Spain, September 2017

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

In my quest to expand my knowledge, I pride myself on ongoing CPD. These are courses, workshops, and webinars I have attended both in-person and online, helping me refine my skills and provide tailored guidance for every dog and family I work with.

Puppy Culture: The Original Film
Madcap University, Online, July 2024

Canine Nutrition Masterclass
Dr Conor Brady, Online, January 2024

Canine Neutering Webinar
The School of Canine Science, Online, May 2023

Mini Course – Dog Meets Baby
Dominika Knossalla-Pado, Online, July 2022

Behaviour Bible: Full 3 Year Course
The School of Canine Science, Ongoing, Online, August 2021

Comportamiento y manejo de los perros tímidos
Edogtorial: Mara Velez, Online, November 2021

Fireworks Masterclass
Bone Canis: Mark Bridger-Pescott, Online, October 2021

Walking Your Dog!
Nordic Education Centre for Dog Trainers: Turid Ruugas, Online, October 2021

Dog Trainers Workshop – Teaching Pet Parents Body Language for a more Positive Outcome
Empowered Dog, Online, October 2021

The Double Recall – Unleash your dog’s desire to return to you!
The Virtual Dog Conference 2021: Simone Müller, Online, September 2021

El desafío de la comida cruda de 2 semanas
Dogs First & CaniDogs Center: Dr. Conor Brady, Online, August 2021

The Dog Enrichment Course
Instinct Dog Behaviour & Training, Online, June 2021

The Leash Reactive Dog Course
Instinct Dog Behaviour & Training, Online, June 2021

The Patient and Polite Dog Course
Instinct Dog Behaviour & Training, Online, June 2021

Husbandry is my Agility
Chirag Patel & Eva Bertilsson, Online, April 2021

An Introduction to Raw Feeding
Dr. Nick Thompson, Online, February 2021

A Professional’s Guide to Canine Intelligence
The School of Canine Science, Online, January 2021

The Truth About Cats & Dogs
The University of Edinburgh, Online, December 2020

Understanding Dog Aggression
AggressiveDog.com: Michael Shikashio, Online, December 2020

But is it really Separation Anxiety?
Separation Anxiety Dog: Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, Online, December 2020

Noise Sensitivity in Dogs
Separation Anxiety Dog: Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, Online, December 2020

Bonding & Enriching the Life of a Fearful Dog Through Tricks
Sarah Rodriguez, Online, 2020

Making Scent Detection Accessible to Every Dog
Jamie Pound, Online, 2020

Positive Solutions for Behaviour, Performance & Health – Aging Dogs
Lori Stevens, Online, 2020

Thousand Hour Eyes – Reading the Scenting Dog
Steve White, Online, 2020

Creating Resilience and Tolerance to Frustration through Shaping and Play
Kamal Fernandez, Online, 2020

People Centred Solutions for Dog Trainers & Behaviourists
Clair Hickson, Online, 2020

Bitey Side of Business – Expanding Your Business Around Aggression Cases
Michael Shikashio, Online, 2020

Identifying and Treating Separation Anxiety – The 4 Key Pillars for Success
Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, Online, 2020

Watching & Wondering – The Science & Soul of Dog Training
Dr. Ian Dunbar, Online, 2020

With Open Arms and a Level Head – How to Bring a Puppy Into Your Life
Madcap University, Online, October 2020

Wolf Awareness
Canine Principles: Simone Müller, Online, October 2020

The Dogs & Kids Course
Instinct Dog Behaviour & Training, Online, September 2020

Decoding Your Cat – Feline Elimination Problems
WINN Feline Foundation, Online, August 2020

Predation Substitute Training – New Ways to Manage Predatory Chasing
Grisha Stewart Dog Training & Behavior: Simone Müller, Online, August 2020

Raise your Separation Anxiety Game
The School of Canine Science, Online, July 2020

Masterclass de Señales de Calma Caninas
Ágora Canina, Online, June 2020

Canine First Aid – Paw and Pad Injuries
Rachel Bean RVN’s School, Online, June 2020

Puppy Assessment
Monique De Roeck Dog Training, Online, June 2020

Coronavirus Awareness Course
The National Skills Academy, Online, June 2020

Grieving the Loss of a Pet
IMDT, Online, June 2020

Loose Lead Walking
Canine Principles, Online, June 2020

Dolor y nutrición en problemas de comportamiento
Más Que Guau, Online, June 2020

Agresividad canina
Más Que Guau, Online, May 2020

OCI Training Classes
Dani Pardos, Meco, September 2019 – October 2020

Scent for 6
The School of Canine Science, Online, Ongoing

Dr. Ian Dunbar’s SIRIUS® Dog Trainer Academy – All 4 Days
Udemy: Dr. Ian Dunbar, Online, December 2019

The Dog Rescuer’s Guide
Canine Principles, Online, December 2019

30 Days of Canine Science
The School of Canine Science, Online, September 2019

Dog Training for Humans: Clicker Free Trick Training
Udemy: Dom Hodgson, Online, May 2019

4 Day Practical Instructor Course
IMDT, Malaga, September 2017

K9 First Aid
IMDT, Madrid, July 2017

UK Dog Trainers & Behaviourists 2017 Conference
IMDT, Hertfordshire, June 2017

Canine Aggression & Rehab
IMDT, Malaga, May 2017

Perfect Puppy Foundations
IMDT, Malaga, May 2017

2 Day Career as a Dog Trainer
IMDT, Malaga, May 2017

Resource Guarding
IMDT, Dublin, March 2017

Relación entre la Correa y la Agresividad
Santi Vidal, Madrid, May 2017

Dog Training For Humans – Stop Pulling on the Lead!
Udemy: Dom Hodgson, Online, January 2017

Rookie: In the Doghouse Trick Club
Online, January 2017

The Dog’s BFF Award
ISCP, Online, June 2016

Introducción del perro rescatado en su nuevo hogar
Turid Rugaas & Edogtorial, Madrid, April 2016

Resolución de problemas
Turid Rugaas & Edogtorial, Madrid, April 2016

Animal Behaviour & Welfare
The University of Edinburgh, Online, December 2015

Everything I do is built on experience, empathy, and evidence-based methods.

Whether you have a lively puppy, a nervous rescue, or a dog with special needs, my training and professional development mean you can feel confident that you and your dog are in safe, capable hands.

If you’d like to see how my experience and training can help you and your dog, get in touch today or explore my services and prices