Jo Williams (MSc, DipCAB, APDT UK) Clinical Animal Behaviourist
I have been training dogs for over 15 years. I live with my husband Jon and 3 dogs; Cuba a Miniature American Shepherd, Hallie a American Shepherd and Bria a Border collie. My previous dog Morgan, Red and White Setter, taught me valuable lessons about training gun dogs and how their noses can get them into trouble! Cuba and I compete in agility and we also love doing trick training, nose work and Hoopers. Bria I have recently taken on at 9 months as an unwanted farm dog and we are just starting to work on some basic training and building a relationship. Halle is a new addition to the team and as a puppy is learning about life. I have qualified as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist by completing a Masters (MSc) in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Newcastle University in 2017. I started my animal education with a diploma in animal behaviour with COAPE in 2000 (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology). This gave me a fantastic theoretical knowledge of animal behaviour so I then needed to get some hands on experience. Training with Scallywags School for Dogs provided me with this. Starting as a class room assistant and progressing on to take my own classes and behavioural cases. I have also worked with The Blue Cross re-homing centre, working with their rescue dogs looking for new homes. I became a full member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) in 2007 because I believe that dog trainers should work to a code of practice and only use ‘Kind, Fair and Effective’ training. I had to pass a written exam, was assessed carrying out a training class, and have been interviewed by a panel of assessors before being accepted as a full member. I am an accredited Instructor with Canine Hoopers UK , Scentwork UK and Dog Parkour UK I do not use any invasive, coercive or punitive equipment or methods. Training must be fun for the dog and owner. Building a good, positive relationship is the most effective way you can have a happy and contented dog. The field of dog training is continuing to develop and change and I make sure I am up to date by attending courses and conferences as often as I can. |
Anna Willitt
I live with three dogs, Poppy, Fly and Finn, and a cat, Treacle. I got Poppy as a puppy, we competed in agility when she was younger, and now she has fun using her nose for scentwork. Fly came to me as a very scared and reactive 7 month old. We’ve worked hard and overcome most of her issues, but she remains a little wary of other dogs. Finn is my youngest, he has sadly retired from agility with health problems so we’re now having fun with hoopers, scentwork and rally obedience. My experience with him has led to me learning more about different activities and I’m a Level One Scentwork UK trainer, and an Accredited Canine Hoopers UK instructor. I worked at National Animal Welfare Trust for 4 years which gave me a good insight into some of the issues that rescue dogs and their new owners can face when they’re re-homed. I am now a Clinical Canine Massage Therapist (www.somersetcaninemassage.co.uk) and proud member of the Canine Massage Guild. Do have a chat if you have any concerns about your dogs health. I became a full member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) in 2019 after passing a written exam, was assessed carrying out a training class, and have been interviewed by a panel of assessors. |
Elaine Fenton
I have always had a love of animals and now that I am retired I can now spend more time working with them. I live with my husband and 2 border collies, Nell and Tye. Nell (the mainly black one) I got as a puppy and Tye (mainly white one) I have recently rescued from The Dogs Trust. Both of my dogs love playing with their toys and Nell and I take part in agility. I have also owned Golden Retrievers. Nell helps as a stooge dog when Jo is working with more complex behavioural cases. I assist with the Cheddon Fitzpaine training classes and I am aiming to become a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers when I have gained enough knowledge and experience. |
Annie Hodge
My name is Annie. I completed my BSc Hons in applied animal management in 2012 before working in a veterinary practice for four years. I've always loved dogs, and have a keen interest in dog behaviour and training. I live with my husband, four cats, and dog, Ember. She is a fox red working type Labrador retriever. We enjoy a variety of activities, trick training, and obedience. Our favourite sport together is hoopers, which I feel has strengthened our bond and helped Ember's focus on me. I first started training with Jo when I needed help with my previous dog's fondness for chasing my cats, and then for his reactive tendencies towards people and dogs. Bruce was an intelligent and sensitive dog, and is the reason I got interested in reinforcement based dog training. I started helping at Paws4Teaching in 2017, and teaching in 2018. I help with the evening group classes, including teaching puppy classes. I also teach alongside Jo at Dog Club, the Reactive group, and beginners Hoopers groups. |