From Family Pet to Professional Dog Trainer: A Lifelong Passion for Canine Care

My journey into the world of dog training began with a family pet, a dog that sparked a lifelong passion for working with animals. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with dogs, but during a careers meeting at school when I was 13, I was told there was no such thing as an "animal psychologist." Despite this, I was determined to find a way to turn my love for animals into a career.

A Life-Changing Encounter at 14

When I was 14, I attended a fundraising event where I met my first Guide Dog (GD) and its owner. This was a pivotal moment in my life. My mother had been the chair of a local fundraising branch for Guide Dogs for nearly 50 years, and through her, I had the opportunity to spend time with this special partnership. It was then that I decided I wanted to become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI).

At 15, I went a step further and spent an entire year living in a tent to raise money for Guide Dogs, fully committing myself to supporting this cause.

Following My Dreams: Education and First Roles

After completing my A-levels in Biology and Psychology, with the intention of becoming an animal psychologist, I applied for an apprenticeship to become a GDMI when I was 18. However, I was told I was too young. Undeterred, I took a role as a kennel assistant for Guide Dogs, which served as a stepping stone to further opportunities.

By the age of 20, I secured an apprenticeship as a GDMI, and from there, my career truly took off. Over the next 35 years, I trained over 100 dogs and facilitated countless partnerships, helping individuals lead more independent lives.

Rising Through the Ranks

After 10 years as a GDMI, I transitioned into management and moved to Kent to take on the role of team manager. In this role, I was responsible for overseeing multiple departments and leading the Guide Dogs teams in Kent and East Sussex through challenging restructures and relocations. During this time, I also worked on several special projects, focusing on improving the process of raising puppies and enhancing our service delivery methods.

As my experience grew, I was entrusted with managing Guide Dogs' research portfolio, which included work in ophthalmology, psychosocial studies, canine behaviour, and breeding. This period allowed me to see the vital role that innovation plays in improving dog training and care.

Pioneering New Approaches in Dog Training

One of the most significant accomplishments of my career came when I took on the role of Head of Dog Behaviour and Training for guide dog UK. I led a team that developed a standardised approach to training dogs, which was both efficient and aligned with the ethical values of the Guide Dogs organisation. The success of this initiative earned me a lifetime achievement award, a humbling recognition of my contributions to the field.

International Experience and Continuous Learning

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to present at universities, organisations, and International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) conferences both in the UK and around the world. In 2015, I became an IGDF assessor, which allowed me to work with Guide Dog schools globally. This experience reinforced my belief in continuous learning and the importance of understanding how different cultures and investments shape the way we train and work with dogs.

As a strong advocate for process improvement, I have studied "Lean" methodologies and embraced the principles of the "7 Habits." These principles have been invaluable in helping me work successfully with clients, partnerships, dogs, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Adapting to Change: The COVID Challenge

In 2020, I joined the IGDF accreditation committee and played a key role in devising a remote approach to assessments during the challenging COVID years. Adapting to these unprecedented circumstances highlighted the importance of resilience and creativity in improving our services, even during difficult times.

A New Chapter: Dog Behaviour Services

Today, I am thrilled to be running my own dog services business alongside my wife, Sam, through Dog Behaviour Services www.dogbs.co.uk. We are passionate about helping people with their pet dogs, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to our new venture.

In my personal life, I’m a proud father of two grown-up children, a French Bulldog owner, and a grandparent. I enjoy travelling, camping, and spending time with the wonderful people in my life.

As I look to the future, I’m excited about new developments in dog training, the continued success of our family business, and the opportunity to work even more closely with my wife in the field we both love.

I'm really excited to take on the role of Independent Director at United Partners, working with a talented group of individuals who all share the same passion for the assistant dog world. Here’s to many more years of supporting dogs and their owners!