Sara: A Passion for Helping Dogs and Their People

Hello, I’m Sara McIver, and I’m a registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council in the UK. With over 20 years of experience in the training and behaviour field, my journey has been filled with incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of dogs and their owners.

My Career with Guide Dogs UK

One of the most rewarding chapters of my career was the time I spent with Guide Dogs UK. I started as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, a role I held for seven years, where I was directly involved in the training and support of guide dogs and their handlers. It was here that I truly fell in love with the process of shaping these life-changing partnerships, and I knew that I wanted to do more to improve the journey for both dogs and their owners.

After my initial role, I transitioned into a Training and Behaviour Consultant position, where I worked for another six years. This role was incredibly fulfilling as I had the chance to be part of a team dedicated to updating the ethics and training techniques for guide dogs from their earliest days as puppies all the way through to their qualification as fully trained guide dogs. This wasn’t just about refining techniques—it was about elevating the standard of care and training across the board. I spent a lot of time upskilling our staff through webinars, practical workshops, and the development of learning materials. It was exciting to see how these efforts translated into better support for our guide dogs and their owners, creating partnerships that were not only functional but deeply connected.

Academic Pursuits and Publications

In 2018, I completed my MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, graduating with distinction. My thesis focused on the quality of life of assistance dog owners before and after dog placement—a subject close to my heart, given my years with Guide Dogs UK. I was proud to publish my research, contributing to a better understanding of how these remarkable dogs enhance the lives of their handlers beyond just mobility and independence.

Ongoing Commitment to Animal Welfare

Today, I work as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist for one of the largest dog rescue organisations in the UK. My role allows me to continue pursuing my passion for helping dogs and their people, especially those who have faced challenges or difficult starts in life. Working in rescue is both challenging and incredibly rewarding—I get to witness first hand the transformation of dogs as they overcome behavioural issues and find their forever homes.

I also stay actively involved in the broader animal behaviour community. I regularly assist on animal training courses, run workshops, and am always on the lookout for continuing professional development opportunities. For me, learning is a lifelong pursuit, and I’m committed to staying at the forefront of best practices in animal behaviour and training.

Life Beyond Work

Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with my husband, son, dog, and horse. Along with Caroline and another r+ professional I run positive reinforcement group training sessions for horses and their owners; the horse world has some catching up to do with its understanding of positive reinforcement training, but we are getting there one treat bag and clicker at a time!

Reflecting on my journey so far, I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent my career doing what I love—helping dogs and their people create strong, positive relationships. Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, and I’m excited to continue making a difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me, and I look forward to sharing more insights and stories from the world of animal behaviour and training as we continue on our journey with growing United Partners.