About Me
Positive, reward-based dog training and pet gundog training in Hampshire
Working with dogs for over thirty six years!
My Life with Dogs
I have worked with dogs for over 36 years. My journey began in boarding kennels when I was a teenager and later led me to become a successful professional dog groomer, running a busy salon near Portsmouth.
I went on to gain a City & Guilds Further and Adult Education Teaching Certificate and a City & Guilds Training and Development Assessors Award, allowing me to combine my experience with my love of teaching and supporting others.
Over the years, life with my two wonderful Wheaten Terriers introduced me to obedience training, agility, Pets as Therapy, essential-oil therapy for animals and canine anatomy and physiology. My desire to understand dogs and build better relationships with them has always been at the heart of everything I do.
Then I met Henry
Henry is my handsome red fox Labrador and the inspiration behind Henry & Me.
From a young age, Henry found interactions with other dogs difficult. Wanting to understand and support him led me to explore positive, reward-based training and discover how much difference short, enjoyable games could make.
As Henry became more confident, I became passionate about helping other owners understand their dogs and work through their own challenges. Henry and I learnt together, and that journey eventually became Henry & Me.
Our Pet Gundog Journey
As Henry is a Labrador, I wanted to give him opportunities to use the natural skills and instincts associated with his breed. It was important to me that his training did not involve force, pressure or aversive methods.
This led me to the Gundog Trainers Academy, where I completed the Handler's Course and continue to develop my knowledge through further advanced learning.
One of the things I value most about the Academy is its commitment to ethical, science-backed and non-coercive gundog training using positive reinforcement only. This approach can be difficult to find within more traditional areas of gundog training, and it fits perfectly with how I want both Henry and my clients' dogs to learn.
As part of our continuing development, I achieved a distinction at Clicker Trainers Competency Assessment Programme Level 1, and Henry achieved a merit at Gundog Assessment Grade 3.
My Training Specialism
Today, I specialise in positive pet gundog training for fun, enrichment and teamwork.
My sessions are for everyday owners who would like to explore gundog-inspired activities with their dogs, whether or not they own a traditional gundog breed or have any intention of working their dog in the field.
The training gives dogs enjoyable, purposeful ways to use their bodies and minds through retrieving, hunting, recall, whistle work and handling exercises. These skills can help develop focus, confidence, calmness, self-control and a stronger connection between dog and owner.
Gundog training has brought Henry and me even closer together. Working as a team, sharing activities he genuinely enjoys and giving him appropriate outlets for his natural abilities have all added greatly to his enrichment and quality of life.
Seeing the benefits it has given Henry is why I am so passionate about helping dogs of many different breeds experience pet gundog training in a kind, positive and enjoyable way.
How I Train
I am a positive, reward-based dog trainer. Games remain an important part of my training, but they are one of many tools I use.
I combine games, practical exercises, clear guidance and positive reinforcement to create training that suits the individual dog and owner. I look beyond the behaviour you can see and help you understand why your dog may be struggling, before breaking the training down into achievable steps.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog is different, and training should be kind, enjoyable and appropriate for the dog in front of us.
Through one-to-one coaching, puppy training, small group classes and pet gundog sessions, my aim is to help you and your dog feel calm, connected and confident.
Henry and Me
Henry & Me grew from the journey of one woman and her dog, working through the kinds of struggles and challenges experienced by many owners.
Today, I use everything Henry has taught me, alongside my qualifications, practical experience and continued professional development, to guide and support other dogs and their owners.
Whether you need support with everyday training, are starting life with a puppy or would like to discover pet gundog training, I would love to help you build a happier and more connected life with your dog.
