For over 25 years I have helped thousands of dogs overcome reactivity, aggression, anxiety and complex behavioural challenges – always with patience, empathy and a deep respect for each dog's unique story.
My journey began as a child with Jessie, our family dog, whose soulful eyes first showed me how much dogs feel and understand. That early connection grew into a lifelong calling. Today I share my life with Oscar, my thoughtful Border Collie, and Shandy, my joyful Cocker Spaniel – they are my constant companions on countryside hikes and my trusted assistants on Saturday guided walks.
My approach is grounded in science – including canine neurobiology, fMRI research and oxytocin pathways – yet always practical and compassionate. I use only force-free, play-based methods that strengthen the bond between dog and owner while creating lasting calm.
Outside of work you'll find me sketching, enjoying a good coffee or walking the Surrey hills with Oscar and Shandy. Every day I feel privileged to unlock dogs' hearts and help owners discover the joyful, peaceful companionship they dreamed of.
Whether through one-to-one rehabilitation, my books, or our free structured walks, my goal is simple: to help every dog feel safe, understood and loved.
I focus on understanding each dog as an individual, prioritising their emotional well-being and building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Dogs thrive when they feel safe and valued, and they respond best to positive reinforcement – especially praise – which creates a genuine desire to learn and cooperate.
This emotional connection, combined with an individualised plan that fulfils each dog's needs, sets my method apart. By using kindness, play and calm energy rather than dominance or punishment, I help dogs heal from trauma, reduce anxiety and become eager and willing partners. Science backs this up: positive reinforcement enhances learning and lowers stress, while building the deep bond that makes lasting change possible.
The result? Hundreds of dogs now happily running in parks, greeting others calmly or relaxing at home – with owners who say it saved months of frustration and brought the companionship they always wanted.
Healing Only Begins When You Understand The Dog.
"Everywhere, he barks and lunges at people and dogs, he thinks the postman is enemy number one, he hates strange dogs, but has a crazy high-drive housemate that he adores. His home is calm, and he has a large garden."
Alright, picture this: soft countryside pathway, birds chirping, total calm...
Four dogs: my Oscar and Shandy, already pros off-lead; this guy's reactive dog, who's come a long way since being a nutcase a few months back, is sniffing, flexi-lead, happy and loving it; and then the lady rolls up with Max.
He's barking like a mad dog from the car, lunging up on his hinds. I met them recently, did a home assessment, so I know the score with Max; he’s pretty lively, and he will bite.
Straight over to them, “Take the muzzle off”, “Ditch the prong collar”. She does. I take over and clip on my 10-metre flexi-lead, just so he can feel that he's trusted; I let him be free to explore and sniff. And I give him a stick, his instinctive behaviours would suggest “a job”, which I knew would change his emotions from feeling worried to feeling important. I called him to me, “Carry”. And Boom! – he's a different dog, suddenly a dog with a purpose. No more barking. Eyes Forward, Focussed, Tail Relaxed, Confident.
The other dogs don't even look; they're calm, doing what dogs do.
Max clocks the bloke and gives him a muzzle-punch on the leg, (testing him). He went too far by getting physical, but GSDs are known to be vigilant around strangers. Neither of us flinches nor says a word. He realises, nah, safe, walks off. Tries a sniff with his dog, sideways, polite. No drama. Shandy darts past him constantly, Oscar tries to keep him in the “herd”, Max knows the other dogs just want the stick, but no-one dares to take it, he’s doing a good job.
Max realises that he’s in safe hands; he already trusts me and enjoys my company. See, the point isn't just the stick. The stick's just a job. Jobs make dogs think straight. Fear goes quiet while focus takes over. It’s because everyone's calm and happy, me included, he starts to believe nothing bad is going to happen. That's why he didn’t act like a crazy dog. That's why he never snapped. No prongs, no shouting. Just steady walking, steady breathing and sniffing around.
Max is well on his way to a calmer life, no more bracing for trouble, no more fear driving him. He'll grow into a confident, steady dog with lovely manners. And his mum? She'll feel relaxed and sure of herself, ready to head out on proper adventures together, side by side.
From a telephone call, a home assessment, a questionnaire, to joining my free Saturday walk after a few weeks of building a relationship with Mum at home – here’s video of his first day with dogs and people... No Reactivity!
If you're ready for real, lasting change for your dog, let's talk.