Question 1

2024 – Canine Nutrition – RFVS – Aberystwyth University

Accepted Answer

Run by the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society – all about species appropriate nutrition  run by vets.

Question 2

2024 – The Consultation and Follow Up – IMDT

Accepted Answer

The proper way to run a consultation, from start to finish.

Question 3

2023 – Second Chance Heroes – Cheltenham Animal Shelter & IMDT

Accepted Answer

A five day course working and training rescue dogs ready for rehoming. Understanding the issues many rescue dogs experience and how to hand over to their new owners.

Question 4

2022 – Loose Leaders – IMDT

Accepted Answer

Different methods of training a dog to walk nicely on the lead and stop pulling

Question 5

2022 – Puppy Power – Dr Amber Batson (MRCVS)

Accepted Answer

39 Hours across 3 modules – everything to do with puppies.

Question 6

2021 – Four day practical instructor course – IMDT

Accepted Answer

A hands on intensive course on practical dog training and coaching skills.

Question 7

2021 – Rapid Recallers Instructor Course – DTC

Accepted Answer

The many different techniques that can be used to recall your dog effectively. I am now a licenced instructor to provide recall training for the Dog Training College.

Question 8

2021 – Understanding Abnormal Behaviours in the Dog – Dr Amber Batson (MRCVS)

Accepted Answer

Recognising deviations from species-typical norms and understanding their potential causes such as stress, environmental factors or underlying health issues.

Question 9

2021 – Dog Aggression for Professionals – Dr Amber Batson (MRCVS)

Accepted Answer

Details to follow

Question 10

2021 – Advanced – Dog Aggression for Professionals – Dr Amber Batson (MRCVS)

Accepted Answer

78 Hours across 6 modules
Covering a range of topics, including different types of aggression, the physiological aspects of aggression, learning theory, medical conditions that can contribute, pharmacology, the effects of procedures like neutering has on aggression and animal welfare and effective client interactions.

Question 11

2020 – Impulse Control – IMDT

Accepted Answer

What it is, does it need increasing, the benefits of increasing it, and exercises to improve it.

Question 12

2020 – Separation Anxiety and Related Disorders – IMDT

Accepted Answer

Video analysis and case studies, behaviour modification techniques, pharmacology and non prescriptive medication, management, training and realistic prognosis.

Question 13

2019 – The Dog Training Exercises – IMDT – Steve Mann

Accepted Answer

Imaginative and fun exercises to teach in class and 1-2-1s; what owners want; measuring progress; scent-work; keeping the audience engaged.

Question 14

2019 – Canine Body Language Instructor Course – Dog Training College (DTC) Level 2

Accepted Answer

All about Canine Body Language. I am a trained instructor to deliver this training for the Dog Training College.

Question 15

2019 – Canine Wellness and Wellness Therapies– DTC - Dr. Isla Fishburn

Accepted Answer

How natural therapies can contribute to the wellbeing of the dog.

Question 16

2019 – Holistic Veterinary Medicine – DTC – Dr. Nick Thompson

Accepted Answer

Canine nutrition, fleas, worms, vaccinations, pain, arthritis, hypothyroidism and treatment options.

Question 17

2019 – Reactive Rascals – DTC – Leanne McWade

Accepted Answer

A five hour workshop all about canine reactivity, becoming your dogs advocate and getting the results you want.

Question 18

2019 – The Other End of the Lead – DTC – Dr. Janet Finlay

Accepted Answer

How the human mindset affects reactive dogs and staying below threshold. The impact of negative thinking; managing the environment, posture and canine equipment and its effects on positive outcomes.

Question 19

2019 – Self Control in Dogs – DTC – Sian Ryan

Accepted Answer

Impulsivity and frustration in dogs and developing training strategies to manage it.

Question 20

2019 – Canine First Aid Level 2 – Flexi-med & DTC

Accepted Answer

Details to follow

Question 21

2019 – The Human – Dog Relationship and Separation Anxiety – DTC – Daniel Mills

Accepted Answer

The emotional arousal that contributes to separation anxiety and the latest research.

Question 22

2019 – Reactivity Live – COAPE

Accepted Answer

A practical workshop about managing a reactive dogs rehabilitation journey.

Question 23

2019 – Resource Guarding – IMDT – David Bryce

Accepted Answer

Causes and behaviour modification; pharmacology; genetics; management and control; training skills to support rehabilitation and realistic prognosis.

- Observing, assessing and analysing
- Aetiology
- Behaviour modification techniques
- Pharmacology
- Genetic influences on Resource Guarding
- Effects of development, handling and owner influence
- Environmental effects on the Resource Guarding dog
- Isolating the triggers
- Management and Control
- Training skills to support rehabilitation
- Realistic prognosis and continued support

Question 24

2019 – Reactive Dog Live – Jordan Shelley

Accepted Answer

A practical workshop about working effectively with anxious dogs.

Question 25

2018 – Professional Instructor and Management Skills Workshop – CIDBT (Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training)

Accepted Answer

This workshop was about working as a Professional Dog Training Instructor. Not all dogs are malleable, willing to learn or social and outgoing. A sound understanding of breed specific behaviour and learning is essential as well as an understanding and empathy of differing canine learning styles and developmental processes and owners varying abilities.
This workshop included:
 • breed specific behaviour and learning;
 • canine learning styles and development;
 • instruction styles;
 • managing difficult dogs in the class environment;
 • the Assistant;
 • advanced instruction;
 • motivation;
 • presentation skills;
 • class layout and getting optimum results;
 • time management;
 • business practicalities.

Question 26

2018 – Basic Dog Handling and Training Skills – CIDBT

Accepted Answer

This covered basic dog handing and dog training techniques – body language, equipment, practical exercises such as loose lead walking, recall, touch, watch, stay, and the 3 Ds.

This workshop covered basic dog handing and dog training techniques, including:
 • assessing canine body language;
 • teaching dog’s basic exercises;
 • understand the use of various types of dog training equipment;
 • exploring marker training;
 • learning about the use of rewards and timing in dog training;
 • practicing exercises, including recall training, loose lead walking, touch, stays, watch and other useful exercises;
 • observation of human and canine body language;
 • discovering basic dog handling techniques;
 • working hands on with dogs.

Question 27

2018 – Dog on Person Aggression – CIDBT

Accepted Answer

This workshop included:
 • analysing the different elements that can act as triggers for dog on person aggression;
 • different types of aggression
 • causes and compounding factors of dog aggression
 • understanding how the owner’s situation/location and family circumstances may contribute to the development of dog on person aggression.
 • the importance of training strategies in the home and moreover public areas/ parks.
 • the range of solutions that rehabilitate or manage such dog types and ramifications thereof.
 • understanding the law relating to working with aggressive dogs.

Question 28

2017 – Dog Scent Workshop – Paws 4 Training

Accepted Answer

Scentwork is when a dog uses its sense of smell to identify and locate a scent which it has been trained to detect.
Dogs have a highly sensitive nose, vastly superior to our own. Scentwork is a natural behaviour for a dog and essential in hunting and finding prey. As man’s best friend, this behaviour has been put to many uses – for example in police work, search and rescue, and hunting. As a dog sport, Scentwork has emerged from detection style nosework as practiced by customs and excise, explosives detection, search and rescue and medical detection dogs.
As a training activity, scentwork is fun, very rewarding and at the same time mentally tiring for your dog. It will improve the relationship between you and your dog and is a great confidence builder especially for the shy dog.

Question 29

2017 COAPE Diploma (Distinction) (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) – The Principles of Companion Animal Behaviour and Training – (Distinction) (CERTA and OFQUAL)

Accepted Answer

The course covered various topics, including learning theory, reward and punishment, training techniques, human psychology, domestication, anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, emotions, diet, legislation, and pharmacology.

Question 30

2017 Certificate in Dog Grooming – City & Guilds - Easton College (Norwich)

Accepted Answer

A hands-on course covering key aspects such as temperament assessment, coat types, health checks, body language, handling anxious dogs, and the use of equipment (muzzles, leads, etc.). It also includes training on grooming tools (selection, usage, and maintenance), various grooming techniques (trims, clips, and stripping), health and safety regulations, and administrative procedures. (Refer to Appendix 2 for a detailed breakdown.)

Question 31

2017 – ‘Tellington T-Touch’ Workshop – XTRA Dog – Alex Wilson

Accepted Answer

Tellington TTouch is a gentle form of training that has a positive effect on the behaviour, performance and the health of a dog without using fear or force. TTouch helps increase levels of self confidence and self control while also deepening the relationship between the dog and their owners. TTouch works on the body and brain in a particular way. The body will become more relaxed and at the same time the mind is more able to learn a new task. Animals become more able to think about a situation they find themselves in and rather than react instinctively to it.
 
TTouch is a valuable tool that can help animals overcome a variety of problems including lead pulling, fear and shyness, aggressive behaviour, resistance to grooming,Â age relatedproblems, fear of loud noises and jumping up.

Question 32

2017 – Advanced Dog on Dog Aggression - CIDBT (Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training)

Accepted Answer

Dog on Dog Aggression (Advanced) – CIDBT (Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training)
 
The basic causes of dog on dog aggression e.g. fear, resource guarding, protective, predatory, pain induced, re-directed aggression, taught aggression, inter pack aggression;
​
Breed specific inherited aggressive traits which contribute e.g. breeding for aesthetics; breeding for aggressive traits e.g. guard dogs; Long hair over eyes;
Aggression resulting in rejection by an individual or family;
​
The owners’ situation or location / family circumstances contributing to the problem e.g. lots of changes within the household;
​
Training strategies used to help with the aggression.

Question 33

Diploma (Distinction) in the Principles of Companion Animal Behaviour and Training - RFQ - Level 4 - COAPE

Accepted Answer

COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology)
Diploma - Distinction in:
The Principles of Companion Animal Behaviour and Training -
​
​
COAPE was established in 1993 to provide accredited education courses, training, and professional development for studying companion animal behaviour and therapy for those that want to practise as a pet behaviour therapist.
 
The COAPE Diploma comprised the following topics:
 
Module 1
Domestication of cats and dogs and social evolution.
Type variations in feline and canine behaviour.
Developmental biology of cats and dogs, breed and type variations in emotional development.
Dominance Reconsidered - replacing old ideas.
Animal anatomy and physiology.
Introduction to neurophysiology.
Factors affecting canine learning.
 
Module 2
Emotional development of the cat and dog.
The emotional brain.
Aims and practicalities of running puppy classes.
Aims and objectives of running kitten classes.
Survival strategies.
Learning theory.
Techniques of signalling reward, non-reward and aversion.
The impact of punishment on behaviour and learning.
Human psychology; the other end of the lead.
Signals of reward and non-reward.
 
Module 3
Psychopathology in animals: depression, anxiety and phobias.
Core emotional states.
Introduction to EMRA (Emotional, Mood and Reinforcement Assessment).
Sex and hormones and their effects on animal behaviour.
Diet and behaviour, therapeutic diet manipulation.
Indoor marking problems and house training in cats.
 
Module 4
Introduction to behavioural pharmacology and its practical application.
Law and legislation.
How to work with difficult dogs.
Temperament assessments.
Case history studies, introduction to ESTATM (Emotional Systems Therapy Application). Putting theory into practice through interactive class discussions of a variety of common behaviour problems in cats and dogs, how to approach and resolve them.
Ongoing support of the COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers (CAPBT). Continuing Professional Development.
 
Module 5
Behaviour Therapy for Companion Animals – the 8 stages:
Stage 1: Understand the principles of assessing behaviour problems in cats and dogs: Critically evaluate the origins of the behaviour. Construct an assessment strategy.
Stage 2: Evaluate any safety issues and apply a risk assessment. Summarise your responsibilities to the general public with regard to the case. Identify any legislation that might relate to the case.
Stage 3: Understand the implications of behavioural variability on behaviour problems in cats and dogs: Determine the innate needs of the case with regard to behavioural characteristics. Evaluate the essential stages of development and critically discuss how these and the key aspects of socialisation and handling may impact on the case.
Stage 4: Apply the principles of learning theory to behaviour problems in cats and dogs: Evaluate how both non-associative and associative learning contribute to the problem behaviours in the case. Critically comment on the use of signals of reward and non-reward with regard to each problem behaviour. Assemble appropriate training and practical handling strategies. Evaluate which types of specialised equipment might be helpful and explain how these should be used.
Stage 5: Understand the physiology of emotions in behaviour problems: Evaluate the neurophysiology and neurochemistry of reward and aversion, anxiety, hormonal influences and diet for the case. Evaluate the core emotional systems and discuss their influence. Critically evaluate the application and use of the EMRA approach.
Stage 6: Recognise when to use pharmacological intervention in behaviour problems: Determine which pharmacological agents might be applicable to each presenting problem behaviour. Explain the effects and actions of these pharmacological agents. Evaluate any contraindications of the use of these agents including the licensing and legal implications for the prescribing veterinarian.
Stage 7: Know how to assemble a behaviour modification plan for feline and canine behaviour problems: Evaluate the physical and emotional limitations of the owner. Evaluate any environmental limitations. Create a goal orientated strategy and behaviour modification programme for the case.
Stage 8: Understand the principles and responsibilities involved in creating a feline and canine client file: Create a client file and explain how this information will be recorded and stored. Explain how to liaise effectively with other specialists within the field of behaviour e.g. such as referring veterinary surgeons.
 
Module 6
A study of animal learning based on the following protocol:
Formulate a study plan.
Establish an experimental protocol.
Set out the basis for an experimental study.
Understand the principles of experimental methodology.
Review experimental methodology.
Analyse the findings.
 
Miscellaneous Information
The qualifications are accredited through CERTA and are listed on the Qualification and Credit Framework, and regulated by Ofqual.
 
The Diploma has been attended by veterinary nurses, dog trainers, veterinarians and animal welfare professionals, apply the knowledge in the context of their existing professions. The
authors and tutors of the course are COAPE Behaviour, Veterinary and Nutrition Experts, Research Scientists, Dog Handling and Training Experts

Question 34

Human - Dog Relationship & Separation Anxiety

Accepted Answer

Dogs have cohabitated successfully with humans for thousands of years, but the general demands of working life have had its toll and there has been an explosion of separation anxiety. It is estimated that 20% of dogs may be suffering from this condition at any one time. The behavioural signs that make up this problem can come fro many different forms of emotional arousal which arise whena dog is left alone. Distinguishing and understanding these is the key the appropriate management  of individual dogs presenting with these problems.

Question 35

Level 2 Canine Body Language (VTQ)

Accepted Answer

This workshop was about learning to interpret subtle body language and facial expressions. Dogs communicate using a complex language of body signals that reflect what they are thinking and feeling. They use these signals consciously and unconsciously to communicate intent and ensure their personal safety by affecting behaviour in others.

Question 36

2 Day training and behaviour course - IMDT

Accepted Answer

Information

Question 37

Dog First Aid Training Course - Animal Aiders

Accepted Answer

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Question 38

Cat First Aid Training Course - Animal Aiders

Accepted Answer

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Question 39

Natural Care for Animals - Norwich Homeopathy Centre

Accepted Answer

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Question 40

Canine Balanced Behaviour

Accepted Answer

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QUALIFICATIONS & COURSES

I am continually trying to update my knowledge and below you will find some details of the courses I have participated in.

QUALIFICATIONS & COURSES

I am continually trying to update my knowledge and below you will find some details of the courses I have participated in.​

I am continually trying to update my knowledge and below you will find some details of the courses I have participated in.