propups - dog training cardiff
Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with all animals, but in
particular, dogs. I knew growing up I wanted to work with dogs. I had memorised
every dog breed by the age of six and had read every dog based book I could get
my hands on very early on. Growing up we had family labradors and Jack Russells
as well as a German Shepherd cross and I basically set up a small animal rescue,
taking in unwanted or injured rabbits and guinea pigs, helping them back to full
health and rehoming them. I started working at a local groomers at the age of 14
and worked there for two years and then worked at a local boarding kennels. I
helped out at training classes from the age of 16, and attended agility classes
with my own dog. I went on to complete a BSc Animal Science (behaviour and
welfare) and focused my dissertation on the effect of rearing environment on the
behaviour of puppies. This research was published by the universities journal
and was also awarded the UFAW prize for the best welfare based project. I was
also awarded a first class BSc (hons). I started teaching classes 11 years ago
in Cornwall, for a dog training club that I attended with my own dogs and
achieved a gold level Kennel Club Good Citizens award with my Jack Russell/
Dachshund cross, Beau. I then worked for breeder full time for a year training
puppies the foundations of obedience and assistance work. This helped me
streamline my puppy training techniques and I trained hundreds of puppies during
this period to a high standard. I therefore have a strong background of both
practical and theoretical knowledge and still keep up to date with the latest
CPD in the field, attending lectures from world renowned behaviourists and
trainers, constantly reviewing my methods and adjusting them. ProPups was then
set up in 2016 and we have built a great reputation and don't do ANY
advertisement as most of our clientele comes from recommendations from our
lovely customers! We really should but marketing and IT are just not my thing!
Now, I absolutely love sharing my experience with clients, helping them to
navigate puppyhood and adolescence as smoothly as possible. I also love actually
doing the training myself (dog training is predominately teaching people how to
train dogs). Therefore I offer residential training to help fast track training
and assist partnerships in reaching their potential. They say the proof is in
the pudding and I love getting the chance to put in some really solid
foundations with dogs as they live with me and my ever-growing pack! I also
foster- sometimes with Barneys Small breed rescue and sometimes I take owner
relinquishments directly. The dogs I take in are almost always on their last
chance due to biting people but we have a good success rate. I have to date
fostered 24 dogs and currently have a foster French bulldog (that I can't see
going anywhere soon!) I currently share my life with a Labrador, a Standard
Poodle, Wire Fox Terrier, Pomeranian, Dalmatian, Bloodhound and a blind a deaf
lurcher. There is always a foster or two in the mix because I strongly feel that
people such as myself should be there to help the dogs that really need an
experienced hand to give them another chance. Below are some of the dogs I have
fostered over the past couple of years. Archie was taken to the vets to be
euthanised by his owner that had been badly bitten when she went to removed a
stick from his mouth. The vet thankfully refused and he came to me for training.
He learnt to drop/ leave it in one session and is the happiest, most loving
little dog you will ever meet. He won 'friendliest dog' at a fun dog show during
his stay with me and I nearly didn't let him go, but he was offered a fantastic
home in Cornwall with a close friend and animal physiotherapist. Bobby was also
taken to the vets to be euthanised but again the vet advised that he should be
given another chance. He snapped at a child on two occasions, both of which it
seems could have been avoided with better management. He was the easiest foster
we have had, and an absolute joy to have around. He was rehomed to an
experienced collie home without children and they are totally in love.
