Heathers Happy Hounds

My name is Heather Dugdale and I am a local lass who has always loved animals, especially dogs and horses.  My Grandfather had a small holding in Kilwinning where he bred Clydesdales and Springer Spaniels,  so I think it’s definitely in the genes.  After many years of working with the Council as an IT Technician I decided to start studying dog behaviour and science based training in the hope that I could become a Dog Trainer when I retired, lucky enough for me I was given the opportunity to take early release (sounds like a prison sentence!) and follow my passion . In 2017 I gained an Ofqual recognised level 4 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and Training from Animal Jobs Direct,  and passed an Animal Behaviour and Welfare course from the University of Edinburgh,  successfully completed a Dog Emotion and Cognition course with Duke University and  went on to assist a fully qualified Kennel Club Instructor with her Canis Dog Training Classes which where invaluable,  and gave me the hands on experience I needed to start my own classes.

I continued my education and became a member and accredited trainer with the IMDT , having passed my exam with a distinction in 2021.  I gained membership of the APDT in June 2023, which is a highly valued organisation in the Professional Dog Training Industry,  and with this rigorous exam came the opportunity to be listed on the ABTC register, which is a Council that sets and maintains standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor or animal behaviour therapist and is used by shelters and vets.    At present I am also a member of the Kennel Club,  and my club is listed for the Good Citizen Award Scheme, which is probably the most well-known training scheme in the world,  but you don't need to sit any exams,  just have fun training and if you change your mind as you become more confident,  why not go for it!  so if you would like to find out more then please visit  https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/ . I also provide 1-2-1 training for those people who need to set their own timetable.

In the near future I hope to become a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor for both Companion Dog Training, assistance dogs, and the Good Citizen Award scheme,  this kitemark of quality and excellence is also highly valued in the Dog Training Industry.   In the distant future, I hope to become a fully qualified behaviorist and add this to my list of services.   

I think training should be fun, and I believe happy dogs make for happy owners, and that’s why I chose the name Heathers Happy Hounds.  So come and have some fun!