I always knew I wanted to work with animals.
As a kid I was obsessed with David Attenborough nature documentaries. It was his ‘Trials of Life’ series that sparked in me a lifelong fascination with the behaviour of animals.
I got my first job at the age of 14, volunteering at a local wildlife rescue centre. The best bit? Helping to rehabilitate injured hedgehogs and release them back into the wild. I was never destined to work a desk job!
In the late-00’s I spent several years working for a large rescue charity. Every day I saw young, unwanted dogs brought into the centre, many simply because they lacked basic training and socialisation skills. It was heartbreaking – and it got me thinking.
What if I could do more to help those owners who were overwhelmed and struggling? Maybe there was a way I could help prevent those dogs ending up in rescue in the first place?
In 2009 I began offering training classes and behaviour services to dog owners across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.
The Nightmare
Living with Cammy was initially VERY HARD – so much harder than I had expected.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to be! I felt frustrated. I felt guilty. I had a completely new appreciation for the struggles many new puppy owners face when bringing home their ‘cute bundle of fluff’.
Puppy Tales was born out of the need for a place for owners to come when life with their new puppy isn’t all ‘sunshine and rainbows’. A place without judgement. Because I get it! Puppies can be difficult, challenging, annoying and downright crazy……… and I want to be there to help you successfully navigate all of that.
I am an absolute geek in both my personal and professional life. I am fascinated by what makes your puppy tick! In my quest for knowledge I have gained a number of qualifications and accreditations within the field of animal behaviour.
I am a vegan and animal welfare advocate. As such, I am a proud member of a number of organisations within the animal behaviour and training sector whose code of ethics align with my core beliefs as a practitioner.
Working to the highest standard of animal welfare is always my primary goal. I will never stop wanting to learn and I will always work hard to ensure my advice and guidance is based on up-to-date, scientific knowledge and sound application of training principles.
If i’m not working with owners and their puppies you will find me out in nature with my dog, playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends or lifting weights at the gym.
Or drinking tea - LOTS OF TEA!!!!
