Certifications and Accreditations
The dog training and behaviour consultation industry is completely unregulated. Anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist. That does not mean they are sufficiently qualified for the services they offer, which can have serious consequences for you and your dog.
That's why it is important to work with a professional who is highly trained and held accountable by accrediting bodies for the work they do. The logos at the bottom of my website give you a better idea of what this means. You can click on them to find out more.
The ISCP (International School of Canine Psychology) logo means I passed a 2-year part-time diploma course. It's a Level 5 course that culminates in a thesis. Level 5 indicates how demanding the course is. Level 5 is equivalent to the level of a foundation degree or second year university degree. I am proud to say I passed with Distinction. As a former student I am still a member of their professional development programme.
The NICE (National Institute of Canine Ethics) and Pet Professional Guild logos mean I am a verified member of two independent recognised member organisations for dog professionals. As such I will be held accountable to their strict ethics and standards. It's a guarantee for you that I will only ever use kind, ethical, force-free methods - no slip lead or head collar in sight!
As an accredited member of NICE and the Pet Professional Guild I am able to use the coveted UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter logo on my website. NICE and the Pet Professional Guild are two of a select few member organisations that have come together to form this Charter. This head organisation ensures all members adhere to its ethical code of conduct of force-free, science-based standards and are up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. Accountability and transparency are key elements of this. It's the best assurance you can get as a client that you are dealing with a highly trained, experienced and industry-approved dog professional.
The Dog Welfare Alliance, Do No Harm, ICAN and Shock-Free Coalition logos show I am part of a worldwide network of like-minded force-free dog professionals. They add a global dimension to my professional ethos and help me increase awareness of the benefits of kind, compassionate training methods.