Jess
FOUNDER & HEAD OF BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING
My name is Jess and I am the face behind Follow My Lead Dog Training, based in Addlestone, Surrey.
I have always adored dogs and been interested in their behaviour from a young age. I studied Experimental Psychology at University and this furthered my enthusiasm for understanding how learning takes place.
I am a fully qualified trainer and behaviourist with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) & Behaviour (IMDTB). I solely use ethical, positive and force-free methods to train dogs with love. As an Assessed and Qualified Member of The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers I am proud to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter symbol.
I have also been lucky enough to have worked with numerous rescue dogs during the rehoming process. I believe that training and behavioural modification can, and should, be a positive, enjoyable experience and I'm passionate about helping owners and their dogs to live their best lives together.
I am committed to keeping my knowledge and approach up to date, regularly attending additional courses, undertaking further study and reading the latest publications on dog behaviour and training.
The wonderfully varied, complex and ever-changing nature of dogs
never fails to amaze and delight me. There is no ‘one size fits all’
way of training and I tailor my approach to the needs and nature of
each individual dog and owner I work with.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Rachael
TRAINER
Hi, I’m Rachael and I’d love to tell you a little bit about myself. Having worked in Facilities and Property Management in the City for 30 years, I decided to take voluntary redundancy in 2020 with a view to taking a few months off and then returning to something local and part time.
I’ve always loved nature and animals and walking is one of my greatest pleasures, before lockdown I would always look at people walking their dogs and see how much joy people got from walking with four paws in tow. My husband said “why don’t we just rescue a dog?” We had always wanted a dog and this was the perfect opportunity. Reggie, our beautiful 20 month old Staffie rescue (who had spent 7 months in local authority kennels) then became part of our family and I never looked back! Then began my journey of learning about dogs and their fascinating behaviour which as everyone knows can be a challenging but terrifically rewarding when you get the human inputs right.
When the pandemic hit the country, I re-evaluated my life and realised that working with dogs was something that I really enjoyed and wanted to pursue. I started volunteering at two rescues and have also fostered for the RSPCA. With Jess I have also been assisting at classes for experience and enjoyment. I have trained with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and am currently working towards my accreditation and I also do dog agility and scent work with my own hound. Dogs are incredibly rewarding animals and I look forward to helping people with their beloved pets as much as I can.
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