My gorgeous pack who have taught me so much….
I started working with dogs professionally in 1997 when I set up my first grooming business in. I have also run quarantine and boarding kennels, taught grooming, competed successfully in national grooming competitions, and bred and shown Miniature Poodles and Miniature Wire Dachshunds. Alongside my training and behaviour work I also currently run my salon Nose 2 Tail Grooming in Norton, Malton where I pride myself on offering a low stress, quality service to my canine clients utilising compassionate care and force free grooming.
I am trained in canine massage, canine first aid, and most recently studied and qualified (with distinctions) in canine behaviour and training.
The animal care industry is still currently classed a self-regulated industry, which has always been a concern to me that anyone could open a business and call themselves an expert. I have always believed in the importance of self-regulation through the process of accreditation and ensuring continuous personal development to ensure clients are getting up to date advice and help they can fully trust.
I am a member of The Pet Industry Federation, British Groomers Association and Guild of Master Groomers. I am also an Associate member of APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) and ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council. I continue my study to gain more knowledge and skills as I work towards Full membership.
Working with lots of different dogs and their people in different environments has given me invaluable experience. Coupled with my years of academic study and continuous personal development gives me an extensive knowledge base to help you and your dog.
Help that that you can trust.
Dogs have always been my life….
Dizzy - the original Apricot Dog
Why this is the only job for me
I decided to set up Apricot Dog in memory of my first Poodle who came to me with a lot of behavioural issues. I found there was so much conflicting and questionable ‘advice’ on how to help him and I didn't really know who to turn to. I tried a lot of ideas to no avail, so I understand what it feels like to have a dog you want to help, but have no idea where to start, or whose advice to trust.
Having a dog who needed my help, and seeing how our lives changed when I worked out what he needed, inspired me to become an accredited, qualified behaviourist and trainer, enabling me to offer professional, ethical, science-led advice you can trust to others who may be in a similar situation to me.
Working with a canine professional should feel like you are supported, and that you have someone to turn to when things don’t go as you planned, to help find a way through to a better, more fulfilling life with your dog. It shouldn’t be about gadgets, quick fixes or aversive techniques, but comprehensive, bespoke and compassionate help working in a positive direction.
Your first step? Book a contact call with me so we can assess your situation and structure positive movement forward.
How I can help you!
I can be there for step by step support with your puppy. Help with working out your needs and best fit for a new puppy even before you bring them home, through those challenging first few weeks, and setting up for success as they move forward into becoming confident adult dogs.
I can offer professional, empathetic behavioural guidance and comprehensive training strategies for your dog.
Find out why your dog is behaving in a certain way and be supported through practical advice and bespoke training techniques tailored to your dog. Every dog is unique and my way of working with you embraces that.
I can provide specialist grooming help with puppies and dogs who have issues with being groomed or handled.
Use the resources of a professional groomer with over 28 years experience. There are no gadgets, no quick fixes, just a clear, considerate and compassionate approach to rebuilding your dogs confidence and allowing them to learn a new way.
Click on a button below to find out more about how I can help you.
