I think I am very lucky and very privileged to work with dogs, they are such a huge part of our lives. It has been scientifically proven that they experience emotion and feelings along the same as we do and I therefore only utilise force free positive reinforcement based methods.
I have an MSc and various Post Graduate Qualifications, I hold 2 diplomas in canine behaviour and psychology with specialist subjects including but not limited to canine body language, separation anxiety, dog to dog aggression, resource guarding, scent work, nutrition, anatomy & movement, life skills, puppy foundations, noise phobias, especially fireworks etc.
I think it is important to keep up to date with current scientific based research and information concerning training methods and behaviour modification and therefore attend multiple courses a year to continue my professional development and to change and update my own techniques and knowledge.
I have been working with dogs for 18 years and I have been a member of The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers for 8 years and a Tellington TTouch Practitioner for 6 years. I also volunteer with local organisations to improve the lives of animals.
In 2016 I Qualified as a Tellington TTouch Practitioner and now offer TTouch Workshops and Seminars. The TTouch approach is widely accepted as a method to improve behaviour, enhance performance, health and teach a dog to learn willingly. It helps establish a deeper rapport and more effective connection and understanding between humans and their animals. It uses gentle bodywork comprised of circular touches, lifts, and slides, movement exercises through groundwork in “The Playground for Higher Learning”, body wraps to engage and bring awareness to areas of your dog.
I am also qualified as A Real Dog Yoga Instructor which “...ultimately involves teaching dogs to express and hold specific postures, expressions and actions that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and help them to become and remain calm.” www.therealdogyoga.co.uk. This is in No way forcibly placing your dogs in human yoga poses.
I offer dog yoga on a one to one basis, so please get in touch if you would like to fnd out if dog yoga would be beneficial for you and your canine companion.
“Karen is extremely knowledgeable, kind and patient and I trust her completely with my dog. She includes T-Touch/dog massage, mental games, long walks, and enrichment activities for dogs who board with her. What Karen doesn't know about dogs isn't worth knowing! 100% recommend Woofs of Bournemouth!” Helen Winter
