My Journey from Dog Owner to Trainer

My dog Luna doing one of her favourite tricks “on it” where she places her front paws on an object.

My path into dog training began with my own experiences as a dog owner. Back in 2007, I had a German Shepherd who was perfectly fine until adolescence hit. Around one year old, he became extremely reactive, which was both challenging and confusing for me. At that time, there was very little accessible information about positive reinforcement training, though we instinctively avoided harsh methods with him.

Despite the limited resources, we worked with him until he passed away in 2013, learning valuable lessons along the way that would later shape my approach to training.

My current dog is a collie cross who also struggles with reactivity. However, the difference in my ability to help her has been night and day compared to my experience with my German Shepherd. Armed with better knowledge and techniques, I've been able to help her become much calmer and more confident.

One of the most significant turning points in my training journey came when I took my collie cross to puppy classes as a young dog. There, I was introduced to "attention" training – a concept that completely transformed our relationship and her training progress.

Learning how to gain and maintain my dog's attention in various environments provided the foundation for everything else we would accomplish together. It made all other training exponentially easier and strengthened our communication immensely. This fundamental skill – which seems so simple but has profound effects – became a cornerstone of my training philosophy.

After experiencing the challenges and rewards of working with my own dogs, others began to notice the progress we were making. Several people suggested I should become a dog walker, and the idea resonated with me. I took the leap and started my dog walking business about 8 years ago.

However, I quickly realized that to be truly professional and responsible, I needed formal education in dog behavior and training. To me, it just made sense – anyone working with dogs professionally should understand at least the basics of canine behavior and training principles.

This led me to pursue several qualifications, including:

• Completing the Advanced Course with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

• Level 1 Puppy Development (OCN NI accredited)

• Level 1 Practical Dog Handling Training (OCN NI accredited)

• Level 3 Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour (OCN NI accredited), which included hands-on practical experience

The more I learned through these courses and my practical experience, the more passionate I became about sharing this knowledge with others.

Throughout my career I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of dogs and their people. Something that became increasingly apparent during my daily walks with my own dog was just how many dogs out there are struggling – pulling on leashes, unable to focus around distractions, reacting to other dogs, and generally finding the human world overwhelming.

Even more concerning was realizing how much misinformation exists about dog training, and how many owners want to help their dogs but simply don't have access to reliable, science-based guidance.

This observation – that valuable training information should be accessible to everyone who needs it – is precisely why I've created this Substack. I believe that understanding the principles of positive reinforcement and how dogs actually learn shouldn't be exclusive knowledge hidden behind expensive courses or buried in scientific papers.

My goal is to share practical, proven techniques that have worked for my clients and my own dogs. I want to break down the science of dog behavior into approachable strategies that any dedicated dog owner can implement.

I chose Substack specifically because I want to reach a wider audience beyond my local area in Northern Ireland. Quality dog training information should be easily accessible and affordable for all dog owners, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. While in-person training will always have its place, I believe that providing this knowledge in a digestible, online format can help many more dogs and their people who might otherwise struggle without support.

On this Substack, you'll find:

• Foundation training guides - The essential skills every dog needs

• Reactive dog strategies - Tested approaches for dogs who struggle with reactivity

• Myth-busting content - Separating fact from fiction in dog training

• Real-case scenarios - Examples from my years of experience

• Practical tools - Trackers and worksheets to help implement training systematically

Some content will be free to all, while more detailed training protocols and personalized guidance will be available to paid subscribers.

My approach to training is guided by these core principles:

1. Science over tradition - Using methods backed by behavioral science rather than outdated dominance concepts

2. Positive reinforcement - Building desired behaviors through reward rather than suppressing behaviors through punishment

3. Individual needs - Recognizing that each dog is unique and tailoring approaches accordingly

4. Clear communication - Helping dogs understand exactly what we want from them

5. Patience and progression - Building skills systematically rather than expecting immediate perfection

Having worked with reactive dogs personally, I understand the frustration, embarrassment, and sometimes isolation that comes with these challenges. My goal isn't just to help dogs – it's to support the people who love them through what can be a difficult journey.

When I'm not working with dogs or developing training content, I love traveling and exploring new places, staying active at the gym, and pursuing my interests in photography and genealogy.

My vision extends beyond simply sharing information – I want to create a supportive community where dog owners can connect, learn, and grow together. The comments section isn't just for questions (though those are always welcome!). I hope it becomes a platform where readers:

• Share their training journeys and progress

• Support each other through challenges

• Exchange experiences and insights

• Ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussions

• Celebrate successes, no matter how small

Dog training can sometimes feel isolating, especially when dealing with behavioral challenges. Having a community of like-minded people who understand the ups and downs of the process can make all the difference.

I'm excited to share this journey with you, and I look forward to building a community where we can learn together and help our dogs thrive in a sometimes overwhelming world.

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Next time, I'll be sharing the science behind positive reinforcement training and why it works so effectively compared to traditional methods. If you have specific topics you'd like me to address or questions about your own dog's training, please introduce yourself and your dog in the comments! I'd love to hear about your biggest training challenges or successes

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