I have loved, owned and trained dogs for over 40 years.
In 2007 I began to take my hobby more seriously and commenced a structured study of canine behaviour. Wheelgates Canine Behaviour and Training was established in 2009. I still enjoy working my own dogs and have participated in Good Citizen, Scent Work, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Trick Training, and Carriage and Road dog competitions.I was the founder chairman of the British Carriage Dog Society, bringing the road dog trials of America to the U.K. I love to take my dogs out into the community and enjoyed a brief spell handling one of my Dalmatians as a P.A.T. dog (Pets as Therapy). I am an assessor for British Dalmatian Welfare, and have fostered dogs of various different breeds for several organisations. I work for Dog A.I.D. as a volunteer trainer.
Experience and Qualifications
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I hold a University Diploma in Canine Training and Behaviour Management through study at Harper Adams University (2013).
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I have been awarded professional grade membership of the P.D.T.I. (Pet Dog Training Instructors) and passed their advanced instructing skills award with merit (2012).
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I successfully completed the Advanced Diploma with John Rogerson-the Northern Centre of Canine Behaviour- with a mark of 96% (2015).
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I was assistant instructor to John Rogerson on his 21 day international dog training and behaviour course in India (2013).
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I am a Kennel Club A list examiner of the Good Citizen Scheme.
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I am a registered instructor with Dog A.I.D. (Assistance in Disability)
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I am a qualified international dog trainer for road and carriage dogs (QIDTI)
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I also have an OCN in Introduction to Dog Grooming (2010), Certification of Education (theory and practice of education, Lancaster University 1977) and Preliminary Teaching Test (British Horse Society 1994).
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I am a member of Sarah Whitehead's Inner Circle.
