About Me
Hi, my name is Fiona, and I'm the owner of Betsy’s Dog School. I'm passionate about puppies and love working with people who are bringing a new puppy into their lives to help set them up for a great life with their new pup. I've been working with dogs and puppies since 2016 when I started my own dog care business and since then I've been studying dog behaviour and training with some of the country's leading organisations.
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My training packages will guide you through how your dog learns and how to stop unwanted behaviours, ensuring your puppy grows up to be a great addition to the family.
Science-led Training Methods
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Puppyhood is challenging, it's my goal to help you navigate puppyhood successfully so you have a happy, confident family dog.
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I only use positive, force-free, reward-based training methods because they are kind, compassionate, and build a strong bond of trust between you and your dog. I never use training techniques that rely on force, fear, pain, or intimidation.
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As a registered dog trainer with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) and an accredited member of The Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT), I’m proud to meet the highest standards in the industry. Dog training is unregulated, so it’s important to choose a trainer with the right qualifications. Being a member of PACT and registered with the ABTC means my skills and knowledge have been assessed by leading organisations, and I follow a strict code of conduct. You can trust that your puppy or dog will always be treated with care and kindness, and that you’re in safe hands.
My Dog Betsy
Betsy's Dog School was inspired by my Miniature Schnauzer, Betsy.
When Betsy joined our family at 8 weeks old, I was just beginning my career in dog care, running a dog walking and puppy care business. Training Betsy through puppyhood, adolescence, and beyond sparked my passion for dog training. I know firsthand how challenging it can be when things don’t go as planned with a new puppy!
Getting the right help early on can make a huge difference in the kind of dog your puppy grows up to be. I’m here to guide you through those tough days and help set your puppy up for success.
Volunteer Work
Veterans With Dogs
I've been incredibly lucky to be a volunteer dog trainer with the amazing charity, Veterans with Dogs. Over the last year, I've worked with a veteran who has PTSD to help them train their dog to become a fully qualified assistance dog.
The training started with building a strong bond between the Veteran & dog, working through basic training into more advanced exercises, working in public places (shops, cafes, etc.) and teaching the dog to perform certain tasks that will help the veteran in daily life.
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It's been such a rewarding experience to see first-hand how much a dog can truly change someone's life.
Professional Qualifications
We are always learning new, improved ways to teach our dogs, so I am always updating my knowledge in the latest training techniques through study and regularly attending courses. I'm also fully insured through Pet Business Insurance, and DBS checked.
My professional qualifications include:
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Fully accredited with The Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) who have assessed my skills & knowledge
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Registered Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC), the leading organisation in promoting high standards in canine training
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Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare ​