About | Embrace Dogs

How can I help you Embrace your dog?

More than just training.
Gain the skills and knowledge to actually make a difference.

You're here because you've hit a wall somewhere. You're facing a challenge you haven't had to tackle before. Maybe this is your first dog and you want to make sure you get things right or just your first dog like this one.

And because you're a wonderful caregiver for your dog, you want to learn more about them and what to do about it. How to help them or help yourself live more harmoniously with them. After all, the dog we get isn't always the dog we expected, and that's okay.

I've seen how unique each and every dog I've met is. And I've found that training is only a piece of the puzzle of successful living with dogs. Equally, if not even more important, is understanding the why behind the behaviour. What does it tell us and what function does it serve? And how can we meet the need behind the why, so both us and them can be at our best?

Hi, I'm Heather 👋

Woman smiling sat beside dog, both looking into camera

I started Embrace Dogs to inspire modern dog owners to see dogs in a new light. Not just as our pets but as sentient emotional beings with their own preferences and experiences of the world, deserving of respectful and ethical treatment.

Everywhere you look, you can find dogs that are struggling. Dogs that are unable to cope or behave successfully in the situations they find themselves in.

In turn, owners are struggling too, with the worries, frustration, embarrassment and overwhelm of the challenges they face with their dog's behaviours, the strain it puts on your relationship and life with your dog, and figuring out what to do about it.

My mission is to equip dog owners with the clarity, insights and skills they need to overcome the barriers to a connected, meaningful relationship and life that works for both ends of the lead.

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Commitment

If you're committed to your dog, I'm committed to you. I'll be personally invested in your success through every step of the way.

Safety

Not just physically but emotionally too. Feeling safe is the foundation of a good relationship and essential for positive learning.

Personal Growth

Working with dogs often challenges us to reflect, adapt and reevaluate. I believe that supporting your dog also means supporting you on your own journey.

Unconditional Positive Regard

I hold the view that everyone is doing their best in the moment. My role isn't to judge, but offer understanding and support so you feel safe to be open and honest.

Values

Important Bits

Qualified

Level 5 Dog Behaviour Practitioner

Degree in Animal Science

Family Dog Mediator

Continued Professional Development

- 2 & 4 day IMDT courses

- Animal Centred Education - Module 1

- Transforming Perspectives on Difficult Behaviors - course from Laura Donaldson and Andrew Hale

-L.E.G.S Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course

Approach

You may have heard of different styles of training. I refer to my approach as well-being centred. But I would also fall into the following categories of:

- Force-Free

- Positive Reinforcement

- Holistic

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