A BIT ABOUT ME
I have loved animals, and dogs in particular, all my life. I grew up with various Labradors and a Sealyham Terrier. I’ve also had Beagles – a challenge in so many ways, but full of unconditional love and the subject of many good stories!
I now have two black Labradors (above) – Millie (12) and Pepper (9) whom I love more than I can say.
I started down the training route when I had Millie. I wanted her to be a stable, happy and well behaved family member and thought that once she could walk nicely on the lead and had learned good manners that would be it. Far from it! I was bitten by the bug and we both loved the training lessons so much. They were about so much more than “obedience” and included lots of games, scent work and basic agility. After about a year I was asked if I would like to train as an Instructor. I jumped at the chance.
I have been following Jan Fennell’s work since before I had Millie and have always been impressed by her holistic and kind methods of training – steering away from traditional approaches and encouraging the dog to work out for itself that it wants to behave in a certain way. She teaches how to take the responsibility of being the pack leader away from the dog and on to you, so that the dog can relax and enjoy its life instead of worrying about how to “protect” its human in a world that it does not understand. All her techniques are completely non-confrontational, they remove stress from the dog and they really resonate with me. I took her Foundation Course and am very much looking forward to the Advanced Course.
I became interested in Reiki when my inspirational friend qualified as a Reiki Master and Teacher. She had practised on me and I immediately felt the benefits. I completed the First Degree four years ago and qualified as a Second Degree Practitioner earlier this year. I have noticed with my own dogs for years that Reiki can significantly reduce anxiety and has been particularly helpful with Pepper as she suffers with arthritis.
I’ve had a long and successful career as a Corporate PA in Central London for 33 years but, after a Christmas “aha” moment, I decided to throw away my comfort blanket and do something that would make me happy. Hence “Waggie Tails and Wet Noses” was born. Work no longer feels like work.
It’s been the best decision of my life and every day is rewarding in so many ways. Dogs can teach us so much about “living in the now” and they bring me joy in every moment.
I now have two black Labradors (above) – Millie (12) and Pepper (9) whom I love more than I can say.
I started down the training route when I had Millie. I wanted her to be a stable, happy and well behaved family member and thought that once she could walk nicely on the lead and had learned good manners that would be it. Far from it! I was bitten by the bug and we both loved the training lessons so much. They were about so much more than “obedience” and included lots of games, scent work and basic agility. After about a year I was asked if I would like to train as an Instructor. I jumped at the chance.
I have been following Jan Fennell’s work since before I had Millie and have always been impressed by her holistic and kind methods of training – steering away from traditional approaches and encouraging the dog to work out for itself that it wants to behave in a certain way. She teaches how to take the responsibility of being the pack leader away from the dog and on to you, so that the dog can relax and enjoy its life instead of worrying about how to “protect” its human in a world that it does not understand. All her techniques are completely non-confrontational, they remove stress from the dog and they really resonate with me. I took her Foundation Course and am very much looking forward to the Advanced Course.
I became interested in Reiki when my inspirational friend qualified as a Reiki Master and Teacher. She had practised on me and I immediately felt the benefits. I completed the First Degree four years ago and qualified as a Second Degree Practitioner earlier this year. I have noticed with my own dogs for years that Reiki can significantly reduce anxiety and has been particularly helpful with Pepper as she suffers with arthritis.
I’ve had a long and successful career as a Corporate PA in Central London for 33 years but, after a Christmas “aha” moment, I decided to throw away my comfort blanket and do something that would make me happy. Hence “Waggie Tails and Wet Noses” was born. Work no longer feels like work.
It’s been the best decision of my life and every day is rewarding in so many ways. Dogs can teach us so much about “living in the now” and they bring me joy in every moment.
The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams - Oprah