Meet the Team
About me...
MHi, I'm Jo and I live with 5 dogs with varying degrees of anxiety, fears and phobias. Their issues range from severe sound sensitivity, fear of other dogs, fear of strangers and global anxiety to a fear of loud noises and new places, so I truly understand the heartache that goes along with living with fearful or anxious dog.
In 2004 I adopted a handsome boy named Dan from a The Dogs Trust, and it quickly became apparent that he found other dogs, cyclists, joggers and men difficult to cope with. Our walks were stressful for both of us, so I started looking for help. As a novice in all things dog, I tried several trainers but I was uncomfortable with their methods and began looking for something kinder.
I enrolled him in agility classes and there I was introduced to kind, reward-based training and I began learning how to help him myself. He passed away in 2018, at the age of 14 and Calming Canines is his legacy.
I have spent countless hours learning how to help dogs overcome fears, how to build their confidence and resilience and how to help them to engage with, and enjoy, the world around them.
Qualifications
Did you know that anybody can set themselves up in business a behaviour expert with no knowledge or qualifications?
So that you can be assured that my knowledge is scientifically sound, up to date and externally verified, I am qualified as a Canine Behaviour Practitioner with the International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour. I continue to update and expand my knowledge and am currently studying towards an OFQUAL Level 5 qualification in canine behaviour.
On top of this I spend countless hours on continuing professional development on a wider range of behaviour-related issues.
