Victoria Cooper

About me: I have owned, loved, worked with and trained dogs and other animals all my life, not just here in the UK but also in the USA, Europe and Brazil. As a result, I have a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to support and teach you with your dog. After extensive studies in canine behaviour and training my aim is to teach you the most up to date, humane and effective training methods in order to have a well behaved companion dog that you can be proud of.

I have several accredited qualifications in dog behaviour and training gained through recognised bodies of education including:

• NVQ 2 Small Animal Care
• City & Guilds 7622 level 2 Canine Studies
• Instructors Certificate gained from Sheila Bailey the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists Education officer
• OCN Level 3 Instructors Diploma

• OCN Level 3 Diploma in Canine Behaviour & Counselling Theory and Practice

  I am a student member of the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors scheme, and I continue to attend seminars and courses in order to support you the dog owner, and to improve and extend my knowledge and experience in this progressive and fast growing field of animal behaviour.
  I am also member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). This is a highly reputable international organisation that represents professional, qualified dog trainers and has high standards of Kind, Fair and Effective training. All members MUST uphold these standards and abide by the strict code of conduct of non punishing methods and keep their professional development up to date.

I have learned many of my skills under leading behaviourists and trainers in the UK and USA such as Kay Lawrence, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Sarah Whitehead and Angela Stockdale among many others. I have also puppy walked for Guide dogs for the Blind and also adopted several reject and retired dogs.

Other experiences included setting up the local branch of the national charity PAT (pets as Therapy) dogs when I was instrumental in forming a local group of hospital and hospice visiting dogs. I am also a registered trainer with Dog Aid, a national charity which helps disabled owners to train their pet in becoming an assistance dog.

My 2 current dogs are mature Labradors, Indie and Pip. Both dogs have been trained and worked as Gundogs on various 'shoots' and also help me as 'stooge' dogs in rehabilitation of nervous or aggressive dogs.

I have a team of 5 Assistant Trainers who help support the lessons and give you individual attention. Some of them have worked their way up to advanced training at People & Dogs, one is a Kennel Club Judge and show dog breeder, one has qualifications in dog and horse training and behaviour and one runs a professional dog walking service in Sheffield. All of them continue to study the theory of dog training and behaviour and are mentored and coached by myself in the skills of being excellent teachers and trainers to give you and your dog an excellent and enjoyable experience.