Life with a puppy is challenging. I know as have been in your shoes. I’m Dawn Wilkinson and have had the pleasure of spending 20 years working with dogs. I have also struggled with owning a puppy.

Nobody told me what having a puppy really entailed. It was a steep learning curve and I wish I had had help and been shown how best to help my pup. Bree was the beginning of my training journey and understanding how dogs learn. You may be asking why I didn’t go to classes? I did. Twice!!

The class I joined was recommended to me and held in a village hall. The trainer was very friendly on 1^st session and yes, I felt inadequate and anxious about classes. I was putting my trust in this trainer to help me train Bree.

The ‘friendly’ trainer said my beautiful girl wasn’t ‘very bright’. They also took her off me and manhandled her and tried to force her to interact with a dog that she didn’t like. At the time I was confused, embarrassed and shocked. I should have stood up for Bree. But I didn’t as I thought she was the expert. I left that class upset. I didn’t blame Bree as it wasn’t her fault, I thought it was my fault.

I never went back. Deep down I knew that was not the way to train a dog. I had and still do, have a very good relationship with Bree and I didn’t want her to experience anything like that again. For me trust is everything with your dog. I should have been her advocate and I let her down. I made myself a promise that I wouldn’t do that again. Bree is 11 now and I love her more each day. She is my life and so is my rescue dog Elsa.

My training journey has been long and I was inspired by a trainer in Whitehaven, June Lambie who showed me what training should be like and how best to start to become the trainer that I would want to teach me if I had a puppy. My training was taken with Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK who believe that training can be achieved using kind and fair training methods without the use of intimidation which can damage the relationship between you and your dog.

Now I want to help you have the best possible relationship with your dog. Helping you to understand how your dog learns, how to motivate them to set them up for success. For you both to have the best life ever.

I will never use punishment to help you train your dog. Your dog’s welfare; mentally, emotionally and physically is important to me along with helping you navigate the ups and downs of puppyhood.  I will only ever show you how to train your dog using kind and fair training methods that will enhance the bond with your pup.

‘During the classes I have been able to understand my puppy's behaviour more and respond rather than react, I believe this has helped us strengthen our bond and he has come on in leaps and bounds which has been such a joy to see’ Julie and Ronnie

‘Dawn fully invests in every pup she takes on! The support and encouragement in and out of sessions is second to none, I can't thank Dawn enough for educating and equipping me to do right by my dog. Not only in training and obedience, but in building a bond and making sure she's a happy and comfortable pup!’ Elisabeth and Kipo

• Platinum Member of Pet Professional Network
• 2 years veterinary nurse training with a certificate in Canine First Aid
• Fully insured and hold a current criminal record check for your peace of mind

Contact dawn@nosydog.co.uk to start your training journey