Animal Behaviour has always fascinated me - I grew up surrounded by animals while learning to work with them as a competitive horse rider. I graduated with a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology in 2010 and went on to work in the Wildlife Conservation Industry for 5 years before returning to Cape Town, South Africa. Here I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a certified Animal Behaviourist.

 

Since then I have worked in various positions in the Pet Industry to gain hands-on practical experience, while furthering my studies and professional development. (A list of relevant certifications can be found below). In Cape Town I built up a successful Dog Walking & Hiking business while volunteering with The Underdog Project, a NGO focusing on uplifting and helping both at-risk youth and shelter dogs, using Positive Reinforcement Psychology and Force-Free Dog Training methods. (https://underdogproject.org). I have experience walking and doing basic training with a wide range of dogs.

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I hold a Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour from COAPE International, as well as a Confi-puppy Level 2 Instructor certification from ThinkingPets. I am currently enrolled in the school of Friends of the Dog and working towards gaining my Animal Behaviourist Certification.

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I have also spent time in personal development attending Animal Communication and Reiki certifications, and use the skills I have learned in these courses to work with with my 4-legged clients. I have found that this extra skill set has opened the way for deeper connection with animals.

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I love to see dogs enjoying being themselves (each with their own quirks!), and therefore I have focused my business on helping dogs thrive in our human world by providing them with opportunities to engage in their natural doggy behaviours and instincts, and also opportunities to decompress - teaching them skills to slow down, relax, and engage with the world through their noses. The same way that humans can massively benefit from conscious breathing in practices such as yoga & meditation - our dogs can massively benefit from conscious sniffing. Scientific studies have found that sniffing will lower heart rate and decrease stress in dogs. It also activates the part of their brains responsible for releasing dopamine.

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If you would like to ask me anything, please feel free to reach out - I look forward to meeting you and your furry family members :)

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