About Us

Who takes the classes?

My name is Rachael Bartle. I have worked as a veterinary nurse for the last ten years, having been qualified for eight of these. I also hold the COAPE advanced diploma in companion animal behaviour and training. I currently work at the RSPCA dealing with the dogs who have been cruely treated. I have experience in running puppy and adult training classes. I also regularly see behavioural consultations covering problems from agression to jumping up.
  I have three dogs, Flicker a 6 year old Springer Spaniel cross Border Collie who I have had since a puppy, she is very special and the happiest dog I have ever known, Eddie a 2 year old wirehaired Jack Russell Terrier who is the cheekiest, funniest dog ever and one year old Ripley who was a cruelty case dog from the RSPCA and is extremely loyal and loving. I also have two horses Lucy and Solo who I couldn't be without.
  I owe my love of dog training and behaviour to my lovely border terrier Raff who we sadly lost in september 2010. 

Ethos

We have designed the classes to be as relaxed and fun as possible for both dog and handler, as we believe that a relaxed class is the optimum environment for learning to occur, dogs should enjoy their training and look forward to the classes!

All classes are conducted using purely positive, reward based training. No harsh or punitive methods are used.
For this reason we ask that choke chains or slip leads are not used, as these have been shown to cause muscle and tissue damage to a dog's neck, and can actually make the dog pull harder due to a reflex called the opposition reflex.
Instead please use a flat collar, headcollar or harness.

If you are having problems getting your dog to walk on a loose lead please ask for advice.

 All behaviour consultations and plans are based on the most up to date training methods and are all motivational and reward based so as not to frighten your pet or ruin the bond between you and him.