From conference interpreter to professional dog trainer – not your average career trajectory, but certainly one that has given me a unique perspective on dog behaviour, training, and building relationships between dogs and their owners.
Where my journey began
As a child, I dreamed of working with animals – not as a vet, but as a veterinary nurse (because they got to spend more time cuddling their patients!). That dream somehow fell by the wayside as I grew older, and instead I pursued a career as a conference interpreter for international institutions. While I loved the excitement and the travel, something was always missing: a dog.
When the pandemic forced me to work from home as a translator, I realised I didn’t miss the constant travel or high-pressure environment of interpreting. More importantly, working from home opened the door to finally fulfilling my dream of getting my first dog as an adult! I applied to a local rescue and brought home Lyra, an 18-month-old German Shepherd x Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
That's right, I did a photoshoot with my dog - and I don't regret it for a second!
Living and learning with Lyra
Lyra was (and still is) an amazing dog, but our journey wasn’t without its challenges. We soon discovered she had severe separation anxiety, meaning she couldn’t be left alone. It took a full year of patience and training to help her build confidence and cope with being home alone for even 30 minutes.
Like many new dog owners, I thought I already knew a lot about dogs, but Lyra taught me just how much I still had to learn. Her challenges sparked a passion for understanding dog behaviour and inspired me to pursue a career in dog training and behaviour support.
The launch of Perfectly Canine Dog Training
Encouraged by Lyra’s progress and others’ comments on how well I’d done with her, I decided to pursue professional dog training. After four years of studying, earning three diplomas and volunteering at a local rescue centre, I became a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. That’s when Perfectly Canine Dog Training was born.
Along the way, I adopted a second dog, Crash – a Border Collie x Australian Kelpie who certainly lives up to his name! Crash is an incredibly complex dog, but he’s taught me so much about training and behaviour – and reminded me that no dog is truly 'perfect'.
Don't be fooled by that handsome face, he's cooking up mischief...
Perfectly Canine’s mission: bespoke training and behaviour support tailored to you and your dog
At Perfectly Canine, I offer bespoke dog training and behaviour support tailored to each dog’s breed, personality, and unique challenges. I believe in celebrating your dog’s strengths and working with them to overcome difficulties, rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal of 'perfection'.
I specialise in helping rescue dogs and their owners adjust to life together, focusing on understanding their history, managing expectations and building trust. My science-based, kind, and ethical methods are rooted in the latest canine behaviour research, ensuring your dog learns in a positive, enjoyable way.
Why Choose Perfectly Canine?
Embracing individuality: every dog is unique, and that’s something to celebrate! Rather than focusing on how your dog might differ from the ‘norm', I help you understand what makes them special. By harnessing their unique skills and personality, we can work together to achieve your goals in a way that’s tailored to your dog.
Compassion and support: I know how challenging it can be when you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour or training – I’ve been there. That’s why my services include ongoing support and feedback. My role is to guide and help you without judgment, so you never have to feel alone in your journey.
Progress, not perfection: dogs are living, thinking and feeling beings – and just like us, they make mistakes. It’s okay if your dog doesn’t always get it right! Our goal is to create positive, lasting change while allowing them to be their perfectly canine selves.
If you’re ready to strengthen your bond with your dog and embrace their perfectly canine nature, take a look at my services today. Together, we can help your dog thrive and create a harmonious, happy life for both of you.