Catherine

 I joined Take The Lead in July 2014 after a successful career in teaching in order to pursue my passion for dogs.  I have owned and trained dogs for over thirty years and under the mentorship of respected trainer Kay Attwood, I have become a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement training.  I have been taught by some of the leading positive reinforcement trainers and behaviourists including Sarah Whitehead, Susan Friedman, Steve Mann, Jo-Rosie Huffenden and Nando Brown.  I am committed to my own continuing professional development in order that I can bring current best practice to Take The Lead clients.  I believe there is no place for aversive methods in dog training or behaviour modification.  Kindness, consistency and understanding what motivates your dog is the key to a long term successful partnership.  

I am also a volunteer for a German Shepherd rescue organisation, assessing dogs for re-homing and carrying out home checks.  I regularly attend training workshops with my own dog and recently took part in the filming of a Platform Training DVD which is a fun and highly effective way to teach both foundation behaviours and advanced skills.

 I am currently owned and trained by  a retired police dog called Asti!  She was retired from Surrey police in September 2014 after a successful career as a general purpose police dog and selected to be a specialist firearms dog.  My main interests lie in canine communication,  both how they communicate with us and with each other.  Training with your dog is about having a conversation and I look forward to being a part of your training conversation!​