About Cognit Canines

Picking the right dog trainer is an important choice to make and can also be an overwhelming experience, however this section aims to give you the peace of mind that you are in safe but scientific hands! 

I have worked with dogs for over 17 years in a range of industries, 6 of those years involved working in UK canine rescue and behavioural rehabilitation. I was fortunate to work with a variety of large and small canine charities and help dozens of dogs in modifying their behaviour and ultimately find new forever homes. 

From a very young age I competed in Breed and Handling competitions at Open, Championship and Crufts levels where I have handled a range of breeds from German Shepherds to Whippets! I now however handle exclusively for a top kennel which specialises in Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless), where I have had the opportunity to win many Best Puppy, Best in Breed and Group placings with this fantastic breed. 

I have also been judging for 8 years for a range of breeds in the UK at Open show level. 

Aside from showing, I have also competed in Competitive Obedience, Rally' O and Gundog Trials and trained 10+ dogs to the KC Gold Standard, additionally I  have also trained group classes from puppy to competitive level over the years. I have worked with many clients over the years on a 1-2-1 basis from pet basics to training the next junior handler winner. 

As of 2023, I am pleased to announce that Cognit Canines have achieved Kennel Club Listed Status 

Aside from my proactive approach to working with dogs over the years, I also hold the following qualifications: 

• Animal Science BSc (Hons)
• Master of Research in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (MRes) 
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Canine First Aid
• A range of Kennel Club Stewarding and Judgine Certification
• German Shepherd A3 Judging Certification 
• Full Clear DBS Certificate
• I also complete regular CPD to make sure I am delivering the best service I can, my most recent CPD was dog training at Thames Valley Police Dog Section 
• Zoo Training and Sentience in Zoo Animals Seminar held by Jim Mackie 
• Have recently trained my own dog, Fern (see right) to the Gold KCGC level
• Member of the Companion Animal Research Group - Canine Division at BCA currently
• Author of 'Are Xolos intelligent? ' in the Mexican Hairless Crufts Magazine 2023 - the article can be read here 
• IPet Network Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Apprentice Assessor
• I am also BTEC National examiner and BTEC  Author
• Conservation and Ecology Experience with Shamwari in South Africa 

Key wins from  the last few months for handling and showing include 5th top 17-35 years AHA Finals winner and 1st Breeders Stakes at Sourthern Counties Championship show 2023 - these wins are particularly important to me due to being the first Xolo's in history to win these titles. 

To date, I have two scientific papers published on canine genetics and biomechanics. I have a keen interest in canine cognition and the future of developing protocols to evidence our canine intelligence. 

I am a lecturer in Animal Behaviour, Animal Training, Anthrozoology, Breeding and Genetics and Kennel and Cattery Management at Berkshire College of Agriculture. I am passionate about teaching the next generation of Animal trainers, behaviourists and kennel/cattery managers. I am very fortunate to help train a range of animals at the college, from zoo animals such as Tamarins, Otters, Porcupines to Goats and Pigs, with believing all animals can unlock their inner cognition. 

I have combined my many years of education and experience to approach any training programme with positive and up to date methods. I believe any dog can reach their full potential with these methods and ultimately unleash their inner cognition to achieve amazing things with their owners!

Follow the adventures of Cognit Canines on TikTok

I currently share my home with Fern, my 5 year old Springer Spaniel and Mayan my GSD, these two are crucial part of Cognit Canines where they have help me in classes and 1-2-1s. 

Lastly, I am now the  official handler for the  Sangrereal Xolo Kennel which is one of the top kennels in the UK for Xolos, so honoured to be part of the team. As of 2024, I have had the honour of being promoted to Co-Secretary and Treasurer for the Xoloitzcuintle Club of the UK where I am involved in the monitoring and development of this wonderful breed.