I am obsessed with Learning Theory and the application of it to all animal training

My name is Jenny Richards and I train dogs. It’s not what I do, it’s who I am.

I competed and rehabilitated horses all my life before that was replaced with my utter obsession with Dog Sports. It is my life, I live it, I breath it and I am very good at it. Learning theory is addictive and I can not get enough of it. I have thrown myself into the pursuit of knowledge in this regard. I have attended a massive array of seminars and workshops with instructors from all over the world covering a vast array of topics. I have been lucky enough to work with so many great and gifted trainers who have taught me a variety of different methods and theories. Many good friends of mine are dog trainers and if I come across a problem that I do not feel is my strength I will not hesitate to refer to someone with that area of expertise. The most important thing is that the dogs have the best possible support to be as happy as they can and thrive within our homes and lives.

I offer guidance and support tailored to your individual needs. I have worked with many dogs solving a vast range of dog training and behavioural problems. I employ Positive Reinforcement (reward based) training based on scientific theory. Dog behaviour can very easily spiral in the wrong direction ending in a breakdown of communication and ultimately having adverse effect on your relationship with your dog. Your relationship with your dog has the potential to be one of the closest relationships you have. This relationship can be maximised by using simple elements of learning theory to strengthen the communication between you. I can show you how to achieve this.

My own dogs are trained to and compete at very high levels in sports called Working Trials and IGP (formerly Schutzhund). These sports are based on police dog work and include the 3 phrases of Tracking, Obedience and Protection. There is no greater high than letting my training and relationship speak for themselves though my dogs performance on the dog sports field and the amazing things we have achieved together. My dogs are excellent at helping others to work through various problems. They have helped people to train recall around distractions and helped many excitable greeters. They can be calm when asked and fast and distracting when required also - I always have control of them which is vital when trying to help another dog to work through a problem. My dogs are working dogs, which means they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. All dogs benefit from training activities, spending time training our dogs is great fun for both us and them AND comes with the added benefit of building a stronger bond between you. Spending time training and playing games with your dog will ultimately boost their confidence and give them the grounding they need to be a well rounded and happy dog.

I have a skill and a passion when it comes to dog training and I want to share that with as many people as possible. I have helped numerous people resolve training or relationship problems and nothing gives me such a high. To see those moments when the pennies start to drop and the training plan starts to come together and the relationship is growing…. there is nothing better! And I get to be a part of that journey - how cool is that!!

HEAVILY FOCUSED ON POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES

I will always use Positive Reinforcement wherever possible as I believe it is the best way to communicate with our dogs. There are certain domestic problems that require a balanced approach, but for any kind of Dog Sport Training or Obedience training I will only use a positive reinforcement approach. I want our dogs to enjoy having fun and engaging with us, and this is by far the best way to achieve this.