I will always be an advocate for dogs who don´t fit in.

The Wedding and event chaperone was born from a simple belief; Dogs deserve to feel safe.

For years I have studied, educated myself on canine behaviour and training. In 2024, I finally finished my official studies and received my qualification of a Level 3 in Canine Behaviour and Training. This qualification is accredited by IPET network, and AIM qualifications, and recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training council. (ABTC) I continue to study and always will do as the industry is not static, its always evolving. I have various certifications in Nutrition, Behaviour, Puppies, Elderly dog care, Enrichment and more.

Even though Im a qualified trainer, I never call myself or advertise myself as one! Im a coach, and focus on relationships and understanding.  Ive spent the last year finding my path and so here, at The Gentle Canine Coach, I specialise in helping anxious, nervous, and sensitive dogs feel safe in the world around them. A human centric world where dogs are so misunderstood and labelled ´naughty´ for simply being a dog, doing things dogs should be allowed to do. My work is rooted in compassion, patience, and a deep respect for each dog as an individual. I am also passionate about educating dog owners in various different aspects of the canine world. I also specialise in the care of elderly dogs and enrichment sessions. Our Golden Oldies are a big passion of mine! And so I've chosen to work solely with elderly dogs and anxious dogs who need help coping. That's what I do, I don´t train dogs, I like to think I help them cope.

I believe that behaviour is communication, not defiance, stubbornness, or dominance. The Alpha theory in dogs has actually been debunked an misproven. Dogs are not dominant and fight for control over their owner and each- other. When a dog struggles, they are not trying to give us a hard time; they are having a hard time.  My role is to help guide them toward calm, confident behaviour in a way that protects their emotional wellbeing. I am not above them, I am not there to tell them what to do, I simply help guide them.

My Approach
Im a force-free, reward-based, and science-led coach. That means I use methods supported by modern behavioural science that prioritise emotional safety and long-term learning. I focus on building trust, creating a sense of safety, teaching alternative behaviours rather than suppressing unwanted ones and working at your dog’s pace. There are no quick fixes here. Real, lasting behaviour change comes from understanding, consistency, and kindness.

What I offer -  I have two main programmes:

The Confident Dog
An 8 week programme (one session per week) where I work with your dog in various different environments, with confidence building activities, scent walks, games and various exercises that try to build your dogs confidence and start to trust the world around him. Focusing on progress over perfection, giving my best honest effort to help impove your dogs well being.

The Golden Oldie
An 8-Week Enrichment & Wellbeing Journey for Senior Dogs
As our dogs grow older, their needs change but their need for purpose, enrichment, and joy never fades. The Golden Oldie Programme is a support plan designed specifically for senior dogs, ensuring older dogs receive the physical outlets, mental stimulation, and emotional support they deserve in their golden years. Different environments, experiences, smells, and 100% dog led.

My Morals and Ethics
My ethical responsibility is always to the dog’s welfare, physically and emotionally. I will never use or recommend: Shock collars (e-collars), prong collars or similar, physical corrections, startle techniques or any sort of intimidation based handling.
I do not believe in “dominating” dogs. I do not use fear to gain compliance and I do not label dogs as “bad.” I believe dogs deserve choice where possible ,clear communication, predictability, patience and safety, and to simply enjoy being dog!
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I am a coach and an advocate for sensitive dogs. I am patient with big feelings, both canine and human. I am committed to continuing education and evidence-based practice. Im always learning and most importantly, I am on yours and your dogs team.

What I Am Not
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I will always be very transparent in what I am and what I am not.
I am not a “quick fix” trainer. This isn't a thing, even though so many claim to do so. I am not here to suppress behaviour at the expense of wellbeing. If I feel there is something I cannot help you and your dog with, then I an open doors for you to professionals who I work closely with including a behaviourist and nutritionist.
If you are looking for fast compliance through punishment or correction-based tools, Im not for you.
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Many anxious, reactive, or shut-down dogs have previously experienced aversive methods and while these techniques can sometimes stop behaviour in the moment, they often suppress warning signs without addressing the underlying emotion. The fear, stress, or confusion remains and can resurface in more intense or unpredictable ways.Research in behavioural science consistently shows that punishment-based methods increase stress and risk damaging the human–dog bond. For already anxious or nervous dogs, this is not the way to go.

Dogs learn best when they feel safe and I am committed to humane ways of working with animals. If you think I am the right person for you and your dog, I would be delighted to meet you for a friendly chat!
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With patience, understanding, and the right plan and outlook, change is possible. You just need to be patient.

Thanks for reading!

Emma ❤