Jess
FOUNDER & HEAD OF BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING
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My name is Jess and I am the face behind Follow My Lead Dog Training, based in Addlestone, Surrey.
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I have always adored dogs and been interested in their behaviour from a young age. I studied Experimental Psychology at University and this furthered my enthusiasm for understanding how learning takes place.
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I am a fully qualified trainer and behaviourist with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) & Behaviour (IMDTB). I solely use ethical, positive and force-free methods to train dogs with love. As an Assessed and Qualified Member of The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers I am proud to display the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter symbol.
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I have also been lucky enough to have worked with numerous rescue dogs during the rehoming process. I believe that training and behavioural modification can, and should, be a positive, enjoyable experience and I'm passionate about helping owners and their dogs to live their best lives together.
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I am committed to keeping my knowledge and approach up to date, regularly attending additional courses, undertaking further study and reading the latest publications on dog behaviour and training.
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The wonderfully varied, complex and ever-changing nature of dogs
never fails to amaze and delight me. There is no ‘one size fits all’
way of training and I tailor my approach to the needs and nature of
each individual dog and owner I work with.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Rachael
TRAINER
Hi, I’m Rachael and I’d love to tell you a little bit about myself. Having worked in Facilities and Property Management in the City for 30 years, I decided to take voluntary redundancy in 2020 with a view to taking a few months off and then returning to something local and part time.
I’ve always loved nature and animals and walking is one of my greatest pleasures, before lockdown I would always look at people walking their dogs and see how much joy people got from walking with four paws in tow. My husband said “why don’t we just rescue a dog?” We had always wanted a dog and this was the perfect opportunity. Reggie, our beautiful 20 month old Staffie rescue (who had spent 7 months in local authority kennels) then became part of our family and I never looked back! Then began my journey of learning about dogs and their fascinating behaviour which as everyone knows can be a challenging but terrifically rewarding when you get the human inputs right.
When the pandemic hit the country, I re-evaluated my life and realised that working with dogs was something that I really enjoyed and wanted to pursue. I started volunteering at two rescues and have also fostered for the RSPCA. With Jess I have also been assisting at classes for experience and enjoyment. I have trained with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and am currently working towards my accreditation and I also do dog agility and scent work with my own hound. Dogs are incredibly rewarding animals and I look forward to helping people with their beloved pets as much as I can.
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