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Our mission at Dog Training Ireland is to help dogs live in our human world through better communication and understanding. This in turn will bring harmony and happiness to the home for everyone involved.

Boomer (Choules) At Dog Training Ireland emphasis is on ethical training based on sound canine training and behaviour study. Our staff are qualified and certified by reputable recognised industry standard colleges and bodies such as Bishop Burton College, the APDT UK (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) the CCPDT (Council for Professional Dog Trainers), COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology).

The assessment criteria for the certifying bodies is based on the applicants ability to demonstrate practical skills, excellent handling skills, the ability to deal with a variety of behaviours and situations and applicants must have an excellent understanding of learning theory, husbandry skills, ethology, instructing skills and equipment.

In short it is not possible to become accredited by APDT UK or the CCPDT by simply paying a membership fee or joining the group. Assessment is non bias as in peers do not assess peers, there is a strict code of ethics and a complaints procedure for members who do not comply.

Millie (Whelan) Ongoing education is of utmost importance at Dog Training Ireland and that is why you will see that the trainers and carers here hold the relevant qualifications pertinent to their role. Each trainer has invested time and considerable personal finance to be able to instruct and give you correct and safe information. You wouldn't allow an unqualified plumber fix your heating so it's vital that you research anyone who will be working with your dog, a living creature.

None of our trainers have gained their qualifications from quick online courses or through non industry standard colleges or educational groups. The minimum study period invested by any of our trainers is 2 years and at present trainers hold Higher National Certs, Diplomas and are studying at honours degree and masters level. Please investigate any trainer claims of certification and always research the certifying body and assessment criteria as there are many groups and associations being formed.

Meet the staff

Lisa Whelan - Director

Lisa is co-founder of Dog Training Ireland along with Tara.

Lisa's original background was in IT as an Analyst Programmer. Her Canine career started 8 years ago when she met Tara, and they collaborated together rescuing pound dogs. Ideas quickly developed and after qualifications and certifications were earned, Dog Training Ireland was born.

Tara Choules - Director

Tara is co-founder of Dog Training Ireland with Lisa.

Tara's original background was in IT as a Knowledge Management Specialist, and she holds a Degree in Computer Science, but has been working with dogs for over 8 years. From 2006 onwards Tara and Lisa have supervised the training of over 1000 dogs per year. This combined with their ongoing study and qualifications give them both the educational standards and experience necessary to work with people and their dogs.

Laura Jennings - Head Trainer & Daycare Operations Manager

Laura has had dogs all her life and was involved in rescue work for many years but really discovered her love for training dogs when she adopted a dog aggressive Jack Russell Terrier cross called Jodie five years ago.

Jodie had several homes before she was even a year old which caused even more behaviour problems. Laura quickly contacted DTI to start behaviour modification work, doing desensitisation and counter conditioning work with other dogs and teaching her new cue words and doing self control exercises. They spent a long time retraining but the commitment paid off, Jodie has taken part in many of Laura's exams and helped her receive distinctions as well as becoming a certified Therapy Dog herself.

Emma Heeley - Dog Trainer & Daycare Assistant

Emma has been dog lover since she was a child but was never allowed to have a dog as her family were all petrified. So having always walked the neighbour's dogs and pet sat for friends while they went on holidays, in 2006 at the age of 18, she put her foot down.

Emma knew she wanted a puppy and made the call to a breeder in Newry. The trek began on a minus two degree cold November night to collect her puppy. A little lemon and white Beagle puppy called Toby who changed her whole family's life forever. Since that day Emma had her work cut out for her with a very cheeky, clever and hyperactive puppy. She contacted Dog Training Ireland to get the much needed help and guidance she needed and has never looked back.


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