About Us |
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
Tara Choules - Director
Qualifications: HNC in Canine Training and Behaviour, CAP2
Certifications: CCPDT (Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers), MAPDT UK 852 (Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK), Canine First Aid Certified, Microchip Certification (Dogs Trust), CAP (Competency Assessment Program) Clicker Trainers Certification.
Seminars Attended: Ian Dunbar Sept 2008 & April 2009 Dublin, Learning About Dogs UK - Kay Laurance, Teaching People Teaching Dogs 2007, Dee Ganley Aggression Seminar and Kennel Management 2006, Learning About Dogs UK - Conference 2006.
Currently Studying: BSc (HONS) Applied Animal Behaviour, Sparsholt College
Read more...
|
|
Media Appearances:
TV: Seoiga and O'Shea RTE1, Six one News RTE1, TV3 News, Sky News
Radio: BBC News Northern Ireland, Dublin City FM, 4FM.
Print: Contributor to K9 Magazine
Blogs: Blogger on Dr. Ian & Kelly Dunbar's website www.DogStarDaily.com
Tara is co-founder of Dog Training Ireland with Lisa Whelan. 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. Tara's early work with rescue dogs led to the gaining of a recognised qualification and the attendance of many more
courses and hours experience in areas such as behaviour modification, clicker training, puppy and agility Training. Tara has worked hard with Lisa to
create a specialist team at Dog Training Ireland with emphasis on the true understanding of Canine Behaviour and all work done here is based on the
science of the canine. Tara's area of interest is behaviour modification and working with dogs needing extra help and who display aggression. These
dogs require help rather than stigmatisation and all training must be kind and stress free. Tara lives with her husband Philip and their two dogs Zak a
cheeky Dachshund and Boomer a gentle Schnauzer.
|
|
|
Lisa Whelan - Director
Qualifications: BSc, HNC in Canine Training and Behaviour, CAP2
Certifications: CCPDT (Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers), MAPDT UK 853(Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK), Canine First Aid, Microchip Certification (Dogs Trust), CAP (Competency Assessment Program) Clicker Trainers Certification.
Seminars Attended: Ian Dunbar Sept 2008 & April 2009 Dublin, Learning About Dogs UK - Kay Laurance, Teaching People Teaching Dogs 2007, Dee Ganley Aggression Seminar and Kennel Management 2006, Learning About Dogs UK - Conference 2006.
Currently Studying: Post Grad Diploma (MSc) in Companion Animal Behaviour, Southampton University
Read more...
|
|
Media Appearances:
TV: Seoiga and O'Shea RTE1 and Ireland AM on TV3.
Radio: Mooney goes live on RTE1, Gerry Ryan on 2FM, Dublin City FM
Print: Contributor to Pet Care Magazine
Blogs: Blogger on Dr. Ian & Kelly Dunbar's website www.DogStarDaily.com
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. The dream has developed into a reality over the last number of years and despite the long hours and very
hard work, Lisa wouldn't swap it for the world and loves every minute of it. Lisa's areas of interest are primarily around behaviour work, problem
solving and also teaching others to understand about dogs based on real and proven science. Lisa lives with her husband Carroll and 4 dogs, Honey
and Millie, Tibetan Terrier sisters, Misty a mixed pedigree and Homer a Cocker Spaniel. Her idea of fun is hill walking in the Wicklow mountains with Carroll
and the dogs, oh and of course being in Dog Training Ireland!.
|
|
|
Laura Jennings - Head Trainer & Daycare Operations Manager
Qualifications: DipCABT (Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training), CAP2, COAPE Advanced Award in Dog Training
Certifications: CCPDT (Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers), MAPDT UK (Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK), Canine First Aid Certified, CAP 1&2 (Competency Assessment Program) Clicker Trainers, Canine Psychology Certified
Currently Studying: CAP3
Read more...
|
|
Media Appearances:
TV: KAZOO on the Den RTE1 Oct 2009, Laura appeared on the show with Jodie who demonstrated all of the tricks that she can do!
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
an untrained, dog aggressive Jack Russell Terrier cross called Jodie four years ago. Jodie had several homes before she was a year old as people could
not cope with her. This was how Laura came to know DTI. She and Jodie quickly enrolled in lots of courses! 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. Laura was hooked and she started her various
qualifications and certification as well as becoming an Intern at Dog Training Ireland. She has worked her way up from an Intern to Manager while studying
extremely hard for qualifications and certifications. The hard work paid off as Laura now has her dream job!!! Laura's lives with her Husband, Jonathan,
Jodie and her second dog, Charlie, a collie cross. Despite suffering from liver disease and various other health problems, Charlie has been trained to a
high standard and regularly competes in Agility. Charlie also accompanies Laura to many works shops and seminars and he has his own wall full of Rosettes
at home. Laura's main areas of interest are Agility, task & trick training and behaviour cases such as nervous or shy dogs. In her spare time Laura
loves long walks with her family and fostering homeless dogs to help them become more adoptable, happy pets!
|
|
|
Emma Heeley - Dog Trainer & Daycare Assistant
Qualifications: Emma is due to start her Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour with COAPE in 2010, and is currently studying Canine Training
and Behaviour with COMPASS education along with her CAP1.
Currently Studying: CAP1
Read more...
|
|
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. Emma was accepted for an internship at Dog Training Ireland in May 2009 and demonstrated her excellent handling skills, aptitude and
ability with the dogs both in Daycare and in Classes. She was offered a full time role as a Trainee Dog Trainer in August 2009 and was delighted to
officially join the Dog Training Ireland Team. Emma and Toby love Clicker Training and obedience and are currently training towards their CAP 1
certification. Emma loves nothing more than going the beach with Toby, her boyfriend Mark and his rescue Boxer Leo.
|
|
|
Michelle Pearson - Professional Groomer, Canine First Aid Instructor and Trainer
Qualifications: Currently studying for Diploma in Professional Dog Training with Companion Animal Sciences Institute
Certifications: Canine First Aid, CAP1, MAPDT
Currently Studying: CAP2
Read more...
|
|
Michelle grew up with dogs and was always the one with the responsibility for training and looking after them. She became involved in rescue work
very early on and has worked with several rescue groups, fostering, homechecking and transporting dogs. She has attended many seminars and workshops
and has a continued interest in the behaviour and psychology of dogs. Michelle started with Dog Training Ireland by enrolling in all the classes they
provided and attending their workshops particularly for Difficult Dogs and Clicker Training. Michelle lives with three dogs. Chuck who is a lurcher
and attends workshops, petexpo's, and puppy classes providing positive experience for the puppies meeting and greeting a large, adolescent dog. Buster
a lab x who has just started agility and despite his short legs and large body is proving very adept at it. And then there's Nancy a 10 year old
yorkshire terrier who suffers with epilepsy. Nancy also attends the puppy classes where pups get to meet and greet her giving them the experience
of meeting an oldie! Michelle loves nothing better than working with her dogs at agility and going on long walks in the nearby park or on the beach.
|
|