Welcome to Willow & Wild - Canine Training and Behaviour

I live with 3 dogs currently, but have been the guardian of 5. My 3 current dogs are Kiara, a 10 year old boxer cross, Spike a 4 year old Labrador x Collie and Mouse a 3 year old Chihuahua cross - so an interesting mix! (Along with 2 rescue hamsters - Hamela Anderson a 1.5 year old dwarf russian hamster, and Ham Boleyn, a 9 month old Syrian hamster)

My passion is helping dogs and their families build stronger, happier relationships through kind, science-based training and behaviour support.

I’ve worked with dogs for over 10 years now, and along the way I’ve seen just how much they enrich our lives. My mission is to bridge the gap between dogs and their humans, making life together easier, calmer, and more joyful.

I have worked with some of the largest UK animal rescues for the last 5 years in training and behaviour positions, and so I do definitely have a soft spot for a rescue! I currently work with The Blue Cross, as well as being the Resident Behaviour Consultant at Newport City Dogs Home, and part of the Behaviour Consultant Team at Cardiff Dogs Home.

I use positive, force-free methods, always prioritising welfare and wellbeing. I’m currently training to become a qualified behaviourist, and specialise in confidence building. I'm qualified as an Animal Trainer with the ABTC and currently working towards my Animal Behaviour Technician qualification.

The name Willow & Wild is inspired by my love of nature, reflects my belief that training should feel natural, nurturing, and rooted in kindness; helping dogs grow from strong roots into full bloom, and the dogs who’ve shaped my journey, in particular my first dog, Willow.

Willow was 11 months old when she came to me, and was an eclectic mix of Springer Spaniel, Collie, Whippet and Staffy! She hadn't experienced much of the world, and was terrified of men, sudden movements and novel items. Willow made me into who I am today, teaching me so much about dogs and friendship. She helped hundreds of dogs in her time with working as my stooge dog for reactive dogs, both with private clients and within rescue, as well as being the reason I set up a secure field in 2015. Willow sadly left us in February 2025 at 13 years old, and at no point stopped being my biggest teacher, my best friend and the reason I'm here today.

So, whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or rescue dog, want to fine-tune life skills, or need support with more complex behaviour, I’m here to guide you and your dog on your journey together. 🐾