About Perfectly Polite Dachshunds

Sharon Alton is a qualified and experienced behaviourist working with all breeds of dogs and specialising in dachshunds.​

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Having lived with dachshunds since birth, there isn't much about dachshunds Sharon that surprises her!

 In her entire life there were 4 years where she didn't share a sofa with a dachshund (but her parents had 5), determined she wanted big dogs!!!  Until a little stray called Sophie found her way to Sharon when she was just 22. Sophie was very obviously from a puppy farm and in very poor condition.  She was very quick with her teeth too understandably.  Sophie lived until old age and was the first step to Sharon admitting she missed having a dachshund in her home. Since then.....she has always had several dachshunds in her life, and has fostered many dachshunds with significant behavioural or medical issues. Taking pride in providing them with safety, stability and confidence.​​

Whilst dog training and behaviour is an unregulated industry (for now) Sharon is a firm believer that we should uphold the same standards as other professions.  She believes dogs are part of our family and as we would for ourselves, they should be looked after by people who have the experience and qualifications to do so.  The dog and the family are both important and recognising peoples needs is a vital part of the process.   

She is constantly studying at a high level, currently completing her Masters in Science Clinical Animal Behaviour at Lincoln University.  The knowledge we have on animals is constantly developing, and there is a lot of misinformation out there.  It is important we find the right approach which improves your welfare as well as your dogs!  ​​​Over MANY years Sharon has worked out what works and what does not.  This knowledge comes from living with dachshunds, fostering them, working with clients, and from a sound background in behaviour and training.   Having a deep understanding of a dachshunds behaviour is a key part of what Sharon does, similarly, being adaptable and understanding enables her to have success with her clients.  She looks at the full picture, not just the behaviour or issue you are having but the cause.​

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Sharon is a strong advocate for promoting Dachshund Health, and a trustee for Dachshund Health UK who drive the research into health conditions in the breed.  Recently there has been tremendous work into supporting research into IVDD, and she is incredibly proud to have played a small part in this wonderful team. She also works closely with The Red Foundation - Emergency Dachshund rescue to support dogs who are rehomed in making the best transition.  

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Sharon strongly advocates for ethical and kind training.  It is important to address the cause of an issue rather than suppressing the symptoms. She works with carers to create understanding and to take away doubt, giving confidence to people in interacting with their dogs.  Sharon does not judge carers, everyone is treated kindly and with compassion.  Sharon is welcoming of those who are neurodiverse being neurospicy herself.  ​Sharon prides herself on honesty, and her reputation speaks for itself.  She doesn't try to "sell" packages or count minutes of time.  She will give you the best options available to you for your situation or offer alternatives. Her priority is, and always will be helping you achieve a stable and happy life with your dogs.​​