Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only work with dachshunds?

No, I work with all breeds, however due to extensive experience within the breed I specialise and focus on dachshunds. I also work closely with smaller breeds.

How can you help me if you are online?

Like many others, over lockdown I transitioned online. I then found this actually empowered owners. Being online meant you guys know from the start that you are responsible for making changes. However I also know how important that ongoing support is. I ensure I am available to support you remotely after each zoom. Being online means I am not putting your dogs under additional stress or pressure and we can build things from scratch in a situation they feel comfortable with rather than trying to combat the conflict they may feel with my presence. Whilst I love face to face sessions, I have found my approach is very successful in helping you and your dogs reach your goals in low pressure and positive way.

Many people prefer face to face sessions, which I do offer in the Norfolk Area. Prior to this you would need to book a remote session to discuss what is happening with your dogs and put in initial strategies to ensure when we meet you and your dogs have the basics in place and to get the most from a face to face session.

What is your training methodology?

Dog training and behaviour is an art and a skill. It is important to have theoretical understanding of an animals behaviour alongside practical experience. There are many courses available to people - some better than others and it can be confusing to know which organisation to look for. I strive to ensure I do the best to ensure I give my best. My personal, academic and professional experience of the breed gives me extensive knowledge. I offer a holistic, and adaptive approach to all the dogs I meet, there is not just one way to approach behaviour. Every carer, dog, and home is different, and we all have different needs. I listen to what you need, and assess what your dogs needs to bring you into harmony. I am very proud of my reputation and always do my best to help you. I am respected amongst the dachshund community and offer support to all that work with dachshunds. I have written numerous blogs for the Dachshund Breed Council, support numerous breeders as their behavioural support, and am a trustee with Dachshund health. I get hugely invested in the dogs, I love helping everyone achieve their goals and am passionate about what I do. I am currently studying MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour at Lincoln University to ensure the service I provide is of a high standard.

What does Perfectly Polite Dachshunds do differently than others in your field?

Will I work with other professionals?

Absolutely! I am always happy to work with and support other trainers or behaviourists. Creating a community of professionals who work together to help the dogs is incredibly important. It may be your trainer needs some guidance in addressing the underlying cause of the behaviour and have recommendation of what activities to introduce, or your behaviourist wants to understand a bit more about dachshund behaviour.

I also work closely with vets to enable the to make a full assessment of your dogs which may not always be possible in a clinical environment. The Dynamic Dog Assessments cater to supporting your vets and provide detailed evidence of your dog outside the veterinary practice to faciliate their assessments of your dogs.

I work to build confidence in the human carers and in their dogs. I use positive methodologies which work to reducing stress for humans and dogs alike I encourage owners to see things from a different perspective and from the dog's perspective. If owners can understand what is happening they are more likely to react effectively. I encourage fun training and positivity- if its fun, the owners will continue with their training, and if its fun, the dog will enjoy the training. It is important to consider your needs as well as your dogs, and it is vital that I listen and guide you to gain the skills you need to enable you to enjoy your lives with your dogs. A happy owner means a happy dachshund!