My name is April and I am a reward based, force-free dog trainer focused on helping you & your dog. I strongly believe all dog training should be fun, positive and focused on developing the relationship between you and your dog. If you are both not enjoying it, then something has gone very wrong. All my training is based on developing confidence for you & your dog. You will very often hear me say 'confidence first, everything else second!'. 

I currently have 3 dogs of my own. A Jack Russell Terrier called Winnie, a Working Labrador called Incy and a Dalmatian called Buzz. 
 The dog that started my journey was Indi the English Springer Spaniel who we lost in 2018. He was highly fearful of people and other dogs, which in turn caused him to be 'reactive'. I was only 14 years old at the time so had no idea what I was doing! I really struggled to find anyone that could help me using only positive, reward-based training. I had tried & experienced local aversive trainers and knew straight away that was not the route I wanted to go down with my dog. I ended up contacting behaviourists in Wales and Bristol that were so lovely and sympathetic to my situation. They gave me amazing advice and changed the way I thought about dog training. Because of them, and Indi, I got to follow my dreams and work with dogs full time. 

You will never hear me use the word ‘dominance’ or ‘pack’. The dominance theory has long been disproved. Dogs live in family groups, there is no struggle for pack leader or dominance. We do not need to use fear or intimidation in dog training or behaviour. All my training is based on the latest science and I am always doing my utmost to keep up to date with the latest developments. 
I hold a 1st class degree in animal science. As part of my degree I studied repetitive behaviour in red squirrels and presented my findings to the zoo itself. After my degree I went on to work in rescue kennels with one of the biggest dog rescue organisations in the UK. They do a number of their own certified training courses which I completed. This involved filming myself training various kennel dogs and then sending it up to head office behaviourists for assessment to then be certified. I left that role after the birth of my first son and decided to follow my dream of opening up my own business helping dogs and their owners. I feel very lucky that I get to do a job I love and be a part of so many wonderful journeys. 

I am a fully certified and approved SA (separation anxiety) Pro Trainer having completed Julie Naismith's (author of 'be right back') course. I am always updating my CPD, as part of that I went down to Devon and got to train chickens, meerkats, porcupines and farm animals at Devon College in 2022. I then went and did it all again in 2025 only this time I trained animals at Paignton Zoo including a crocodile, goats and Baboons! I also hold a full current Level 3 qualification in dog first aid. I have also done various training with IMDT (institute of modern dog trainers), Canine Principles, Dog Training College... to name just a few! I am continuously updating my knowledge as the world of dog training is changing quickly and there is always more to learn. 
I am currently now studying my Level 6 in Clinical Animal Behaviour with the aim of being a qualified clinical animal behaviourist on completion. 

I strongly believe that the human side is just as important as the dog-training side. As a result I am currently working towards being a qualified (human!) counsellor. I currently hold a Level 2 in counselling skills and have recently started the Level 3. My long-term aim is to then combine counselling with dog training/ behaviour to give a truly holistic approach. Watch this space! 

I have been on my own journey in regards to healing trauma and understanding my own neurodiversity. It has not been an easy journey but I am in a much better place now because of it. Every dog and caregiver is completely unique and this is something that is always at the forefront of any training journey we go on. 

I am always happy to chat so if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.