ABTC listed

 My name is Heather Dugdale and I am a local lass who has always loved animals, especially dogs and horses.  My Grandfather had a small holding in Kilwinning where he bred Clydesdales and Springer Spaniels,  so I think it’s definitely in the genes.  After many years of working with the Council as an IT Technician I decided to start studying dog behaviour and science based training in the hope that I could become a Dog Trainer when I retired, lucky enough for me I was given the opportunity to take early release (sounds like a prison sentence!) and follow my passion . In 2017 I gained an Ofqual recognised level 4 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and Training from Animal Jobs Direct,  and passed an Animal Behaviour and Welfare course from the University of Edinburgh,  successfully completed a Dog Emotion and Cognition course with Duke University and  went on to assist a fully qualified Kennel Club Instructor with her Canis Dog Training Classes which where invaluable,  and gave me the hands on experience I needed to start my own classes.

I continued my education and became a member and accredited trainer with the IMDT , having passed my exam with a distinction in 2021.  I gained membership of the APDT in June 2023, which is a highly valued organisation in the Professional Dog Training Industry,  and with this rigorous exam came the opportunity to be listed on the ABTC register, which is a Council that sets and maintains standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor or animal behaviour therapist and is used by shelters and vets.    I am now qualified as a Bronze Assessor for the  Citizen Award Scheme,  which means I can assess KC Listed GCDS clubs.

In the near future, I hope to achieve a level 5 diploma in dog behaviour.

I think training should be fun, and I believe happy dogs make for happy owners, and that’s why I chose the name Heathers Happy Hounds.