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filler@godaddy.com
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.
I hereby outline my commitment to fun force free training in accordance with the kennel club and APDT code of practice.
I shall ensure that all aspects of responsible dog ownership are promoted by my business, this includes equipment, food, exercise and socialization. I will also work to change any owners attitude that may differ from the code of conduct setup by the Kennel club and the APDT.
I will never allow the use of shock collars or similar electric equipment or anything I deem to be aversive. If you would like more information on this statement , I will be more than happy to discuss why these are not used , and why I only use scientific and evidence-based training.