MY COMMITMENT TO YOU AND YOUR DOG
EFFECTIVE TRAINING, REAL RESULTS
Your dog will make progress! Proven training methods help your dog learn and grow, bringing out the very best in them. I am here to support you every step of the way, ensuring success that lasts.
KIND ETHICAL AND SCIENCE BASED
My training methods are always kind, humane, and backed by science. I will never use or recommend anything that could harm your dog - physically, emotionally, or behaviourally - now or in the future. Your dog's well-being always comes first.
PERSONALISED FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
You and your dog are one of a kind! In every class, lesson, or consultation, I tailor the training and advice to suit your dog's unique history, personality, temperament, and needs - both physical and behavioural.
But it's not just about your dog. I also ensure the training plan works for you - considering your environment, comfort, and abilities—so that learning feels natural, achievable, and enjoyable for both of you!
RESPECTFUL & INCLUSIVE
I respect and welcome everyone. My training is a judgement-free space where you and your dog are supported with empathy and understanding. No matter your background, experience or abilities,
I am here to help you succeed together.
Why a Training Guarantee isn’t Fair to You or Your Dog
Every dog is unique, and so is their learning journey. Training success depends on many factors, including:
• Practice Makes Progress - the more training you do between sessions, the better the results.
• Teaching Matters - how training is taught and applied affects how well your dog understands.
• Every Dog Learns Differently - some dogs pick things up quickly, while others need more time.
• Life Experiences Count - past experiences (good or bad) shape how a dog responds
to training.
• Genetics Play a Role - a dog's breed and personality influence their behaviour and learning style.
It is fair nor ethical to promise the same results for every dog. I do promise to use kind, effective, and science-based training to give you and your dog the best chance at success!
THRIVE Dog care is based in south west Donegal. I fell in love with Ireland when I was in my twenties but it was 2024 before I moved to Donegal and decided to start my business, providing services to dogs and their humans.
As a teenager I had looked after ponies, chickens, cats and goats, at our home in a rural village. Living with dogs began when we adopted Rakker, an adolescent Setter cross, from a French campsite. He was an amazing companion. We became very attached and dogs were here to stay.
My learning journey truly started with Asjen, the Irish Red and White Setter pup. I soon realised I had been ‘tricked’ by his perfect predecessor and that I had no knowledge about raising, socialising or teaching this energetic gundog youngster in my care. I longed for change and so began my quest to become the best possible human for the dogs in my life.
Wonderful teachers have crossed our path: Christel Holtrop at DogsJoy (NL) and Helen Phillips at Clicker Gundog UK, whose
profound approach to learning showed me the power of patience, play, of discovering what each dog and handler need to grow.
I am a fully certified Pet Dog Trainer with Annorlunda Campus and certified Canine Nutritionist with Lotte’s Logica; education bodies accredited by the Dutch Kennel Club. I am currently training with the Gundog Trainers Academy towards becoming an accredited Gundog Training Instructor with the Gundog Trainers Academy and an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). This affiliation means I am committed to force-free methods only: no shock, pain, fear or physical force. Just kind, ethical, effective training that works for you and your dog.
Continued professional development is important to me. Dog training and dog behaviour are a science, so it is imperative that I keep up to date with it.
I am an advocate for regulation of the dog care and dog training industries in Ireland.
THE WONDERS OF PLAYING TOGETHER
Have you observed dogs in social play together? They are a joy to watch, don’t you agree?
It is masterful how they invite, seduce and challenge each other to play a game. Despite intense physical activity or excitement, their eyes, their bodies, tails and muscles are relaxed.
A bigger dog will purposely ‘handicap’ themselves to be a match for their smaller play mate. As the game continues roles will switch and they swop initiative. They never hurt each other and always respect the mutual boundaries. Active sessions are often alternated with short breaks. Should something unpleasant
– accidentally – happen, they will acknowledge this. Usually a good ‘shake off’ restores the balance and off they go again.
Let me share with you the benefits of PLAY between HUMANS and their DOGS.
PLAY WITH YOUR DOG IS MUTUAL
Some dogs intentionally invite us to play. They bring a toy, place it on our lap, or nudge it against our hands. There is no clearer invitation than that. Other dogs love to play but are naturally more reserved. These dogs still enjoy the game if they are invited to engage with their human. How a dog responds to an invitation to play depends on the experiences they had as a puppy and young adult. Were those play experiences positive and enjoyable? If so, your dog is more likely to engage in games with humans.
If your dog brings you a toy, don’t ignore them. An invitation to play is not about the dog wanting to control you. It is simply your beloved friend inviting you to some interaction. Is it not heartwarming when your dog asks you to play? It demonstrates your bond. And honestly…. a break from work and some playtime can prove quite refreshing.
FIVE GOOD REASONS FOR PLAYING WITH YOUR DOG
1.Strengthening your Bond
Play deepens your connection and builds trust. In play you engage through eye contact, touch and non verbal communication — each in your own way. Integrating play and toys during training will make those sessions more rewarding and effective.
Games that involve physical activities, like tug or chase, can be intense. However, if you both stick to the Rules for Play, your interaction will cause pleasure and fulfilment:
- No hurting each other.
- No forcing your dog into physically demanding activities.
- Respect each other’s boundaries,
- Initiative can change
2. Physical and Social Development
Play provides a positive outlet for natural instincts like chasing, grabbing, tugging.
These activities strengthens muscles, joints and heart health. Puppies tend to sleep, eat and play. It is how they discover the world and develop their body. Play stimulates the development of the neurological system and it employs the use of all the senses. Play helps them learn bite inhibition and interactions with litter mates. It is a way to experiment with ‘grown up’ behaviours and learn about social boundaries. Play builds confidence for later life in social settings.
3. Mental Stimulation
Play is fatiguing for dogs but in a very different way than a long walk tires them.
Interactive games challenge the brain, encourage creativity and problem-solving skills. Positive play experiences and being successful at solving puzzles will help your dog gain self confidence. This in turn improves their capacity to adapt to new
and challenging situations.
4. Play makes you feel Happy …. and sleep well
Play reduces anxiety, brings relief from stress and gives emotional well-being.
It prevents boredom and reduces the tendency for aggression or excessive excitement. Playing with each other releases the feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin, in both humans and dogs. Just five minutes of pleasant interaction can boost your happiness. A satisfying session of play helps us to sleep better.
5. You Learn About Your Dog
Playtime is a great opportunity to observe your dog and learn about them. By paying close attention, you can understand how they feel. You could ask yourself:
- Does my dog keep coming back for more, or do I need to encourage them?
- Is my dog confident or are they reserved and even insecure?
- What kind of games does my dog prefer playing with me?
- Is my dog keen on physical contact: touching, nudging?
- Can my dog share a toy when we play, or do they keep it to themselves?
- Does my dog like to pause and lie down when we are playing?
Changes in these behaviours over time give you information about how your dog is feeling, and what you can do to enhance their development or well-being
Is there a better reason to play with your dog?
