Debbie

Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers - APDT member number 01026

Debbie wanted a dog from a very young age, but due to her living in a flat she was not allowed one. Instead she ‘adopted’ every stray dog that she could find, and often took other people’s dogs for a walk. As soon as she was able to she got her own dog, a Jack Russell x Yorkshire Terrier. Since then she has had a German Shepherd, Doberman, Black Labrador, 2 Border Collies and 2 Long Haired Miniature Dachshunds.

She learnt the most from her first Border Collie, Suzie. Suzie was a rescue dog and very quickly destroyed the entire house. She eat her way through a cane suite, a new carpet, shelving, dug her way through the garden (a challenge for any gardener!) and leapt the fence on a regular basis. Following this Debbie very quickly became interested in dog behaviour! Gradually, with a lot of patience Suzie turned into a wonderful member of the family.

Debbie first met Christina through her puppy class in 2003 with her current Border Collie, Rosie. Christina was immediately struck by Debbie’s wonderfully natural way with dogs, and her common sense but sensitive approach. The two became friends and Debbie has helped with a number of behavioural consultations with her Long Haired Miniature Dachshund, Sam. Through this she has learnt about dog behaviour and positive handling, and through her own experiences she is able to encourage other owners that are experiencing problems. Debbie would have loved to have done agility with Rosie, but has been unable to due to Rosie being diagnosed with hip problems at 6 months of age.

Debbie lives with her husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 8 guinea pigs and a rabbit. As well as her animals her hobbies include gardening and knitting and she works as a Home Care Manager.

UPDATE - Debbie has recently welcomed Diesel, another Border Collie puppy in her family. Read about how they get on in Diesel's Diary.