EMMA'S STORY

🐾 EMMA'S STORY

My journey with dogs began eight years ago with Hilde, a Bernese Mountain Dog. A year later, Porsche, a Leonberger, joined our family. 3 years ago I welcomed Amir, a fun-loving, high-energy Landseer ECT.

These incredible companions have brought so much joy into my life—beach runs, forest adventures, Bernese Mountain Dog Club gatherings, snowy getaways, road trips along the Great Ocean Road, and learning K9 Nose Work. They’ve also adapted through four house moves! Porsche was even my training partner during the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Dog Training Course. Simply put, my dogs are my life.

The Path to Training

Over time, I started noticing subtle challenges in my dogs’ behaviors—things I couldn’t quite put my finger on. My curiosity about canine behavior grew, but online research was overwhelming. The conflicting training methods and belief systems, especially regarding large, powerful breeds, left me questioning: How do you filter through all of this?

Just before COVID, I realised I needed a career change. While my art career had been fulfilling for over 30 years, something was missing. When I asked myself what truly made me happy, the answer was clear—dogs.

A conversation with Bodil Schou-Hansen, a trainer I knew, led me to Canine Behavioural School, where I began volunteering. This hands-on training, combined with structured monthly theory lessons, became the foundation of my education. Those first 3.5 years were incredibly supported by this community of passionate, like-minded trainers.

Diving Deeper into Canine Behavior

As my training progressed, I took a deep dive into my own dogs’ behaviors, exploring movement, gait, and body language. I became an ACE Dog Detective through Sarah Fisher’s Freework and TTouch, benefiting from a network of instructors whose courses (fortunately) became more accessible during COVID.

One of my key mentors was Gemma Hodson, founder of the Dynamic Dog Practitioner Program. Her course taught me how to assess a dog’s body inside and out, understand why behaviors occur, and effectively communicate with veterinarians to ensure nothing goes unnoticed. I was thrilled to be among her first students.

This knowledge was life-changing—not only for my own dogs but for the dogs I work with. Finding a vet who truly listened, Dr. Carol Mayes, allowed us to uncover issues that had previously gone unnoticed. We discovered that my dogs had been experiencing physical discomfort, which had been affecting their behavior. Now, with the right support, they are thriving.

The Power of Nosework

During this journey, I started K9 NoseWork training and saw a remarkable boost in my dogs’ confidence. For dogs prone to anxiety, this kind of enrichment can be transformative. Whether used as therapy or as a sport for teams aiming to compete, Nosework Therapy strengthens the dog-handler bond in incredible ways.

I look forward to helping dogs and their humans grow through this rewarding activity.

What’s Next?

I am currently organising classes for Nosework Therapy.

In every service I offer, I follow my C.A.L.M. philosophy — a heart-led, science-supported framework designed to help both dogs and their humans thrive:

Connection – building a deep, respectful bond that allows trust to flourish
Awareness – tuning into both the dog’s emotional state and our own energy and presence
Learning – using force-free, positive methods that encourage confidence and understanding
Mentorship – guiding with calm, conscious leadership rooted in empathy, intention, and relationship

Freework provides a stress-free environment for dogs to decompress, while also allowing us to observe their behavior, introduce pattern games, and gently desensitize them to new experiences.
Solo Sessions offer customised, in-home training tailored to your dog’s needs — through the lens of connection and attunement.

In addition to my formal training, I’m also an intuitive. I use this gift to connect energetically with the dogs I work with, helping to understand their emotional needs, sensitivities, and unspoken messages. This deeper communication is woven into every service I offer — from solo sessions to group work — creating space for healing, trust, and transformation.

I have your training needs covered — whether you're just starting out or deepening your journey with your dog.

I look forward to walking the calm path with you —

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