One strand of my work is the connection between humans and animals. I am a qualified Trust Technique Practitioner working with people and their domestic animals. I love working with all animals and I have a particular interest in working with dogs.
Growing up with dogs, learning with other dog trainers and people and now being with my own dogs I believe I can help people to learn how to be with their dogs. I was very happy when I found the Trust Technique. I had done a few training qualifications which were great but I felt like there was something missing. The Trust Technique understands that there is a powerful feeling relationship between an human and their animal. This relational quality makes it super effective and working with the trust technique helps to build trust, improve communication, confidence and enjoyment in the relationship.
I have lived and spent time with dogs all my life, as a sensitive person who is on the Autistic Spectrum I have to work hard to accept and translate in relationship with most human beings. I have often felt closer to animals than people and I am sensitive to their non verbal signals. I believe I can offer a bridge between the human and dog experience and different perspective that supports lasting change and doesn’t require constant reinforcement and distraction. Animals are extremely sensitive to their environments and to the people around them, with the support of the trust technique and a willingness to go at your animals pace you can create an environment that nourishes peace and connection. We have coevolved with dogs and have much in common.
I believe that if we reexamine our ideas about dogs we can learn a different relationship with our canine companions, our human animal and our living environment. I do not hold a dogmatic view about dogs, or dog training I will be with each human and each dog and pay attention to the particular phenomenon of each relationship. I can help with training, behaviour and deepening your connection to your dog. I can also refer you to appropriate support in areas where I am not able to help. If you would like to know more please visit the practicalities page or contact me.
I have completed the Think Dog Canine behaviour Certificate with Sarah Whitehead to formalise my learning in a recognised and accredited course. I have completed the foundation course for dog training instructors with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I regularly learn through online courses and I am always looking to learn and increase my knowledge and awareness. I have assisted at puppy training and classes and worked with many individuals and their pet dogs. I am not an animal behaviourist however teaching your dog and yourself new habits can often support you to address behavioural issues. If I feel the issue is not in my field or area of competence I will refer you to an appropriate professional. I am a qualified Trust Technique Practitioner and a member of the Trust Technique Association. To find out more about this incredible way of being with animals and begin to change your relationship now check out this link. For more information about my training and background see my page for info about the cost and practicalities see Working With Me
I loved working with Alex and the Trust Technique.
I have a gorgeous relationship with Milo, my 4 ½ year old Chorkie, and I was interested to see if the Trust Technique could improve our relationship further, and it has. I found Alex’s gentleness and presence calming and supportive. Alex helped me learn to move at Milo’s pace in putting on his harness which he can be resistant to do sometimes. I now wait and he comes and gently puts his own head in, it’s so beautiful that it’s his choice.We also realized his sensitivity to noise and have used the hoover to work on that. Using the TT helped both of us be calmer and more relaxed. It’s so important to move at Milo’s pace not mine to help him build more confidence in self soothing/regulating. He can now be in the room with the hoover on, and he now lifts his head then goes back to sleep, hurrah. This new confidence has rippled out to him being able to come downstairs with his tail high when the kitchen fitter was drilling, and then go back upstairs and go straight back to sleep, go Milo!
Thank you Alex for your mindful sensitivity and gentleness in teaching us to be more patient and trusting with each other, probably me, more than Milo. – Mich (Calderdale)