I grew up in a family that bred their own Rottweilers and German Shepherds as security and protection dogs. From an early age I was surrounded by powerful working breeds, each needing clear structure, guidance, and fulfilment. Watching them taught me how important it is to channel drive in the right way and gave me a foundation in understanding working breeds and their genetic instincts. It also showed me that training is never one size fits all. There are many approaches, and the right balance of structure and fulfilment can transform a dog’s behaviour and wellbeing.
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Over the years, several dogs have held important places in my life. Each different, each an individual, each with its own mistakes, lessons, and wins. Today I share my home with four very different dogs, each a different breed, genetic mix, and with it's own needs.
One a gun dog that had to learn not to chase or flush the house rabbit, and they became the best of friends.
One could not be trusted off lead, as he wanted to do what he wanted to do.
One had struggled with reactivity towards other dogs and her genetic drive to chase and bite.
And one had so much working drive that he could not function as a pet. Could not join us on family walks or days out, as his drive made him frantic when out and about.
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Living with those challenges has pushed me to adapt, learn, and grow. It has reminded me daily that there is no magic wand, no quick fix, and no one click button for a perfect dog.
I am still learning, and I always will be. That is what keeps this journey so rewarding.
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After more than 20 years of military service, I decided to take some of the skills I had developed during my service. Discipline, structure, instructing, and mentoring, and put them into something I have always been passionate about, dogs, teaching, and helping people.
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H&R Canine Services was born from that passion. I believe every dog deserves to have its natural needs met through play, engagement, and clear communication. Whether it is structured walks, one to one training sessions, or tailored programmes with ongoing support, my goal is to help dogs thrive and owners feel confident and part of a community.
For me, this is not just about training dogs. It is about building balanced, happy partnerships between dogs and their people. And just like the dogs I work with, I am still learning every day from every owner, every challenge, and every success.
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Together, we can bring out the very best version of your dog and build the relationship you have always dreamed of.