Junior Trainer Poole, Dorset

Izi brings over a decade of experience working with dogs in various roles, developing her skills in training, behaviour support, and coaching dog-owner partnerships.

 

She became an approved dog trainer in 2015, initially working on a self-employed basis before joining Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in 2023. She is currently in the process of becoming an accredited trainer with PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers), an ABTC member organisation.

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Expertise in Assistance Dog Training

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Izi’s work with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has given her valuable experience in training assistance dogs and working with handlers with varying needs. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by assistance dog teams and is skilled in tailoring training to suit both the dog and their handler. This experience has enhanced her ability to provide structured, adaptable training programmes, helping dogs build the essential skills needed for daily life and public access work.

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Training & Coaching Approach

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With extensive experience in coaching dog-owner teams, Izi is passionate about helping handlers overcome training challenges and boosting their confidence.

 

She believes in a positive, reward-based approach, ensuring both dogs and their owners feel supported throughout the training process. While much of her work involves coaching and instruction, she also enjoys hands-on training, helping to refine skills and reinforce behaviours directly with the dogs.

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Training and local walking routes

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Izi is perfectly positioned in the Wimborne/Poole area of Dorset, offering a diverse range of training environments within easy reach. With The New Forest just a short drive away, dogs have the opportunity to train around horses, sheep, and wildlife, helping to build focus and confidence in rural settings.

 

For those needing exposure to busier environments, Izi has access to beaches, bustling town centres, and urban areas, providing ideal locations for proofing obedience and assistance dog skills in real-world scenarios. This variety ensures that training is comprehensive, well-rounded, and tailored to each dog’s individual needs.

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Life with Dogs

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Based in the Wimborne/Poole area of Dorset, Izi shares her home with her husband and two beloved dogs:

🐾 Duke – an 8.5-year-old Rottweiler, adopted at 9 months from a foster-based rescue. Duke has played a pivotal role as a stooge dog, therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Nationwide, and a reliable companion for dogs in training. He even represented the charity at Crufts 2023, helping to change perceptions about Rottweilers.
🐾 Twiglet – a 2-year-old Springer Spaniel, rescued from a severe hoarding and puppy farm situation. Having had a traumatic start to life, Twiglet has made steady progress with Izi’s patient and structured approach, slowly learning to trust people. While she remains cautious around strangers, she adores other dogs and, alongside Duke, would make a fantastic training assistant for residential stays.

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Passion for Positive Training

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Izi is dedicated to force-free, reward-based training, tailoring her approach to suit each individual dog’s learning style. Her experience in assistance dog training, behavioural rehabilitation, and coaching makes her a valuable addition to the Adolescent Dogs team.

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Whether supporting pet owners in strengthening their bond with their dog or helping assistance dog teams develop essential skills, Izi is committed to making training a rewarding and successful experience for both dogs and their handlers.

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Courses attended

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• Approved Dog Training Instructor by The Dog Training College – 2019

• Approved Dog Training Instructor by the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour – 2015

• Juvenile Dog Course for Hearing Dogs: Optimising Development in Assistance Dogs: Amber Batson

• Aspirations vs Reality Webinar by Jodie Forbes 

• The Hero's Journey Webinar by Toni Shelbourne

• Pain as the Influence on Behaviour Webinar - Dr Amber Batson

• Early Recognition of Chronic Pain Webinar by Hannah Capon

• Understanding Dog Aggression Webinar by Michael Shikashio

• Snappy to Happy Webinar by Danielle Beck

• Behaviour Modification for the Real World Webinar by Emma Phillips

• Pet First Aid Certified – 2015

• Empowered Socialisation: BAT for Dog Aggression, Frustration and Fear with Grisha Stewart – 2016

• National Dog Behaviour Conference 2019

• Tellington TTouch Weekend Workshop – 2019

• Day Nosework Seminar 2023