A kind, enjoyable way to train your dog — and build a relationship you both love
Whether you’re dealing with specific challenges, or simply want to give your dog the best possible start, you’re in the right place.
I work with dogs and their humans in a way that’s kind, supportive, and rooted in trust and understanding — because when dogs feel safe and understood, learning becomes easier, and training can be fun, enjoyable, and effective.
No judgement. No pressure. Just practical help, encouragement, and a plan that works for you and your dog.
Why trust and understanding matters
Dogs don’t behave the way they do for no reason. Behaviour — whether it’s pulling on the lead, struggling with recall, over-excitement, or finding the world a bit overwhelming — is always communicating something.
And the same is true for us.
If you’re feeling frustrated, worried about getting things wrong, or unsure where to start, training can quickly start to feel harder than it needs to be — even when you’re trying your best. I know how that feels, and you’re not alone.
This isn't about quick fixes or chasing perfection.
That’s why I focus on understanding what’s really going on for you and your dog. When you both feel supported and confident, learning becomes easier, progress feels achievable, and training starts to make sense in everyday life.
It’s about building trust, taking things at the right pace, and helping you and your dog learn together in a way that feels fair, realistic, and positive.
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Let me introduce myself...
Hi, I’m Ruth — founder of Fan-Doggy-Dozi, qualified dog training instructor, experienced coach, and lifelong dog lover.
I'm lucky enough to share my life with two amazing dogs, Lily and Fraser. Everyday they make me smile, laugh and melt my heart. But, as with all our dogs, they are - and always will be- a 'work in progress'.
I know what it’s like to be on the other end of the lead — excited, hopeful, maybe a little overwhelmed, and just wanting to do the right thing for your dog. I’ve been there, and I still am.
My approach is shaped by both professional training and real life. I work in a way that’s kind, practical, and rooted in modern, reward-based methods — focusing on trust, understanding, and clear communication.
I trained and qualified with the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and follow their strict Code of Ethics.
Learning alongside my dogs
Lily and Fraser — my black-and-white, freckly nonsense duo — are a constant reminder that no two dogs are the same, even when they share the same background. They’re siblings, collie–lab crosses who’ve grown up side by side.
That photo of them curled up together on the couch always makes me smile (that rule didn't last long!). It's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins — they’re close, comfortable, and very much a pair.
Yet they couldn't be more different.
Lily often shows more of her collie herding instincts - observant, intense, and sensitive.
Fraser, on the other hand, leans into his lab side a little more … especially when it comes to toys (earning him the nickname Klepto-Frazzle).
Living with them reinforces what I see every day in my work: dogs aren’t interchangeable, and breed traits can influence behaviour but they're only part of the picture.
What really matters is the individual personality in front of you - their emotions, their needs, and what helps them feel safe and confident.
Learning alongside my dogs
Lily and Fraser — my black andwhite, freckly nonsense duo — are a constant reminder that no two dogs are the same, even when they share the same background. They’re siblings, collie–lab crosses who’ve grown up side by side.
That photo of them curled up together on the couch always makes me smile (that rule didn't last long!). It's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins — they’re close, comfortable, and very much a pair.
Yet they couldn't be more different.
Lily often shows more of her collie herding instincts - observant, intense, and sensitive.
Fraser, on the other hand, leans into his lab side a little more … especially when it comes to toys (earning him the nickname Klepto-Frazzle).
Living with them reinforces what I see every day in my work: dogs aren’t interchangeable, and breed traits can influence behaviour but they're only part of the picture.
What really matters is the individual personality in front of you - their emotions, their needs, and what helps them feel safe and confident.
Molly lived with me until the wonderful age of 19½. Long before then, we were deeply connected — companions who loved and trusted each other completely. In her sunset years, our walks looked different — but they still mattered.
Molly's story
Molly came into my life as a nervous rescue girl when she was four years old.
At first, everything felt overwhelming. She barked at strange noises, hid when visitors arrived, and struggled to settle as she tried to make sense of a world that didn’t yet feel safe.
I found those early days challenging too. I wanted to do right by her, but I didn’t always know how — and there were moments when I worried about getting it wrong.
With the right support and guidance, we listened to what she was telling us and worked at a pace she could cope with. Over time, trust grew. Confidence followed.
Like many dogs who finally feel secure, she later struggled a little with separation — a reminder that progress isn’t always neat or linear - and we slowly built up her 'home alone' confidence.
She taught me something I carry into my work every day:
real change comes from patience, understanding, and meeting the dog in front of you where they are — not forcing them to fit a mould.
"Thanks to Ruth's patient and caring approach using non-aversive methods, we've conquered things we never thought possible!
We've learned so much , gaining the tools and knowledge to truly understand our dogs and their unique needs, making us all much happier together."
~ Colleen with Bruce & Cassie
You don't have to figure it out on your own
Whether you’re just starting out or navigating something more challenging — I’d love to help.
Book a free 15-minute call and let’s chat about what you and your dog need next.
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