Hi, I’m Ella
(the animal behaviourist)
I’ve worked with animals since the moment I could; volunteering at riding schools, working weekends at horse shows, walking people’s dogs for them, and I loved every second of it. I was always trying to work out the most effective, cooperative and kind way to get an animal to do what we needed them to do, and from that determination, I came to be a dog trainer using only ethical methods, free from force, physical punishment, or bribery.
It wasn’t always like this. I was raised on a ‘be the boss’ style of training, and it worked. Animals in my care listened to me, but they didn’t have much of a way in connection with me, and that’s what I was striving for. That moment with a dog when it all clicked- that was the feeling I was constantly searching for, and I realised that it never came from when I had forced them.
I began, like most people do, with my own dog, Boe. Now sadly passed, Boe taught me what it is to be the guardian of a complex dog. The passion, dedication and understanding that is mirrored in my work today comes from her.
I began dog walking in late 2022, focusing on taking on dogs who couldn’t join in on the big group walks for whatever reason. Whether they were rambunctious, entire males, or nervous dogs that other walkers referred to me, I loved getting out into nature and seeing these animals thrive where they had previously faltered.
From there, I decided I wanted to learn about dog training. I took as many IMDT courses as I could, but it was never quite enough. I wanted more: more information, more skills, more understanding, not just of how to train dogs, but of why the behaviours manifest in the first place.
I began my studies as a behaviourist not long after that, and as of July 2026, I have completed my Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour (canine) with a distinction. I plan to go on to study my bachelor's- equivalent in 2027, working with both canines and equines.
