About Us

The South West Dog Training and Behaviour Centre has been establised since 1997 and believes every person, dog and situation is unique. Training is provided by highly qualified team members who love dogs and have many years experience in dog welfare, training, psychology, behaviour problem solving and grooming.

Handlers and dogs are trained on a personal, one-to-one basis as well as in small groups in a variety of environments with continually adapting methods to suit individual requirements.

We offer a wide range of services and courses from handling dogs with behaviour problems, Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme to professional dog grooming. Our methods are kind, fun, highly motivational and effective with all handlers encouraged to 'think' dog!

Location

We are based in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, halfway between Gloucester and Bristol, just off of junction 14, M5, on the edge of the Cotswolds and surrounded by beautiful country walks including the Cotswold Way.

The Trainers

Ann Nash

(MIACE, MACC, MAPDT No. 00891, Kennel Club Listed)

Principal Trainer and Behaviourist

 International dog trainer Ann Nash founded the South West Dog Training and Behaviour Centre to help train people to understand the way in which a dog really thinks and learns in order to achieve a better bond, more control and a dog that is an absolute pleasure to own.

Ann has spent a lifetime involved with animals, particularly training and breeding dogs and horses. From her early teens she spent her spare time doing voluntary work in a large boarding/breeding kennels where she showed a natural ability to communicate with even the most difficult of dogs. In 1980 she became supervisor and also started up a successful dog grooming business.

In 1988 she became principal trainer for Thornbury Dog Training Club, covering general obedience and behaviour problems and went on to extend her grooming business to incorporate training and behaviour.

Qualifications

Ann has studied extensively for many years with John Rogerson of Northern Centre of Canine Behaviour, assisting him both in this country and overseas having certificates in Puppy Development, Canine Behaviour, Problem Solving, Training and Instructing to Advanced Canine Aggression including behaviour testing, dangerous dogs and counselling. She also has certificates in Canine Psychology(distinction) and Animal Behaviour(distinction).

Ann is a Member of the Institute of Animal Care Education, Assoc. Member of the Animal Care College, Member of Assoc. of Pet Dog Trainers (No. 00891) and has Kennel Club Listed Status.

She has also been a lecturer at Filton College, Bristol lecturing students taking their Canine Studies Btec First Diploma and Btec National Diploma in Animal Care and Management. She lectures and demonstrates regularly at Veterinary Puppy Socialisation/Training Parties.

Liz Nash

Assistant Instructor

Liz has been brought up with dogs, assisting with training and breeding. She has worked at various kennels and veterinary hospitals and runs a successful dog grooming and animal care service. She has certificates for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels with various breeds, including Rottweiler, Labrador, Springer Spaniel, Border Collie and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She also has the Federation of Dog Trainers and Canine Behaviourists' certificates, Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Qualifications

Liz has also studied with, and assisted John Rogerson of the Northern Centre of Canine Behaviour, both in this country and abroad. She has certificates in studying and assisting in working trials, agility, obedience and training and instructing. She also has Btec First Diploma in Animal Care, Btec National Diploma in Animal Care, Federation of Dog Trainers and Canine Behaviourists Canine Studies (level 2) in Basic Training and Grooming and is a member of the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters.

The Assistance Dogs

(The 'A' Team)

Over the years our own dogs have dramatically helped other dogs to socialise as well as helping with general obedience and rehabilitation. Our thanks to these unsung helpers!