My Ethos: The Active Instincts Approach

Dogs aren’t blank slates – they’re incredible, intelligent beings shaped by instincts, emotions, and thousands of years of partnership with us. My ethos is rooted in recognising and celebrating those natural instincts and the roles dogs were bred to fulfil. Every breed and every individual has drives and behaviours that, when understood and channelled positively, can prevent many common behavioural challenges and help resolve those that already exist. By working with, rather than against, your dog’s natural instincts, we unlock their potential and build harmony between their needs and your lifestyle.

Why Instincts Matter

Over generations, we’ve bred dogs for specific purposes – to herd, chase, guard, hunt, or comfort. Those instincts don’t disappear just because a dog lives in a modern home. And when they’re not given an outlet, frustration, anxiety, or unwanted behaviours can emerge.

By giving your dog meaningful ways to express their natural drives, we turn instinct into enrichment. Channelling these behaviours in constructive, rewarding ways helps your dog feel understood, fulfilled, and calm – and transforms challenges into opportunities for connection.

From Problem to Partnership

Instead of suppressing what makes your dog who they are, we can find ways to give their instincts purpose. A herding breed might learn focus and control through structured games such as Treibball and Parkour; a terrier might satisfy its need to dig or search through Barn Hunt; a companion dog might build calm confidence through cooperative care.

This approach doesn’t just solve problems – it prevents them, creating dogs who are emotionally balanced and ready to learn.

The Core of My Training Philosophy

Agency – Dogs thrive when they have choice and a sense of control. Empowering them to make decisions builds confidence and trust, reducing stress and reactivity while encouraging calm, thoughtful behaviour.

Teamwork – You and your dog are a team, learning to understand and support each other. Through clear communication and cooperation, we build a partnership where both voices are heard and valued.

Fun & Bond-Building – Joy is the most powerful motivator. Training should feel like play – engaging, rewarding, and full of shared success. Fun builds confidence, focus, and connection, replacing frustration with fulfilment.

Turning Instinct into Partnership

Through a blend of science, empathy, and an appreciation for instinct, my goal is to help you and your dog communicate better, work together more harmoniously, and truly enjoy the process. When training honours who your dog is at their core, it doesn’t just change behaviour — it deepens your bond and builds a lifelong partnership founded on trust and joy.