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My story so far....
I have been involved in dogs all my life. I spent a lot of my 20's going from club to club across the Midlands, learning everything about training and dogs of all shapes and sizes. It also taught me what it feels like to be on both sides of the line up on a Sunday morning!
After quickly getting hooked on all the brilliant people in the dog world, I became an obedience competitor with my German shepherd dogs and did Pets As Therapy work with "Zolly."
In my spare time I did day courses and lots and lots of study and reading.
From the age of 15 onwards I started to loose my hearing so my dogs became an even more important part of my life and my knowledge helped me to train them to "be my ears." Due to this and only being able to manage conversations one to one - I found it difficult to be involved in training others or starting my own business...but I desperately wanted to be with dogs in a career - so a good few years ago I took a groomers course, in the hope to get a job doing this…but still I lacked something major to go ahead….
But my friends did not give up on me…
Mike Mullan, who is the founder member of the British Institute of Professional Dog trainers and Canine Behaviourists, was the first person to give me help to start training classes. I found his classes when I was touring the Midlands in my early years trying them all out. I am very grateful for all the help and support he gave me through my early years, letting me help in his classes and also to let me do 121 training courses for owners who boarded their dogs in his kennels.
It was with him I met many other excellent trainers including people like Roy Hunter who always made me laugh so much.
I had to leave these classes when I got married and later, had a son and was with great sadness I had to leave the dog world for a few years...but before leaving it was Mike that suggested I do a groomers course, to help me get into full time work with dogs...this again was to be excellent advice.
One of the other lovely, promising dog trainers I met in his classes was Marie Miller, who I also knew from our years around the obedience rings and who's puppy classes I later attended.
Marie took me under her wing, after several years out of the dog training world and gave me my confidence back to do something that I always wanted to do and knew I could do well.
She welcomed me into her training classes as a helper and with all her help and support got me out in front of the class and I can honestly say it changed my life. She also reccomended me for a job vacancy at.... |
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HOLLYCROFT VETERINARY CENTRE
DOG GROOMING PARLOUR
David Summers and Max Eaves, who own Hollycroft Veterinary Centre have an aim to provide the best facilities in the area in which to obtain advice and veterinary care for your pets and they are constantly improving the Centre.
One of these changes was a GROOMING PARLOUR.
Due to my hearing loss – I cannot manage on the phone and can struggle from time to time in conversations – so I need a lot of help due to my line of work, as it involves A LOT of talking.
I could not have done this without the help of ALL the staff…. the vets and the wonderful nurses and receptionists. They are not only work colleagues but also all good friends to me.
It is here I met Rachel Yearby who helps me in a million ways!! She is one of my best friends and a first class Veterinary Nurse and Dog Trainer.
So that is how I am here on the web now…..I could not have done it with out my family, close friends, work colleagues and last but certainly not least – all my canine buddies over the years – who have taught me not just about dogs..but life in general…thank you to each and everyone of you who has helped me on my way and taught me so very much.
"When I hear tell of the character and the loyalty and devotion of dogs, I am always moved, but all of my dogs have been scamps and thieves and trouble makers, and I have STILL adored them all!”
PRESENT DAY
In September 2006 I started a 3 year Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training at Bishop Burton College; a lot of work..but I am enjoying this a lot and learning all the time.
Working towards my Canine Massage Diploma with Galen Therapy Centre
November 18th 2007
1st Degree Black Belt in Freestyle Martial Arts
I joined Maverick Freestyle International Black Belt Academy in early 2004. I have always admired martial arts and wanted to do this since a child..and would like to thank KC..for the invite to the academy and putting me on the road to achieving this.
It has taught me that if I set my heart on something, no matter how hard it may seem; if I keep at it and try my hardest: I can achieve it.
Doing martial arts has improved my physical health, coordination, concentration, stamina and confidence considerably.
A special thanks to:
Professor Karl Stevens - 6th Degree master Black Belt in Freestyle Sport Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing & Chun Kuhn Do, Founder and President of Maverick Martial Arts, Team GBR President, UK Chief Examiner WKMAA, BCKMA Team Director, Regional Director for the World Stunt Assoc. Technical Advisor for the Qorld Il Do Kwan Federation
Master Simon Fossey - 3rd Degree master Black Belt, Multi British & European Champion, International Athlete, Team GBR Martial Arts Team Advisor and Coach. Been training since 1995
Julie Towers - 1st Degree black belt, Maverick Instructor and a really special friend and partner in marital arts.
Picture taken after 8 hour exam:
Professor Karl Stevens (left)
Master Elliot Stevens -3rd degree master black belt, World Freestyle Champion 2004, Multi British & European Champion. International Athlete and Actor/Stuntman.
Been training since 1991
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