Reach Your Pawtential with Ashley
Yellow Dog Photography
Feel like you’ve tried everything?
Why working with a clinical behaviourist is different:
We work with your vet – there is a big link between health and behaviour with a recent scientific study finding that around one third of behaviour issues were actually due to the animal experiencing some level of pain/discomfort - we work closely with your vet throughout our journey together!
We work with other professionals – as part of your dog’s personalised care team, there may be other professionals, such as a physiotherapist or hydrotherapist on board – it sometimes takes a village to change behaviour!
Evidence based – we apply the science of animal behaviour to work through a clinical process to help us solve behaviour problems – ethical, professional, impartial and unbiased advice!
Collaborative approach – we are knowledgeable in the areas of psychology, animal behaviour, neurobiology, pharmacology and veterinary science – we have lots of tools in our toolboxes to help!
Insurance claimable – many clients are able to claim back the cost of behaviour sessions from their insurer – check your policy to see if you’re covered for behaviour help!
Sound good? Head straight to find your perfect package!
Where did it all begin?!
In 2012 I graduated with an honours degree in Applied Animal Science awarded by the University of Glasgow and began my career in rescue, working for a UK wide animal charity. I quickly identified a need to help people and their dogs before getting to crisis point, preventing the heart breaking decision to rehome, and in 2014 I set up Reach Your Pawtential. I initially worked as a trainer, delivering classes and workshops and in 2020 I went back to school - gaining a masters degree during the pandemic - honing my skills and qualifying as a behaviourist!
Every dog I meet teaches me something new and I love that more than a decade later I am still helping people and their pets live harmoniously together! Alongside my work in rescue, I have worked with a variety of livestock, wild and domesticated species, spending a year as a primate keeper at Edinburgh Zoo, and even travelled to South Africa to train veterinary clinic staff on welfare and behaviour! Each of these experiences has shaped the clinician I am today and helps me bring a lot of unique problem solving ideas to help you and your dog!
Professional Qualifications:
Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) with CCAB Certification Ltd.
Certificated Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)
University of Lincoln Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour with distinction
Full Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT membership number 01411)
Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) registered Animal Training Instructor
What else makes me different?!
Animal Centred
Positive, kind and effective training methods that are force free and informed by the latest science - putting your dog first!
Teamwork
We really are in this together!
Relaxed and Friendly
The process I work through is clinical - but my customer service is not!
Exempt Breeds
Any and all breeds welcome!
Fully Insured and Human and Animal First Aider
Keeping you and your dog safe!
Vet Recommended
I’m the in-house behaviourist at Riverside Vet in Armadale!
Rescue Specialist
12 years’ experience in working with rescue dogs!
LGBTQIA+
Everyone is welcome at Reach Your Pawtential!
Neurodiverse?
Neurodiversity friendly training and resources!
Ethical and empowering expertise sound good?
Get in touch so we can…
I’ve owned working collies for years and currently live with my rescue dog Magic Merlin, the blue merle Border Collie! In our spare time we love adventuring when we’re not trick training!