About Me

About Me

Hi, I’m Felicity—an accredited canine behaviour consultant with a deep love for helping dogs and their people thrive together through compassionate, science-based training.

My journey into animal behaviour began in 2012 when I started working in veterinary nursing. Alongside my clinical role, I ran puppy and advanced training classes—something I enjoyed immensely. But even then, it was clear that my heart belonged to behaviour work. That passion was brought into sharp focus thanks to Terry, my Koolie X rescue, who struggled with significant anxiety. Supporting him through his challenges sparked a deeper drive to understand behaviour more fully and find ethical, effective ways to help dogs like him.

During my studies, I was especially drawn to the behaviour units, which led me to pursue formal training. Unfortunately, the first course I enrolled in promoted aversive methods that didn’t align with my values. Although I completed it, I felt uneasy about the notion that punishment-based training was the only effective approach. I turned to respected voices in the field—Ken Ramirez, Dr. Sophia Yin, Dr. Ian Dunbar, and Susan Friedman—for reassurance that I wasn’t alone in wanting to train differently. That experience, while difficult, solidified my commitment to force-free, ethical dog training and motivated me to seek out reputable, evidence-based education.

I went on to earn a Diploma in Animal Behaviour Science and Technology, a Certificate IV in Dog Training and Behaviour, and eventually, my Canine Behaviour Consultant certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). I’m also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) through Malena DeMartini’s program, a Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer Professional, and a full member of the Irish Veterinary Behaviour Association (IVBA). I hold a Certificate of Excellence in Susan Friedman’s “Living and Learning with Animals,” which continues to influence my approach to behaviour change.

A pivotal part of my career was the four years I spent working at Kalmpets Behaviour Centre in Australia, where I was fortunate to learn alongside Veterinary Behaviourist Dr. Kate Lindsay and Behaviour Trainer Tracey Lord. That experience taught me to consider every piece of the puzzle when it comes to a dog’s behaviour—health, environment, history, and learning—all while working within each individual dog’s capacity.

Another huge influence in my life is Roisin, my Brittany. She’s intelligent, high-drive, and endlessly curious. After undergoing several orthopaedic surgeries at a young age, she needed thoughtful management and creative enrichment to stay mentally engaged. That led us to explore scent work and trick training—two things we both continue to enjoy together.

In 2019, I launched my own behaviour consulting business, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless families and their dogs. I offer private consultations and run group classes in puppy development, adolescence, trick training, and scent work. My approach is always grounded in evidence-based methods and a genuine desire to help dogs and their people feel more connected, confident, and understood.