What is reward based training?

Reward based training means the methods used to reward your dog are kind and meaningful to them. This could be a food reward, a toy reward or praise from the handler. Every dog is different and their motivation will vary so finding out what REALLY motivates your dog is key to finding the best reward to use with them. We do not use aversive methods or punishment in any of our training. We also do not work with equipment that is considered aversive. This includes but is not limited to slip leads, choke chains, prong collars, electric collars. If you do use any of these items and wish to train with us then we will insist that you do not use them. Of course we will explain why and show you kinder and more effective equipment and methods.

How do I know which plan is right for me and my dog?

Initially I will phone you and we can have a chat through the things you and your dog are struggling with. I will then make a recommendation as to which plan I think will work best for you both. If you are struggling financially please tell me and i will work with you so that we can find a solution that suits us both

Which organisations are you a member of and which certificates do you hold.

My qualifications can be found in the section 'click for qualifications'. The dog training industry is not currently regulated by the law so any one can set up a professional organisation and approve dog trainers through it. I am a registered (retired) veterinary nurse who is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) which is regulated by the law. Therefore, if you have any problem with any of my methods you can make a complaint about me through the RCVS. I am also a member of the ISCP (International School of Canine Psychology & Behaviour) and the PPN (Pet Professional Network) and am in the process of joining INTODogs both of which uphold ethical and reward based training choices for dogs and their families.

Canine Psychology and Behavioural help, Scentwork and 1-1 Puppy Training

Our mission is to help both you and your dog (puppy or adult)

have the very best relationship

About The Dog Nose

Hi! I’m Liz, founder and Head Trainer at The Dog Nose.

I am a qualified vet nurse with a Masters degree in Animal Behaviour & Welfare. I am also a graduate of the School of Canine Science’s Puppy Lab, and an accredited trainer through Talking Dogs Scentwork. In addition to being involved with animal rescue for the last 30 years, I have had the privilege of dogs in my life since childhood and have reaped the benefits and delight that a strong human/dog bond can bring.

Prudence the Beagle is my current dog whom I have had since a puppy. She has an excellent level of obedience training, is adept at Scentwork (finding a hidden target scent) and enjoys doing agility (for fun not competitively). She is also learning to ride a skateboard and comes on my paddleboard with me. Even though I say so myself she is an awesome dog and this is in part due to my understanding of the breed and working with her natural/innate traits rather than against them. Many will say you can’t train a beagle which is simply not true!

My passion is to give every puppy the best start in life and to work with you and the innate traits of your pup, harnessing the natural behaviours specific to the breed, so that you understand how to build the best life together. My training is fun, innovative and practical – using only positive reward based methods and where appropriate clicker training. My strong foundations in animal behavioural research, guarantee you the best experience possible in those important first few months with your puppy.

As a veterinary nurse, I worked with and handled pet dogs and working dogs (including police dogs) - everything from a Wolfhound to a miniature Dachshund! In addition to my current vet nurse qualifications, Masters degree, puppy and Scentwork qualifications, I am completing my School of Canine Science S46 course to be a Blue Instructor, Level 1 Judge and a member of the World Scent Dog Association. I have had two research papers published in my capacity as Visiting Fellow at the Open University’s Animal Computer Interaction Laboratory both focusing on dog behaviour and personality. I also presented the findings of my Master's dissertation at the IFAW (International Federation for Animal Welfare) conference in 2021. In 2023 I will be working to get my Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour certificate.

The Dog Nose is the culmination of all my current knowledge and experience, a reflection of my love for dogs and my wish to ensure a happy and fulfilled life for both you and your dog.

I look forward to working with you and your pup, whatever their age!

Dog Training Qualifications & Experience

Year	Qualification
1992–1995	volunteer in Dog Rescue team, RSPCA, Brighton, Sussex
1994	volunteer with the SPA (Societe Protectrice des Animaux), Bordeaux, France
1995–2002	ran a small animal rescue (guinea pigs, rabbits etc), Bodiam, East Sussex
2006–now	Registered Veterinary Nurse (now retired)
2011–2012	Volunteer Veterinary Nurse at Wildlife Aid, Leatherhead, Surrey
2014–2016	Trustee for registered charity Run Free Alliance
2015-2017	Masters in Research - Animal Behaviour and Welfare, University of the West of England (falls under University of Bristol)
2018	Accredited scentwork trainer for Talking Dogs Scentwork
2019–2020	The Puppy Lab and Scent for Six, School of Canine Science
In progress	ISCP Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour (International School for Canine Psychology)

Dog Training Services

1

BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES

Personal 1-2-1 sessions to look at why your dog may be struggling.

Behavioural issues can be very varied and dogs will often adopt behaviours that work for them but are difficult for us to understand.

I will help you to identify these issues and work with you and your dog so that neither of you have to struggle anymore.

1-2-1 sessions are priced below and include a full behavioural assessment and full support over the period during which you are training with me. Written reports/handouts explaining how to help you and your dog are supplied as well as video feedback where necessary.

Initial behavioural assessment (1.5-2hrs long) £150.

This includes a pre-visit questionnaire, a full written report (post visit), a plan of action for you and your dog and full support via email and phone. One follow up appointment is also included.

If your dog is experiencing more than one behavioural issue (which is often the case) and further sessions are needed, I will work with you to establish how many I think we need. Additional appointments are £50 per session (session length will usually be 1 -1.5hrs allowing for discussion and questions).

2 PUPPY LIFE SKILLS FOUNDATION COURSE

A 6 week 1-1 course for puppies aged 12 weeks to 6 months

6 x 60 min face-to-face sessions
handouts after each session
email or phone helpline for the duration of the course
gift & certificate for your dog and you on successful completion of the course

Teaching your puppy how to cope with life is an important step in their early development. We take an individual approach and teach you & your puppy all you need to know to have a confident, polite puppy who is able to manage with our (tricky) human world.

Help with toilet training, crate training, nutrition & diet, husbandry and getting used to going to the vet are also given.

At least one of the sessions is an out and about session (usually week 4 or 5) to put into practice some of the skills you have learnt in the real world.

The cost of the six week course is £199

We ONLY use reward based training methods and where appropriate clicker training.

Zoom/online training

Online Zoom training became a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic. However it did prove to be an effective and successful way to train puppies.

If you are not local but would like to train with us we can learn everything via Zoom.

The only difference is the out and about session and accordingly the cost of the course is slightly less at £150.

3

SCENTWORK

Scentwork is a great activity for you and your dog and there is no age limit. Any dog and any person can become proficient.

Scentwork helps in so many ways it's difficult to list them all however here are some:

helps to calm overactive dogs
helps dogs who are fearful and nervous
gives your dog confidence
helps to improve the dog-human bond (team work)
15 mins scentwork is equivalent to 1 hours walk (great for rainy Devon days)
gives older dogs a chance to still use their brain even if they are physically compromised (shown to reduce CCD Canine Cognitive Disorder (doggie Dementia)).

My scentwork classes are currently running at maximum capacity. I hope to introduce more classes towards the end of the year.

4

ADOLESCENT TRAINING

Is your dog aged between 6 months and 3 years old? Are you finding their behaviour challenging?

Adolescence is a difficult time for dogs and they often need extra support and guidance.

During this phase of your dog's life you may find you need help with:

increased fear of the outside world
recall
sudden toileting indoors
pulling on the lead
being left home alone
jumping up at people (worktops)
excessive barking
impulsivity towards other dogs

Don't worry! I can help you with all of these things.

Depending on how many issues your dog is having I have a selection of pathways available.

Pathway 1: £120

Initial assessment, report with training plan and a follow-up consultation. Full support during the duration of the training

Pathway 2: £160

Initial assessment, report with training plan and 2 follow-up consultations. Full support during the duration of the training.

Pathway 3: £200

Initial assessment, report with training plan and 4 follow-up consultations. Full support during the duration of the training.

I reserve the right to recommend an appropriate plan. If you want to pay as you go then this can also be accommodated

Initial assessment and report with training plan £99

Follow up consultations £50

Need Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is reward based training?

Reward based training means the methods used to reward your dog are kind and meaningful to them. This could be a food reward, a toy reward or praise from the handler. Every dog is different and their motivation will vary so finding out what REALLY motivates your dog is key to finding the best reward to use with them.

We do not use aversive methods or punishment in any of our training. We also do not work with equipment that is considered aversive. This includes but is not limited to slip leads, choke chains, prong collars, electric collars. If you do use any of these items and wish to train with us then we will insist that you do not use them. Of course we will explain why and show you kinder and more effective equipment and methods.
How do I know which plan is right for me and my dog?

Initially I will phone you and we can have a chat through the things you and your dog are struggling with. I will then make a recommendation as to which plan I think will work best for you both.
If you are struggling financially please tell me and i will work with you so that we can find a solution that suits us both
Which organisations are you a member of and which certificates do you hold.

My qualifications can be found in the section 'click for qualifications'.
The dog training industry is not currently regulated by the law so any one can set up a professional organisation and approve dog trainers through it.
I am a registered (retired) veterinary nurse who is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) which is regulated by the law. Therefore, if you have any problem with any of my methods you can make a complaint about me through the RCVS.
I am also a member of the ISCP (International School of Canine Psychology & Behaviour) and the PPN (Pet Professional Network) and am in the process of joining INTODogs both of which uphold ethical and reward based training choices for dogs and their families.