Kirsty Fisher (BSc, PG Dip, PGCE, CDT)
Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) with a holistic & compassionate approach to evolving positive human-canine partnerships.
🐾 Canine Coaching
🐾 Dog Walker / Drop-ins
✅ Fully insured
✅ Canine First Aid Level 2 (VTQ) But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid." ~ unknown
My aim is to explore the natural needs of dogs and their owners, and using that to explore healthy and productive ways of restoring balance; not only in terms of the human-canine relationship, but in terms of the life they so deserve to enjoy together. Together, we owe it to our best friends to create an environment for them, and us, in which we can thrive. Partnership work takes time, commitment, understanding, honesty, accountability openness, and effort from us humans. Our dogs rely on that from us; they are part of us; they observe and learn from us. We cannot communicate with dogs in exactly the same way we communicate with other human beings, but there are many synergies in the way we do communicate:
- authenticity
- positivity
- empathy
- motivation
- confidence
- consideration
- observation
- awareness
- listening
- understanding
- actions
- body language
- consistency
- tone of voice
- environment
- resources
- empowerment
The list goes on...
Our aim is not to simply 'fix' or manage behaviours, it is to look at the root cause of issues and address those; effecting change from the inside out. It is a great example of the importance of this strategy. Think of something that makes you angry, or frustrated... there will be a trigger for that reaction, which requires you to manage that emotion and regulate yourself. You might find that really hard to do, even as an adult. We can manage that on the surface by avoiding certain situations, or by taking ourselves away from it when it happens; by doing something different in the moment i.e. Although this is useful for reducing our exposure and reactions to the issue, it doesn't address the root cause of our reaction to the trigger. We need to look at the triggers and consider the 'why?' to really achieve harmony again. There are differences between dog 'training', 'behaviour management' and 'behaviour change'. All are valid and useful, but in the appropriate circumstances and based on what we hope the outcomes will be.
- we can train a dog to perform certain tasks or tricks
- we can manage a dog's behaviour in particular situations
- we can address triggers/causes to sustain positive behavioural change
I enjoy all these elements of canine behaviour; my passion is most ignited by working to achieve sustained behaviour change in dogs and owners to achieve a more harmonious and balanced relationship using a creative and relevant approach that works for the individuals involved. I am hugely motivated by empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to flourish where their own sparks are ignited. A lot of this is about creating the right environment for learning and evolving, and building confidence and awareness for both the dog and their canine and human companions. I believe the key is to listen to both dogs and their owners; to explore various elements of the partnership(s), as well as looking at historical circumstances and aims for the future, to implement positive, tailored strategies to overcome the obstacles. It is important that we look at the 'whole' situation, and that I can help build confidence for you and your dog(s) along the way. A little more about me:
Recognised for my authentic, creative, and intuitive approach to engaging with learners, project partners, and communities, I have had great success in bringing about positive changes, transforming learning environments, and boosting outcomes for children in and out of school. I tailor my approach according to needs and work closely with the responsible adults to achieve consistency for change within the family unit and educational setting. I am a great lover of animals and nature, particularly dogs and horses where I have huge passion. Mother Nature is my favourite teacher and she plays an integral role in my approach to teaching and learning. I am always striving to improve my skills and knowledge base through everyone I interact with, and through my experiences; as well as undertaking training to equip me further on my ventures. My goal is to use my experience, passion, and wisdom to inspire people and their animals; to facilitate improved outcomes for them. I am committed to empowering humans and their best canine companions; helping them to flourish in their partnership, and restore the balance and harmony that dogs and their owners deserve to enjoy. Credentials:
- Current training: Completing the Dog Trainer Certification Program with the Dog Training College over the next 3 to 6 months.
- Understanding Neuroscience in the Early Years (Level 2) (Professional Development and Training, March 2025)
- Level 2 Canine First Aid Certificate (ProTrainings, March 2024).
- British Horse Society Stage One Complete Horsemanship qualification (June 2021).
- PGCE (SCITT - University of Suffolk via Inspiration Trust, Norwich - 2019) (Fully qualified primary teacher)
- PG Dip Public Health Nutrition (University of Southampton, 2006)
- BSc Honours Food and Consumer Studies (Sheffield Hallam University, 2003)
