Lara ConAway - BEHAVIOUR and separation anxiety

I’ve always lived with dogs and was lucky that my parents introduced our first dog, Nikki, to the family. We have had some lovely dogs with hugely different personalities over the years but all of them had one thing in common, they were part of the family.

Way back when, I did Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and chose to do dog training and work at a vets. Training was definitely a la Barbara Woodhouse. I clearly remember the choke chains and classes with us stomping round the room, pulling at the chains. And of course the obligatory ‘sit!’. I fainted at the vets so realised that was not my calling!

I have a background in the corporate world; business consultancy, sustainability, wellbeing and project management. A few years ago I knew I wanted to change my work-life balance. I still do work in this area but I needed to involve myself in something more down to earth that had a positive impact on peoples lives.

I realised that working with dogs was something that had been at the back of my mind for decades. The memory of my early dog training experience made me want to look at it a different way.

I read, I investigated, I reviewed. What do people really need to help them live with a genuine family integrated four legged friend?

They need understanding and support from a professional that uses leading scientific knowledge to explain why dogs do what they do and how we can help them live happily in our world. So I set out to learn. Not just about dogs and how they think, but how to explain and work with clients to get the best results that work for their lifestyle and needs.

I am fully insured, dog emergency first aid trained and a member of the IAABC, PPG and Dog Welfare Alliance.

I now share my life with 2 (and sometimes 3!) fabulous lurchers. Everyone thinks their dog is special and I am no exception. They teach me something everyday.