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Hi, I'm Ali Spence and I would like to tell you a little more about me...
I have had animals around me for forty plus years. Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and a few birds were part of my family life since I was very small. My grandmother and mother kept Dachshunds and I loved looking after the dogs and their puppies. Later in life, I had my own cats, rabbits and a hamster; followed by a black Labrador and then three Border Collies - Flash, Flynn and Molly. Then Dylan, our senile English Springer Spaniel, Charlie 'Crocodile' the lovable Bassett Hound and presently Mollie-Mab, a dog who is as beautiful inside as she is out - a real 'heart' dog.
I am often asked why I do this job and my reply is this - 'I have always had three passions in my life: being outdoors, walking and being with animals'.
I have previously worked in team management and also as a complementary therapist/lecturer for Wolverhampton College & University. These roles were enjoyable but I was always looking out of the window, longing to be outside walking with my dogs. Finding my vocation allows me to 'live' my passion and help other people when they need help with their dogs.
My time in management taught me that leadership is important and this is best achieved through positive motivation and a consistent approach. Working as a complementary therapist taught me that relaxation is often achieved through good diet, plenty of exercise and adopting a 'holistic approach to life'. We need to have strategies in place to cope in the modern-day world. My time spent as a lecturer enabled me to teach others about these strategies and put effective coaching in place to achieve them.
I believe these principles apply equally to our pets and that the key to a happy pet is:- a good diet, plenty of exercise, calm guidance, guardianship and leadership, understanding of how different species' minds work and that we use positive reinforcement methods - and of course lots of love!!!
I am qualified in Canine Psychology (studying at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester). In 2014, I passed my IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) assessment with a distinction, which has been maintained at that level bi-annually. In 2021, I gained qualification from the ISCP (International School of Canine Practitioners) as a Level 5 Canine Behaviour Practitioner. I believe in keeping my skills up to date and being aware of the latest research regarding training methods. I regularly attend continuous professional development courses.
As a life-long student, I am currently studying with the IMDT, ISCP and with Canine Principles (Sally Gutteridge) to gain advanced qualification in training and behaviour and looking at Botanical Self-Healing (Zoopharmacognosy) for Dogs with Rachel Knott from My Animal Matters. There is always so much to learn about and for our dogs.
My principle aim is to be able to offer a truly 'holistic' approach to dog care.
I have had animals around me for forty plus years. Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and a few birds were part of my family life since I was very small. My grandmother and mother kept Dachshunds and I loved looking after the dogs and their puppies. Later in life, I had my own cats, rabbits and a hamster; followed by a black Labrador and then three Border Collies - Flash, Flynn and Molly. Then Dylan, our senile English Springer Spaniel, Charlie 'Crocodile' the lovable Bassett Hound and presently Mollie-Mab, a dog who is as beautiful inside as she is out - a real 'heart' dog.
I am often asked why I do this job and my reply is this - 'I have always had three passions in my life: being outdoors, walking and being with animals'.
I have previously worked in team management and also as a complementary therapist/lecturer for Wolverhampton College & University. These roles were enjoyable but I was always looking out of the window, longing to be outside walking with my dogs. Finding my vocation allows me to 'live' my passion and help other people when they need help with their dogs.
My time in management taught me that leadership is important and this is best achieved through positive motivation and a consistent approach. Working as a complementary therapist taught me that relaxation is often achieved through good diet, plenty of exercise and adopting a 'holistic approach to life'. We need to have strategies in place to cope in the modern-day world. My time spent as a lecturer enabled me to teach others about these strategies and put effective coaching in place to achieve them.
I believe these principles apply equally to our pets and that the key to a happy pet is:- a good diet, plenty of exercise, calm guidance, guardianship and leadership, understanding of how different species' minds work and that we use positive reinforcement methods - and of course lots of love!!!
I am qualified in Canine Psychology (studying at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester). In 2014, I passed my IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) assessment with a distinction, which has been maintained at that level bi-annually. In 2021, I gained qualification from the ISCP (International School of Canine Practitioners) as a Level 5 Canine Behaviour Practitioner. I believe in keeping my skills up to date and being aware of the latest research regarding training methods. I regularly attend continuous professional development courses.
As a life-long student, I am currently studying with the IMDT, ISCP and with Canine Principles (Sally Gutteridge) to gain advanced qualification in training and behaviour and looking at Botanical Self-Healing (Zoopharmacognosy) for Dogs with Rachel Knott from My Animal Matters. There is always so much to learn about and for our dogs.
My principle aim is to be able to offer a truly 'holistic' approach to dog care.
