About Me and My Dogs
My name is Dr Sophie Beale and I am a dog training geek!
Why Dog Training?
When training succeeds, the connection between human and dog can feel truly magical. The journey to that point is frequently littered with puzzling challenges. However, I love spending time with my dogs and get immense satisfaction from overcoming training challenges!
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I hold an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour and am a provisional APBC Clinical Animal Behaviourist. I have a PhD in Epidemiology and Population Health and hold a City & Guilds Certificate in Delivering Learning. In addition to teaching dog training, I have given lectures, run workshops and taught riding to adults and children (I hold the BHSAI qualification).
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Training
I believe that every trainer needs (at least one) trainer. Over the last 5 years, in addition to receiving in-person help from a range of trainers, I have completed online courses run by Absolute Dogs, Behavet and Susan Garrett. I have also completed the Genius K9 Super Sniffers (scent work) course. To keep me (and my dogs) learning, and to constantly evaluate whether there is a better approach to training, I am committed to attending at least 12 one-to-one or group training sessions each year.
The Start
My interest in dog training started in the early ‘90s when part of my job involved day to day responsibility for three Labrador Retrievers who were kept as gundogs rather than pets. Training was delegated to professional trainers; my role was to provide daily care and to chauffeur the dogs to and from training and shoots. I absorbed everything I could relating to their training. I loved watching them work. I went on to have three Labradors of my own (one of each colour). I was able to take my Labradors anywhere and none displayed any problematic behaviours. I was aware that there was a lot I didn’t know about dog training, but I believed that I had a good grasp of the basics. Then, in 2019, Eve came into my life.
Eve
Born 24/12/18
From the start, Eve made it pretty clear that I knew less than I thought about dog training. She didn’t eat anything presented to her in a bowl. She only slept if it was dark and nothing (and I mean, nothing) moved. She spent daylight hours vocalising loudly whilst seemingly practising for some sort of Olympic parkour event. I was offered a lot of unsolicited advice by well-meaning people. I also actively sought help from five different professionals (trainers and/or behaviourists). None of these individuals were able to help me. In fact, some of the advice I received was actively detrimental. In a moment of desperation, when I had completely run out of ideas, I bought a games-based dog training video. Seemingly miraculously, within a matter of a few days, Eve and I had a relationship – a way to communicate. Since then, things have gone from strength to strength and I am now the proud owner of second dog (Piper). ​
Piper
Born 26/03/21
​Early in 2024, Piper was looking for a new home. At that point I definitely did not want a second dog. However, I also believe that you shouldn't turn down opportunities just because they are not in 'The Plan' and so I went to see her. My head said that I shouldn't take her home but my heart was very tempted. Her previous owners agreed to a 2 week trial; however, it very quickly became apparent to me that I wasn't going to give her back!
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Piper arrived with this pink outfit. I wasn't at all sure about it; I am not a big fan of 'fashion' for dogs but it is actually quite effective. Eve also fits into this outfit but it doesn't suit her quite so well...
