WHO WE ARE

Brigitte's journey with dogs began at birth, only briefly interrupted when moving from Germany to England. After rescuing a challenging dog, she left her teaching career in 2000 to focus solely on canine behaviour, a decision that paved the way for founding International Canine Behaviourists (ICB). 

Recognising the need for a specialised and progressive organisation that supports and promotes aspiring behaviourists, and valuing practical experience as well as academic qualifications, Brigitte established ICB to elevate the field and improve the unregulated industry of behavioural consultancy. ICB’s success has paved the way for related associations that specialise in supporting feline behaviourists (IFB) and equine professionals (IEP). 

Today, her life with two Border Collies keeps her connected to her passion, allowing her to focus on leading ICB.

Kate's lifelong affinity for animals, especially horses and dogs, shaped her path into animal behaviour. Her journey began with a fear-aggressive border collie from a shelter, fostering a deep bond and a transformative learning experience. This partnership sparked Kate's passion for understanding animal behaviour, leading her to become a certified canine behaviourist. 

Today, Kate shares her life with Flo, an eight-year-old border collie whose unique personality keeps Kate on her toes. Balancing her expertise, Kate is a qualified equine bodyworker and actively contributes to both the canine and equine worlds. Her work not only highlights her dedication to animal welfare but also her belief in the unique potential of each animal. Serving on the board of International Equine Professionals (IEP), Kate bridges her love for horses and dogs, enriching the lives of both with her expertise.

As a Clinical Canine Massage Therapist based in the West Midlands, Mair excels in consent-based treatments for dogs suffering from orthopaedic and soft tissue injuries, focusing on the management of chronic pain. Her expertise is backed by a two-year, Lantra-approved Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme. She is a proud member of The Canine Massage Guild, insured professionally by Balens, and skilled in Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial Release massage techniques.

Graduating from The Canine Massage Therapy Centre, she employs the clinically trialed Lenton Method to achieve significant improvements in muscular and myofascial conditions, often within one to three sessions. Her qualifications extend to a Graduate Diploma (Level 6) in Animal Behaviour (GDipABM), and she is an Internal Quality Assurance assessor (IQA) for Canine Principles, a webinar presenter for ICB and NICE, and a Level one Tellington Ttouch Companion Animal Practitioner. This unique blend of behaviour and training expertise allows her to approach each dog with compassion and a deep understanding of how pain influences behaviour.

She maintains professional memberships with several esteemed organisations, including International Canine Behaviourists (ICB), National Institute for Canine Ethics (NICE), Canine Massage Guild, International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT), TTouch Guild, and she's an approved Kids Around Dogs (KAD) professional, showcasing her commitment to excellence in canine wellness and behaviour.

Angela's lifelong love for animals, initially dreaming of a career in veterinary nursing, shifted gears after encountering resistance in training her Jack Russell Terrier. Despite being told it was too late for her dog to learn, her determination led them to achieve remarkable success in competitive obedience and terrier work. 

This experience ignited Angela's belief that no dog is beyond help, propelling her to become a Senior Instructor and later open the first pet dog training club in Cyprus. Returning to the U.K., her passion evolved her hobby into a full-time commitment to dogs and dog training. With over 40 years of experience with working terriers and a background as a trainer for an assistance dog charity, Angela has become a go-to expert for rescue centres seeking guidance. Her journey underscores the transformative power of dedication in dog behaviour and training and the belief in the potential of every canine.

Jules is a Certified Canine Behaviourist specialising in reactivity, fear and separation anxiety, an ACE trainer, reflexologist, trauma resolution practitioner and an animal wellness practitioner of botanical self-healing which involves aromatherapy, herbs, crystals, TCM and acupoints.

She recently retired after 35 years as a nurse and midwife to focus full-time on her business; Contented Canines. As well as offering 1-1 behavioural support, she has written several courses on achieving animal balance, wellness and connection, trauma, resilience, enrichment, reactivity and others.

She worked for many years with those who had fears, phobias and trauma and as a human wellness coach. Transferring those skills to animals was prompted by adopting an ex-Police dog that had been removed from service, because she couldn't be induced to bite. Jules will always be grateful for the 6 years they spent together and for everything that Grace taught her, particularly for setting her on her current path of working with animals. She lives in Wiltshire, UK with her husband and GSD Dakota.

Email: jules@contented-canines.com

Website: https://contented-canines.com

Website for courses: https://contented-canines.newzenler.com

Deb is a full member of ICB and a Certified Animal Behaviourist offering help with a range of animal behaviour problems but especially with dog Reactivity and Separation Anxiety. From her experience, these are the issues that cause most distress both to people and to their dogs.

Deb is very well certified; a professional science and psychology teacher with a range of qualifications including a Post Graduate Award in Clinical Animal Behaviour from Edinburgh University.

Along with seeing her own clients, she is also a tutor with Dogenius Institute for other dog behaviourists studying right up to honours degree level. Deb continues to study and learn in order to ensure that her practice is always based on current thinking. The techniques she uses are, of course, fear and force free, as well as being understandable and personalised to each client.

Amy's career working with animals spans over two decades, establishing her reputation as a knowledgeable zoologist, ethologist, and certified professional in canine behaviour and training. 

Her extensive experience encompasses working with a diverse array of species, from seals and foxes to elephants and monkeys, leading her to pioneer award-winning conservation and welfare projects across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. 

Despite her broad expertise in animal behaviour, Amy's heart lies with dogs and their health and wellbeing. As a Fellow of the International Association of Animal Professionals (ISAP) and a board member of International Canine Behaviourists, she excels in games-based concept training, transforming the lives of dogs and their guardians by addressing behavioural challenges with innovative and compassionate methods.

Sonia has many years of experience training dogs and supporting their guardians; helping them build strong, trusting relationships. In particular, she specialises in supporting dogs who are sensitive, reactive and who struggle with day-to-day living. Both ends of the lead need to work together in these cases, and Sonia has the expertise to support the challenge of building trust and finding harmony. 

Additionally, Sonia also runs an online membership group which provides specialised ongoing support for guardians. As well as keeping busy with her own clients, she also works with The Dogenius Institute where she tutors other dog professionals whilst also pursuing her passion for learning to ensure her knowledge is up to date.

Sonia is a full member of ICB and a Certified Canine Behaviourist. She holds a range of training qualifications, is an ACE Associate Tutor, and a City & Guilds Scentwork Instructor.