Hi, I’m Zara.

I am a dog Trainer In North Devon and I have completed many industry qualifications including the renowned Karen Pryor academy dog trainer professional course.

I am currently studying a BSc top up in canine behaviour management and have previously gained a FdSc in Wildlife Conservation (with animal behaviour and behavioural ecology modules) I have also completed an Advanced Diploma in Animal Behaviour. I am an approved trainer for ‘taking the grrr out of grooming dogs’ and finally I have completed and passed the canine aggression master course.

My animal training journey began in 2008 when I landed my first zoo job working with California sea lions. The sea lions were trained for show and cooperative care behaviours and this is were I started to learn the science and art of training with positive reinforcement! I went on to develop and supervise animal training and behaviour programs across other sections of the zoo and trained many different species to go into crates, step onto scales, have injections, open their mouths for examinations and much more!

I was completely hooked on animal training because I could see how all animals were benefiting from cooperative care and from having a brain workout!

So when I adopted my rescue dog Bob in 2015 I worked on training safety behaviours like recall and loose lead walking, but We faced a big behavioural challenge with Bob.... reactivity towards other dogs! Bob was also terrified of essential grooming procedures like nail trims and the bath!

Helping Bob overcome these challenges has inspired me to help other pet owners with their doggy dilemmas!

It is my absolute responsibility and duty of care to keep up to date with best practice in ethical and effective dog training.