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Hi, my name is Colin Spence, let me tell you a bit about myself. I have over 20 years’ experience with dogs in a professional capacity. I have helped clients with a wide range of behavioural and training issues, such as dogs who; showed aggression due to a number of underlying reasons such as fear, had compulsive tendencies or phobias, separation anxiety, poor recall, high prey drives, suffered with resource guarding, to name a few. All this alongside also assisting clients in coaching their dogs to be the best they can in fitting into today’s modern society, building a strong relationship and an ability to listen and respond to cues, such as sit, down, come and settle.
I've always had dogs in my life and from a very early age I knew I wanted to have a well-behaved sociable companion. I read and researched as much as I could, I would even stop dog owners to ask dog owners questions, which drove my mother bonkers. By the time I was old enough to be responsible for my own dog is when things in the dog world started to take off for me. I can relate to my clients and know the daily struggles owning a dog with training and behavioural issues can bring. I had a German Shepherd called Bruno who was very nervous and aggressive with both humans and dogs. So, in seeking out training classes and getting him socialised, teaching him that life can be fun and enjoyable I was able to help him become the dog I knew he was, which was a joy to be with. Everyone loved him. I continued with classes and eventually started to help out as a trainee instructor even helping to run the puppy classes, under the guidance of Beverly Robinson a highly respected trainer.
I am a positive reinforcement dog trainer and behaviourist ISCP.Dip. canine.Prac. I have obtained my diplomas from the International Schools of Correspondence in Dog Obedience, Canine Behaviour and Breed requirements and gained my Diploma in Canine Psychology & Behaviour with The International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP). I am also an approved instructor for the dog training college and canine body language DTC instructor along with ICAN animal behaviourist, scent work UK training instructor levels 1-4, and canine first aid accreditation. I am a registered member of INTOdogs. Through my career history, experience, knowledge and client references I satisfied their entry requirements and was able to join as an INTOdogs member. Unfortunately the dog training world remains unregulated, so I feel strongly in adhering and promoting INTOdogs Code of Conduct and ensuring I and my team work to a no harm ethos, with the highest standards of dog and owner/keeper welfare. I keep myself up to date by attending training, lectures, and webinars delivered by evidence-based professionals. In addition, to mentoring trainee instructors, I am active in the dog group forums, sharing best practices. I do not use or encourage the use of choke chains, E collars, prong collars or equipment that will bring harm to your best friend, nor will I teach you methods that are out-dated or harmful to either you or your companion.
