About GEM

Gem the Person

I started my dog walking business in 2021, following eight years working in health and policy research. After acquiring two years of practical experience with dogs of all types and temperaments, I began studying canine behaviour with the British College of Canine Studies. I was awarded a distinction for my Level 3 diploma in dog behaviour - equivalent to 240 hours CPD, and comprising both practical work with clients and 12 written assignments of approx 5,000 words each. I am now studying the advanced Level 4 diploma. I enjoy both the theory and the practice of changing canine behaviour, so if you want to understand the psychology behind why a particular approach works then I am the behaviourist for you.

I take a balanced approach to training. Positive reinforcement is always my first choice, while acknowledging that sometimes dogs need to be given a firm 'no' so that they understand what is expected of them. I work with all breeds, but my particular areas of expertise are with pastoral (herding/livestock guarding) and working dogs. There are few things that I find more rewarding than helping a dog to fulfil their natural instincts safely, so that they can flourish to become healthy and happy family members.

In 2023, my husband and I rescued our border collie, Chip, from the Dog's Trust. Chip was found as an anxious stray weighing half of his current healthy weight, and I am very proud of him (and us) for the progress we have made together since. As with all dog training and behaviour change, modifying Chip's emotional and behavioural response to stimuli has required us to be mindful of how our own actions might be driving his. It is important to recognise and acknowledge the ways in which we might be responsible for our dogs' behaviour, and to be open to making our own adjustments. We cannot expect our dogs to change if we refuse to do the same.

GEM the Approach

When working with a dog to prevent or resolve problems, I employ my personally developed GEM approach to tailor our work to the dog's Genetics, Emotions and Memories. This is important because:

Genetics - No dog can be happy if its genetic needs are not fulfilled. Different breeds have been developed by enhancing different traits, so the training that is required for a Husky is not the same as that required for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I tailor my work to ensure that the exercises and training games we employ together are appropriate for your dog's natural instincts and breed requirements.

Emotions - It is essential that efforts to change a behaviour accurately target the underlying emotion. A dog might bark and lunge due to anxiety, fear, boredom, frustration or aggression. The appropriate training response varies and choosing the wrong one can make the problem worse. I will not recommend an approach until I have conducted a thorough assessment of your dog's history and behaviour, to ensure that I properly understand what is driving their behaviour.

Memories - A dog's response to any given scenario is hugely impacted by their memories, both short and long-term. We can improve behaviour by harnessing our dogs' ability to recognise and remember how we respond to their actions. We must also seek to understand how a dog's long-term memories and associations might be influencing their behaviour, particularly with rescue dogs and those who have suffered past trauma.