Owning a dog brings much joy into our lives. Their unconditional love and constant companionship help us cope with the pressure of modern life. Dog owners are less stressed, fitter and healthier than non-dog owners. Our children have stronger immune systems, fewer behavioural problems and miss fewer days of school.

Most owners don't instinctively 'speak dog' and modern society can seem a very strange place to a dog, so sometimes things don't quite work out as we hoped. With almost 20 years as a dog-training instructor, I know that owning a dog isn't always plain sailing. That's when we need help and support to get things back on the right track.

Using my knowledge of dog and human behaviour and learning, I devise simple, workable solutions to your doggy problems, with as much or as little support as you need. My training programmes take into account your personal needs as well as your dog's breed characteristics and temperament. This allows me to provide kind, effective techniques that will work for both you and your dog, giving you the chance to truly become 'Best Friends'.

I am a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor for Companion Dogs, the first instructor from Norfolk to achieve this status, and one of only 38 in the country (as at March 2009). I am bound by the scheme's Code of Practice.

Over the past 19 years I've worked with a huge variety of dogs and owners. I recognise that there are many different approaches to training dogs, and some techniques are better suited than others for each dog and handler team.

I strongly believe that helping owners to understand how dogs see the world is the route to a better relationship. So many dogs misbehave because we can't make them understand what we want them to do.

I have been a supporter of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme since it began in 1992. The scheme promotes responsible dog ownership, with four levels of achievement. If every dog in the country could achieve the basic standard, many, many dogs would be saved from the trauma of rehoming. My work was recognised by the Kennel Club when I was selected as a finalist in the Good Citizen Annual Awards for 2008.

I currently own a Shetland Sheepdog, who has achieved the Gold Good Citizen standard. We work competitive obedience and agility. Our Border Collie came to us at the age of five, with an assortment of problems common in this breed. He has reached the Silver Good Citizen level with my son, who is also working him in obedience and agility.