My name is Valentina, and I’ve been working with dogs since 2003. I first started out as a dog walker and then worked alongside a dog behaviourist, where I realised this was what I truly wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for helping both animals and people, and I found that working in dog training and behaviour gave me the opportunity to do both. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to expand my
knowledge and skills through a wide range of courses, seminars, and hands-on experience. I’m proud to share that in 2024 I was awarded Dog Behaviourist of the Year, and most recently, in 2025/26 I won Dog Trainer of the Year for Bedfordshire — achievements that mean the world to me and reflect my dedication to this field. I have completed various courses and modules with:
Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour and Training (CIDBT) – Common Canine Behaviour Problems
Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) – Career as a Dog Trainer
IMDT Ofqual Regulated Level 3 Professional Day Care and Boarding
School of Canine Science – 30 Days of Canine Science, Fear Short Course, Separation Anxiety Webinar, The Behaviour Bible (Year 1 completed, currently in Year 3), The Puppy Lab (ongoing), Nutrition & Behaviour
Webinars attended include:
The Neurobiology of Trauma in Dogs with Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), GMBPsS, CDBC
XL Bully Webinar – Cooper & Co Law
A Professional’s Guide to Canine Intelligence
Reactivity Masterclass – Help My Dog with Tom Mitchell
The Dog Anxiety Summit (4 days, hosted by Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte)
When it comes to working with dogs, I will never stop learning. I do my best to equip myself with knowledge in a wide range of training methods, so I can tailor my approach to each individual dog and family. My aim is to help you understand your dog — and for your dog to understand you. Building that two-way communication is key to a happy, balanced life together. At home, I’m also a proud mum of two children, both raised around dogs. My eldest son (15) has never known life without a dog. My youngest (5) adores dogs and loves getting involved in training — especially the treat-giving side! Teaching children how to be around dogs is just as important as teaching dogs how to be around children, and I love involving my kids in that process. I am fully insured, DBS checked, and licensed by Bedford Borough Council to board a maximum of 2 dogs.
