About Bridgwater Dog Training
Hello! My name’s Melissa and I run Bridgwater Dog Training. I am a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) after completing their thorough theory and practical assessments, and a registered Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). I am also a Dog Behaviour Practitioner (BBCSDip.AdvCanBhv) after completing a Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Canine Behaviour.
I have studied reactivity and canine rehabilitation with some of the industry’s greats including Nanci Creedon, Grisha Stewart and Jo Middleton, and hold a number of certifications including being a Behaviour Adjustment Training Instructor , Separation Anxiety Behaviour Consultant and Progressive Dog Rehab Specialist. I am also an Approved Reactivity Coach with The Dog Trainer School and can be found on their directory.
I specialise in supporting reactive dogs and their guardians. I have been on my own reactivity journey with my dog, Pip, who has taught me so much. I know how stressful it can be- dodging or avoiding dogs can become so easy to do but in the long term, this doesn’t offer a solution. I look at the emotional root of the reactivity and how we can change the emotion behind it so that our dog can offer different behaviours.
Reactivity can be stressful and emotionally draining and so I take a compassionate approach to the training to empower you and your dog to feel more calm and confident together.
I also specialise in high prey drive dogs and i’m currently studying with Simone Mueller to become a Certified Predation Substitute Training Instructor. My dog, Pip, is a Terrier mix and so I enjoy utilising these techniques on my walks with him.
I am always upskilling to provide the most efficient and effective services for my clients.
Rachel is an Associate Trainer here at BDT and runs her own dog walking and training business, All Tails Essential Pet Services. Rachel is a Canine Principles Approved Trauma and Rescue Expert and is passionate about working with rescue dogs.
Rachel has a love for the little dogs, having three small breed dogs herself, and she is our resident Dachshund Specialist. She is also studying with the Grisha Stewart Academy to become a Certified Behaviour Adjustment Training Instructor.
Kirsty has recently joined BDT as a Junior Trainer. You will see her shadowing sessions and helping out with classes whilst she works towards accreditation. She is hugely passionate about agility, hoopers, and dog behaviour.
Kirsty has completed the Dog First Aid course with Allwinds and is currently studying with COAPE to gain a CertAT qualifcation, as well as completing a Hoopers Instructor course.
Elaine is joining the BDT team and you will see her shadowing sessions and assisting while she works towards achieving her certifications. Elaine has a special interest in supporting sensitive dogs and their humans holistically alongside behaviour modification, thanks to her own journey with Arthur, her three year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Fran is the person behind the scenes here at BDT who keeps the wheels turning. She helps with general admin, enquiries, and scheduling stooge sessions.
