About Teaching Tails
Teaching Tails promotes a positive, science-based approach to dog training in NI, teaching owners how to get more of the behaviours they want through rewards such as treats, praise, and play. Reward-based training is not only fun, but it is kind and encourages a relationship built on mutual respect. When getting rewarded with treats and play, how can your dog not be enthusiastic about learning?!
Your Certified Behaviourist
My name is Cathy, and I am the owner and head trainer at Teaching Tails. My journey with dogs began as a teenager when I volunteered for the USPCA. A couple of nights a week, I walked, fed, and gave the shelter dogs some much-deserved cuddles. During this time, I realised that many dogs were being surrendered to shelters simply due to a lack of understanding. Their owners often thought they were too boisterous when, in reality, the dogs were simply untrained and their owners lacked the guidance for even the most basic training.
This experience ignited my lifelong passion for dog training in Northern Ireland! To help support and educate our local community of dog owners on a wider scale, I also manage and run the Dog Training NI Facebook educational group, connecting thousands of local owners with reliable, force-free resources.
I believe that learning should never stop, and I hold some of the well respected certificates in the industry. I am a fully qualified and insured puppy and dog trainer, having completed my rigorous training and assessment with the IMDT, followed by an intensive mentorship programme with Lee Hobbs at The Dog Training School.
I am also a COAPE-Certified Animal Behaviour Consultant (MHERA), having graduated at the top of my class with distinction from their prestigious Dog Behaviour Diploma. My clinical approach focuses heavily on understanding your dog's emotional needs, underlying medical health, and specific behavioural patterns to create a tailored training experience that enhances their overall well-being. This specialized skillset is why I work closely with serveral rescue groups, where I am trusted to conduct formal behavioural and temperament assessments on complex dogs to ensure successful, safe rehoming. As well as giving talks on body language and safety to the amazing volunteers.
To ensure I am always bringing the latest, evidence-based methods to my clients, I am currently diving deep into the latest scientific research on noise sensitivity in dogs and have embarked on an Aggression in Dogs Master course with world renowned Behaviourist Micheal Shikashio.
Whether you are looking for premium puppy classes or expert 1-2-1 behaviour modifications, my goal is always to create a stress-free, effective plan that strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
