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Head Trainer & Founder he/him | BSc
If you're here, you might be wondering: 'what made you want to be a dog trainer?'. My journey started years ago with our family dog, a Schnauzer who struggled with both human and dog reactivity and was considered a bite risk. As a child, I didn’t fully understand how to help him, but looking back, those experiences planted the seed for what I do today. Fast forward to when my partner Sarah and I decided to get a dog of our own - a German Shepherd, the breed I had always dreamed of. Like many new dog owners, I initially didn’t fully grasp what it meant to meet the needs of a working breed. I wanted a dog for walks and companionship, without realising what owning a working breed truly entails. Thankfully, Sarah pushed me to understand the responsibility that comes with owning a high-drive dog. She insisted that if we were bringing a working breed into our home, we had to honour his needs - and that set me on the path that led me here.
With Obie, we faced plenty of challenges. We made mistakes, navigated reactivity, and worked with more trainers than I can count. Each experience taught me invaluable lessons about patience, understanding, and the incredible potential that lies in every dog and owner.That’s why I do what I do today - to share what I’ve learned, guide others through their struggles, and help you build the relationship with your dog that I’ve worked so hard to achieve with mine. When you train with me, you’re working with someone who’s been where you are, and I’m here to help you succeed.
As a qualified field guide in Southern Africa, I’m no stranger to conflict negotiation with animals, which has given me unique insights into handling challenging canine behaviours. I also have a deep love for scent sports and could easily spend every day mantrailing. My academic background is in primate behaviour, which fuelled my fascination with social relationships and dynamics -skills that translate well into understanding our canine companions. I’m an analytical thinker who enjoys problem-solving and finding creative, outside-the-box solutions to help dogs and owners.
When I’m not training, you’ll likely find me adventuring with our dogs, fostering for rescues, expanding my knowledge with podcasts (you’ll rarely see me without a headphone in one ear), or possibly relaxing with a cold pint of Bass at the pub!
Meet The Team
Hi, I'm Ryan!
Ophelia
What are our qualifications?
Our Core Pillars
Training
We focus on practical, breed-aware training that builds real-life skills and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Every step is grounded in understanding your dog’s needs and how they naturally learn.
Support
You're never left to figure things out alone - we offer ongoing guidance, feedback, and tailored advice to help you stay on track and feel confident in your progress.
Community
Connection is key. Our clients become part of a supportive, like-minded community where you can learn, share, and grow together with others on the same journey.
Our holistic approach is tailored to both you and your dog as individuals. We take the time to understand your dog’s unique needs, drives, and personality, as well as your lifestyle, goals, and challenges. By specialising in breed fulfilment, we work with your dog’s natural instincts rather than trying to suppress them - making training not only more effective, but also fun and fulfilling for you both.
We believe in building lasting behaviour through motivation, clarity, and positive reinforcement - teaching the behaviours we want to see and rewarding your dog for getting it right. We also recognise the importance of health, wellness, and emotional wellbeing as part of the training picture, ensuring your dog is supported from the inside out.
At the heart of our method is partnership - guiding, advocating, and setting you up for long-term success. It’s not just about teaching cues; it’s about building a strong, trusting relationship that allows you and your dog to enjoy life together.
Our Training Philosophy
What breeds have we worked with?
