About Me
Caroline Ward
Hello! I'm Caroline Ward, a passionate dog trainer and lifelong animal lover who is currently studying Level 5 Diploma in Canine Behaviour with ISCP.
A Life Long Animal Lover.
My journey with animals began in childhood, growing up with our family dog, Monty, a Cocker Spaniel, and a variety of small pets. Though circumstances kept me from having another dog for many years, my love for animals never waned.
Bouncy Bella.
But in 2008 we welcomed Bella, a bouncy papillon puppy into our home.
I trained Bella and worked as a volunteer trainer at a previous club, from 2010 to January 2014.
A Second Opportunity and a New Friend.
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In mid 2014 as the club had to close I joined FITdogs as we had just welcomed Darcy a Shetland Sheepdog as a rehome and we started rally together to build up our bond and once again I was privileged to be asked to be a volunteer trainer. In 2016 FITdogs Club was born.
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An Affinity with Small Dogs.
I have a particular affinity with small dogs and I understand their different needs. I see the enormous potential that small dogs have which is often overlooked.
Across the Rainbow Bridge.
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Sadly, Bella crossed the rainbow bridge in July 2021 and Darcy in November 2023 but their memory continues to inspire my work with dogs.
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A New Addition.
In 2016, Joey, our second Papillon, joined our family, and I continued to grow my knowledge and love for dogs.
A Wild Child.
Then, in August 2022, Matilda a wild child of Papillon puppy, catapulted into my life, adding another member to our family.
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Unlock your Puppy or Dog's Potential.
Your dog's personality is as unique as their paw print, let me show how to unlock their potential so that you and your canine companion can live your best life together. ​
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Darcy, Bella and I
Puppy Joey
Matilda and Me
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What Are Your Qualifications?I have made a list of my qualifications for your piece of mind. I continue to update my knowledge and follow the latest research. Compass Education and Training: Diploma in Canine Care, Nutrition and Behaviour: Distinction (April 2014) IABTC (International Animal Behaviour Training Centre): Unit 1: How Dogs Learn (Merit) 2018 Unit 2: Evolution And Breeds (Merit) 2018 Unit 3: Essential Solutions to Everyday Behaviour Problems (2-day course) 2017) Unit 5: Brain and Behaviour (Distinction) 2021 Instructing Pet Owners 4-day course. Passed a practical and merit in linked theoretical assessment. 2017. 2-day Canine Body Language in person Seminar with Brenda Aloff 2018 Claudia Fugazza The Dogs Mind Seminar and Social Learning in Puppies Seminar. 2 days in person workshops 2019 Judy Luther's Trust Centred Training Master Course 2021 Chirag Pital Online Puppy Training Workshop 12 hours (2023) Sarah Whitehead Dog Body Language Online Course 2024 Introduction To Free Will Teaching (Merit) 2024. The Safety Connection: How Attachment Styles and Wound Shape Dog Behaviour. Sally Gutteridge Webinar December 2024 I am a committee member of the Pet Professional Guild (Canine division) and was a volunteer trainer for the charity Dog AID helping pet dogs train to become assistance dogs for 7 years.
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What Lead You To Free Will Teaching?I have always been interested in canine cognition; after discovering Christina Hunger's work teaching her dog to communicate using buttons, I was curious to explore further in to how dogs process language. This led me to Kathie Gregory's Free Will Teaching ethos, which influences my overall approach. My personal development has now taken a more holistic turn, transitioning from a positive reward-based, force-free trainer to embracing the comprehensive principles of Free Will Teaching.
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What Has Lead You To Develop An Online Platform?Convenience and Flexible. My online platform allows you to teach your puppy or dog in the comfort of your own home at a pace that suits you and your puppy or dog without the need to travel to class. An Online Community. My online group courses and classes offer the opportunity for you to become part of an online community with people who are just like you. A More Relaxed Environment Contrary to widely held belief socializing your dog or puppy does not involve bringing them to a puppy class. In fact, socialization is best conducted at home and in different environments with guidance from me and support from your class peers. Many puppies and dogs behave differently in a class environment especially with other dogs or puppies around. My online platform means a more relaxed atmosphere. Cost-Effective. My online training platform offers a more cost-effective way for you, I don’t have to pay rent and associated overheads so I can bring my services to you at a reduced cost. As you don’t have to travel to class you also save on travel costs. Accessible to a Wider Audience. Online training is ideal for those who may find it difficult to access in person training. My online-only model allows me to reach and help more puppy and dog parents while spreading the Free Will Teaching ethos.
Have a question? Contact me here or use my online chat. I am happy to help.