Meet The Team

I'm Jo, Owner of Ravenpaws Training & Behaviour, an independent business specialising in Force-Free Dog Training based in Cheddington, Buckinghamshire. I use methods based on the excellent work of Steve Mann, founder of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, which is the largest registered education and membership body in the world for Dog Trainers and Behaviourists. He is also Author of the UK’s #1 best-selling dog book, 'Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy'. 

I have always had a huge passion for dogs (and animals in general!) ever since I can remember. I spent over 4 years working as a dog groomer, until my personal circumstances changed and I had to accept a job working in an office, where I undertook training to become an Accountant. However, COVID has affected so many, and it's become very clear to me that life is far too short to do a job you don't love! So, I took the leap and set up my own business!

Growing up, I had a Cocker Spaniel called Frodo. He was my absolute everything - my best friend. In my eyes, he was the perfect dog! Once I moved out with my partner, we decided to rescue an ex-racing Greyhound, Sable. She was a big wakeup call! Methods that we used all those years ago for Frodo weren't working with her - and we soon realised this was because she is a completely different breed! So, I decided to do some research into modern dog training. 13 years ago, when we got Frodo, the dog training scene was very different to what it is today. I bought as many books to fill a small library and found there were force-free training methods that actually work! Time, patience and building the trust are so important when training any dog, especially sighthounds as they're such a sensitive breed, but also rescue dogs in general. Therefore, when I teach or help owners - considering breed specifics is vital!

We now also have a new addition to our family - Gavin the Cocker Spaniel (aptly named by my partner, I might add!), who is completely different to Sable. He has brought his own challenges but meeting them with the same training methods that I adopt and teach, he is making excellent progress. 

Unfortunately, the Dog Training & Behaviour industry is currently unregulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a 'Dog Trainer'. I have completed extensive courses with the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and am proud to announce that I have passed the assessment to be able to call myself a Full Member. The assessment process is challenging and thorough, ensuring that only those who hold themselves to the high standards of the IMDT's Code of Ethics can call themselves Full Members. 

I am very passionate about continuous learning - knowledge and understanding changes all the time, and if we don't keep up with the very latest research out there, us professionals and subsequently owners will end up using out-dated (and potentially harmful!) information. Which is why I am also undertaking the Canine Behaviour course with the IMDTB (Institute in Modern Dog Trainers & Behaviourists) as well as a Master's Degree equivalent course with the ABTC (Animal Behaviour & Training Council) which will enable me to call myself a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, ensuring the breadth & depth of my knowledge is as vast as possible.

I am also very pleased to be partnered with Therapy Dog Training UK, assessing dogs around Beds, Herts and Bucks to ensure they meet the stringent standards to enable them to visit care homes, hospitals and prisons as registered Therapy Dogs.

I can help you with all aspects of training but have a real passion for Puppies, Sighthounds, Spaniels, Scent-Work and Canine Nutrition!

This is Gavin, our Cocker Spaniel. He is a true cheeky chappie - who loves to steal your shoes as soon as you take them off at the front door and run upstairs with them!

He absolutely adores his big sister Sable, even if he does drive her up the wall sometimes! But his favourite pastime is Scent-Work, in true spaniel style he can't resist a good sniff on a walk, so we've built on that to provide him with lots of mental stimulation - plus it's also great fun!