About Emma and her team
What Methods?
Clicker classes, puppy parties, socialization walks, Good citizens; buzzwords and training gimmicks – they are all out there. Like it or hate it, that’s personal choice, however, for many dog owners and especially those with their first dog, it can be a minefield of training techniques for them to choose from. That is why I offer simple and effective training that teaches you as a dog owner to understand your dog and communicate effectively with him. I teach dogs and their owners using a mixture of positive training methods that employ rewards, good leadership and body language. My aim is to help each individual dog owner achieve a happy and balanced relationship with their dog, and leave them feeling that they have positively enhanced that relationship. I have met many clients in the past whose confidence has been eroded by trainers making them feel like naughty school children – this is not necessary and can be avoided, dog training may be an essential part of dog ownership but it also should be a fun experience for the whole family.
Emma Collings, a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainerand founder of School For Paws Dog Training offers bespoke training for each individual, either within their home or at our training establishment, RSPCA Gonsal Farm, Dorrington. She also offers specialized workshops for walking on the lead, recall training, social skills for dogs and learn to understand your dog. These workshops take place outdoors which provides a more natural environment for the dogs to work in, and are only run in small groups that enables each participant to receive a high level of trainer attention.
Emma Collings & VSPDT
Emma met Victoria a few years ago through School For Paws, and has been involved in the Victoria Stilwell Positively organization since its inception, helping to create what VSP stands for today. Emma is VSP’s European Operations Manager, and is responsible for processing all prospective Positively candidates throughout the UK and Europe; this involves conducting interviews, providing assessments, finalizing applicant processing, and annual trainer checks.
UK trainer assessments and interviews are held at Emma’s location in Shropshire. If you are interested in becoming a VSP Trainer, visit www.positively.com for more information.
Emma with Victoria and Patricia McConnell at the APDT Conference, Atlanta 2010
Professional Body Membership:
VSPDT – European Operations Manager
Student Member of the Institute for Animal Care Education (currently undertaking the Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management).
Member of The Guild Of Dog Trainers
British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers
School For Paws Team Members
Steve Durnin has worked at the RSPCA Gonsal Farm for over 9 years, and he has extensive knowledge and handling experience with difficult dogs. Dealing with aggression is one of his fortes and he has an excellent attitude towards the client, making them feel like they are important and that they understand fully what their dog needs. He is an excellent handler and trainer, and is a fantastic asset to School For Paws Dog Training. Steve has high standard qualifications in animal behaviour, up to Diploma level. Steve teaches puppy and adult dog training classes, gets involved with recall workshops and offers 1-2-1 training with clients that have problematic dogs. Steve is pleased to have become a Victoria Stilwell Positively Trainer.
Jenny Allen joined the team at School For Paws working alongside Emma to gain useful experience, as well as attain her full qualifications as a Dog Trainer and Behaviourist. Jenny is an excellent dog handler who has a natural ability with dogs, as well as the skill of imparting her knowledge to owners. Jenny has proved to be a great asset to the team.
Anthony Turner works at the RSPCA centre and runs agility classes for School For Paws. He also assists in the puppy training classes and on 1-2-1′s. He has achieved his National Diploma in Animal Management and BSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training. He also has over 5 years experience in handling of a variety of animals including cats, dogs, small animals, birds and reptiles. Anthony also runs the dog walking and pet care services for School For Paws. He is exceptionally reliable and is CRB checked and fully insured.
