I’m Lisa, founder of Wagology Dog Behaviour & Training, and I’ve been a devoted dog guardian since 1988, especially to springer spaniels. My love for this breed led me into the world of dog behaviour and training, shaped by years of hands-on experience with both pet dogs and rescues.

In 2007, we adopted our first rescue, Blade, a Doberman-Rottweiler cross. Just two weeks later, Rocky, a 6-year-old springer spaniel, joined our family, and life with spaniels never stopped. That same year, I began volunteering with North-West English Springer Spaniel Rescue, progressing from dog walker to trainee rehoming officer. I also started my own dog-walking business, focusing on one-to-one walks for anxious dogs.

In 2014, we sadly lost Rocky and soon welcomed Maddie, a nervous 5-month-old spaniel. A year later, Poppy arrived, my little black-and-white ninja, whose unique challenges pushed me to gain deeper knowledge and pursue formal training.

I completed a Level 4 Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma with distinction and became a qualified trainer. What began as a mission to help Poppy turned into a career, and in 2021, I launched Wagology Dog Behaviour & Training.

Since then, I’ve supported rescue work with SpanielAid, Aireworth Dogs In Need, and Sprocker Assist and Rescue (as a behaviourist and trustee). In 2024, I co-founded UK Spaniel Rescue with two trusted colleagues, built on the values of education, collaboration, and ethical rehabilitation.

In 2022, Emily Nutter joined Wagology, and together we’re committed to kind, effective, and dog-first support, always prioritising welfare and individual needs.

Ongoing Learning & Professional Development

I actively pursue continued professional development and hold qualifications in advanced canine behaviour, first aid, reactivity, nutrition, and more. I’m also an accredited canine microchip implanter and a member of professional bodies including IAABC, ICAN, ISAP, and The Pet Professional Network (Gold Member), all of which require high standards and ethical training practices.

Selected Qualifications & Courses:

• BCCS Level 4 Advanced Canine Behaviour (Distinction)
• ADTB Qualified Trainer
• iPET Network Level 3 Canine First Aid
• Microchipping (Peddymark Accredited)
• TDTS Accredited Reactivity Coach – Level 1 (Level 2 in progress)
• Ongoing: The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour (ISCP)

Plus, continued CPD through: IMDT (Loose Lead Walking, Recall, Resource Guarding, Separation Anxiety) Canine Principles, Dog Training College, and more.

I’m Emily, I’m one of the dog trainers and behaviourists at Wagology Dog Behaviour and Training.

I found my love of dog training in college when we studied about how animals learn, and why they behave the way that they do. We also rescued a dog which had some “quirks”, this motivated me to learn as much about behaviour and training as I could.

I went to university to expand my knowledge, and in 2018 I graduated with a 2:1 BSc(Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Training.

Since leaving university, I began working as an animal care assistant for the RSPCA. Working here provided me with the amazing opportunity to put my degree into practice and gain hands-on experience rehabilitating dogs of ages, breeds and backgrounds so they could find their forever homes. Whilst at the centre, I worked with countless dogs with various behavioural and training needs from teaching basic skills such as loose lead, to working with dogs who were reactive to strangers and dogs.

It was at the RSPCA where I fell in love with my beautiful Dachshund girl who came with her own history. She now loves trick training and will do anything for a bit of sausage!

I initially started volunteering with Lisa at Wagology in 2022, as I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience further by shadowing classes. We train using the same force free approach and share the same ethic and morals. This makes us a great team, and she asked me to come on board with her, therefore I became self-employed in 2024.

I am a proud gold member of the Pet Professional Network, and an accredited member of the IMDT. Training and behaviour work is a science, and I have to keep up to date with the most modern techniques as part of my membership.

Qualifications

• Pet Professional Network Gold Member

• UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter Member

• Level 3 Animal Management Subsidiary and Extended Diploma: Triple Distinction Star

• BSc(Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour and Training: 2:1

• IMDT Trainer