About

My name is Melanie Mathews.  I live with my cocker spaniel Tilly and, more often than not, another dog that I'm looking after for friends or in a voluntary capacity for the assistance dog charity I'm involved with. In an industry that is not currently regulated, I can guarantee that I am appropriately qualified, experienced and accredited to help you and your puppy or dog using positive, reward-based training.

I am proud to be a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (01569), a not-for-profit organisation established to promote training skills that improve the welfare of dogs and the competence of dog owners. To become a member, it is necessary to pass an assessment process considered to be one of the most rigorous in the industry. Members have to complete 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year to ensure their knowledge and expertise remains up to date and relevant.

I am also registered as an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). The ABTC is the regulatory body that represents animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and legislative bodies.

I am a Puppy School tutor covering Wycombe and Marlow. Puppy School tutors are carefully selected to ensure they have hands-on experience with puppies and dogs, as well as owning dogs themselves. All Puppy School tutors have undertaken a comprehensive training course and receive training in puppy behaviour twice a year from Gwen Bailey, renowned animal behaviourist, author of 14 books and the founder of Puppy School.