Our Dog Training Team
We have a team of central and regional based dog trainers supporting our assistance dog partnerships around the UK.
Central Dog Training Team
Jo Scott
Consultant Behaviour and Training Advisor
QTLS, RVN, Dip CABT, CABP, CCAB, TAQA
I started my career with horses following the passion I’ve had for them from a very young age. From there I had a sidestep to working with dogs at an RSPCA home where I was poached by the visiting vets to become their first qualified RVN. I stayed with Cedar Veterinary Group for 25 years, initially as head nurse and then from 1994-2008, as a full-time professional referral pet behaviour therapist and dog trainer.
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I graduated with my COAPE Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour in 1999 followed by other behaviour and training certificates including a City and Guilds in clinical small animal nutrition, a subject I have always been interested in.
Following five years of running a referral centre which included hydrotherapy, grooming as well as training and behaviour referrals I had a change of direction and followed a path that had been developing over a few years. I achieved my teaching qualifications whilst working full time as Course Manager in animal behaviour, animal care and veterinary nursing at Kingston Maurward College. I then went on to combine all my qualifications by returning to practice for a veterinary practice in Dorset where I was Principal of the South Coast Hydrotherapy School. I then moved to an exotic referral practice at Piddle Valley Vets as RVN, Animal Behaviour Therapist and trainer, and was in charge of nurse training.
I have now left practice and work as an online tutor and marker for international animal behaviour and training education providers. I also write books and articles on companion animal behaviour and pet first aid, on which I also run courses. I also volunteer when I can for Riding for Disabled, a cause that is very close to my heart.
My free time is spent with family and growing menagerie of dogs, cats, ferrets, ponies and my beloved horse, Zana. I take every opportunity to get outdoors and walk or ride, whatever the weather, just spending time with animals has its own rewards.
Allie Stubbs
Training Development Manager
I have spent over 25 years working as a trainer with numerous assistance dog organisations, from essential first stage puppy training to the more specific tasks needed in training assistance dogs. I thrive on developing the partnerships that enable independence and creates a balanced lifestyle for both the partners and the dogs.
I also enjoy working with volunteers and encouraging them to work through both the highs and lows of dog training and witnessing the amazing outcomes and rewards that it creates.
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When I am not busy training dogs, I spend time on our smallholding with our working collies and sheep. I also enjoy time at the beach, walking and riding my horse in the countryside.
All in all, I’m an outdoor kind of person.
Adam Littlechild
Training Centre Manager
I have always been drawn to animals from a very young age. Growing up, it was easier to communicate with my family dog than it was with people. Being dyslexic, I always struggled at school. At the time I didn’t realise how much emotional support our dog was giving, but as soon as I got home from school I would be with the dog. Even today, you will often find me sitting with the dogs at the end of the day!
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After school I worked for four years training and competing Dressage horses, before moving into personal training. I decided that I wanted to combine my love of training and dogs and became an assistance dog trainer at Canine Partners. I massively enjoyed the work and seeing what amazing benefits a dog can provide, and after five years there have joined the team at Dogs for Autism.
In my spare time, I enjoy competitive cycling and spending time outdoors.
Santa Aumeistere
Senior Trainer
My journey into assistance dog training started when I realized that working in television was too stressful! So, I decided to follow my dream and volunteered with Latvian service dog association, Teodors, as a trainee guide dog trainer. After successfully graduating my first dog and helping many others I knew I wanted to pursue a career in assistance dog training.
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I believe that the UK has the best assistance dog charities so I came back to the UK, working in dog day care, helping to grow the business and fully immersing myself into dog behaviour studies and training.
Before I left Canine Partners, I was running multiple classes, one to one sessions and still caring for dogs and the team in daycare. I am now following my passion as a Senior Assistance Dog Trainer here at Dogs for Autism.
Gemma Smith
Senior Trainer
Nikki Francis
Trainer
Anais Meaker
Canine Welfare Officer
Regional Dog Training Team
All our trainers have undergone autism training with the National Autistic Society. Our training team work closely with our Autism Liasion team to ensure that we provide wrap-around support to the whole family unit.