Ever since I was a child, I have been a big animal lover. However, my preference always went to “man's best friend”, our beloved dogs.

​

By the time I completed secondary school, this passion had only grown. That's how I started my studies at the (then) Katho HIVB in Roeselare, where I graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Agro- and Biotechnology, specialization Animal Care.

​

During this course I focused on behavioral theory (ethology), specializing in dogs in my final year. During my studies I enjoyed an internship with dog instructor Mia Vandenbulcke from 'F.W.D.', who in my opinion was one of the best dog instructors in Belgium. I am grateful for the essential insights she gave me and everything she taught me.

​​

​​

After my higher studies, I started offering free sessions through free online advertisement, building up experience over the course of two years. When I noticed that I had built up enough experience, I decided to work as a dog instructor as a side-profession and you could regularly find me with customers outside the hours of my main job in the transport sector. This continued to grow gradually over the years until I decided to switch to full-time self-employment in 2021. I consider myself very fortunate that after years of growing and developing my passion, I was able to turn my passion into a profession.

​​

To this day, I continue to educate myself continuously. Mainly with literature studies and sharing experiences with colleagues. I also try to attend workshops/conferences every year.

​​

Below you will find an overview of the most important courses and further training:

 

“On the cutting edge – advanced training theory for top achievers” by Pamela Reid PH.D. from the ASPCA Animal behavior Center;

 

“A view at dog language” by Sue Sternberg – A workshop on aggression in dogs and the tools they have to avoid aggression.

​​

Seminars by Turid Rugaas:

"Daily life with your dog"​

"Stress in dogs and it's consequences"

"The mentally healthy dog"

​​

​INTERNATIONAL TRAINING:

IDTE: International Dog Trainer Education 2017 - 2019

led by European renowned dog instructor Turid Rugaas

​​

​​

​​

​​

​​

​​

​​

​​​

2019 - present (relating to Covid): several online courses, supplemented with literature and observational studies on an independent basis.

 

​​

To conclude, I would like to introduce you to my dog, a Parson Jack Russell Terrier.
I got Milo as a puppy in 2008 from the animal shelter 'De Leiestreek' in Zwevegem. However, he had a traumatic experience with another owner at a neurologically vulnerable age that led him to be returned to the shelter. The next week he was frolicking around in my garden. It was Milo who motivated me to delve deeper into behavioral problems and who made me understand the importance of socialization. Milo unfortunately passed away on August 14, 2023. He regularly proved to me that a dog is never too old to learn new things.
Thank you Milo for everything you gave me!